YETI – Youth Entrepreneurs Training Initiative
Y
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T
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YOUNG ENTREPRENURS
TRAINING INITIATIVE
High school students: launch your own business this summer with startup funding, mentorship, and hands-on training through YETI — the Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative by Community Futures Capital Region. Whether you're turning a hobby into a hustle or testing a fresh idea in the 500 Club Contest, we’ll help you build something real.
*Applications open on May 1st
For big ideas that haven't met the world ...YET!
YETI is a fast-paced, locally-driven business training program for senior high school students in the Capital Region region. With startup support, resources, and mentorship from Community Futures Capital Region, you’ll turn your business idea into a full-time money-maker over the summer — and build skills that stick with you for the future.
Program Highlights
Startup funding to kickstart your business idea
Four days of hands-on business training to learn what it takes to be your own boss
Ongoing mentorship and check-ins to keep you on track
Real-world business experience that looks great on job, scholarship, and post-secondary applications
Opportunity to earn high school credit (check with your school for eligibility)
This isn’t school — it’s the real deal.
Who Is YETI for?
Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a community supporter — YETI has something for you. Here's how you can get involved:
For Students
Hey Future Boss – This Is Your Summer
Ever wanted to make money doing something you actually enjoy? Whether you're into art, food, fashion, gaming, or mowing lawns — YETI helps you turn your idea into a real business. You'll get funding, hands-on training, and mentorship from real entrepreneurs.
No experience needed. Just your passion and a plan.
For Parents or Educators
Empower the Youth in Your Life
YETI gives students the opportunity to develop life-changing skills in financial literacy, communication, time management, and business development — all while earning funding and potential high school credit.
It’s a safe, structured way for youth to grow their confidence and independence in a supported environment.
For Sponsors or Supporters
Help Launch the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Your support makes this program possible. Sponsors fund the startup grants, workshops, and celebration events that fuel YETI.
In return, you get recognized as a champion for youth, innovation, and economic development right here in the Capital Region region.
Choose Your Path
Two ways to launch your entrepreneurial journey — one unforgettable summer.
Whether you’re all-in on starting a business or just testing the waters, YETI has a path for you.
YETI OG
Start and run your own business over the summer
YETI OG is the full experience — ideal for senior high school students ready to turn their big ideas into real-world ventures.
What You’ll Get:
$500 in startup funding, with the chance to earn up to $1,000 total
High Achiever Award
4 days of hands-on training in marketing, money management, branding, and more
Ongoing mentorship and check-ins from business experts
The 500 Club Contest
Pitch your business idea. Win awards.
A flexible and fun way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship —a laid back version of YETI OG.
What You’ll Get:
Up to $500 cash for startup costs
Resources to help develop essential business skills
Less formal, more independent
A stepping stone to the full YETI program
Every big idea starts with a spark.
No matter where you begin — with a pitch or a full-blown plan — YETI gives you the tools, support, and community to grow it. So what are you waiting for?
Why Join YETI?
YETI isn’t just a program — it’s your launchpad.
Whether you're going all-in with YETI OG or testing the waters in the 500 Club Contest, you’ll get real-world skills, support, and recognition that set you apart.
Here’s what makes it worth your time:
Real Business Experience
Run your own business over the summer (YETI OG) or pitch a powerful idea (500 Club). Either way, you’ll gain experience most people don’t get until college — or beyond.
Earn Up to $1,000
Earn up to $1,000 in startup funding with YETI OG, or win $500 in the 500 Club Contest. You keep what you earn from your business.
Get High School Credit
Depending on your school, YETI may count toward Work Experience or CTS credits. Ask your teacher or guidance counsellor!
Learn Real Skills
From marketing and money management to public speaking and customer service, YETI helps you build skills that last a lifetime.
Get Recognized
Every participant receives a certificate, and top performers are celebrated with awards and features. (We love shouting out our student entrepreneurs!)
Meet Other Entrepreneurs
You’ll meet other young innovators with big ideas. Whether you’re competing or collaborating, YETI is a space to grow your confidence and your community.
Here's What Some of the Past Participants Think About YETI...
The beginning $500 was very generous and more than enough to get us started, the workshops were very informative and helped us learn a lot, and the support was fantastic ; if we emailed someone with a question we would hear back very quickly.
Overall I had an amazing time trying out my business and getting all the input about different aspects of the business, it was a great opportunity and I hope to use the skills I learned in another potential business idea later on down the road!
The program has taught each of us, that entrepreneurship could be a potential that we would like to go into after high school. We really enjoyed managing things on our own and learning to be independent as well. Bringing new ideas and products to the community was also something that sparked this decision.
How Do I Get Involved?
Watch Live Day Videos
We have lots of interesting entrepreneur focused videos on YouTube. Recordings from Live Day in 2022 as well as videos from previous years. Watch previous students talk about their YETI experience and where their businesses are now. Learn about how to run a sustainable business. Get a handle on marketing and branding your business. And lots more.
Beam Out the Message
By telling your parents, teachers, or youth organizations about YETI, we'll have the chance to visit your classroom over the next few months to explain the program and talk a little about what entrepreneurship is.
Keep in touch with the latest news by following us on Instagram, share on your own socials, or just ask your teachers to check out this webpage!
Think of an Idea
Maybe you've already got your business idea taking form, maybe you've even started your business already! But, if not, there's time to sift through your ideas and start shaping one ready for the YETI application period in May 2025. Then get those applications in!
Here's a Tip Sheet to get the cogs turning and help develop your idea.
School or Youth Organization?
If you are a teacher or administrator for a senior high school or youth association in our region (see the communities we serve in the footer below) and would like to learn more about YETI, send an email to help@cfcapitalregion.ca
Business or Municipality?
YETI is always on the look out for small business and municipal sponsorships. We have opportunities starting at just $500, and ALL our sponsorship dollars go directly to supporting students.
If you'd like to know more, download our sponsorship package or send an email to help@cfcapitalregion.ca. Our sponsorship drive opens each fall for the following summer:
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're a student with a big idea, a parent or teacher looking for details, or a local business ready to support — we’d love to connect.
I'm a Student
Start your journey as a teen entrepreneur and apply now.
I'm a Teacher or Parent
Reach out for an info pack or to schedule a classroom visit.
I'm a Sponsor or Community Partner
Join us in supporting the next generation of business leaders.
About YETI
The Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative (YETI) was launched in 2015 to help teens across Alberta turn big ideas into real-world businesses.
Today, YETI is offered in multiple Community Futures regions — including right here in the Capital Region region.
Want to explore more success stories or see what other YETI programs are doing across the province?
👉 Visit yourYETI.ca
