New Program Helps Youth Develop Skills and Gain Experience
Ontario has announced a new program to help young people succeed in today’s global economy. The Starter Company program provides Ontario’s youth with training, business skills development, mentoring from local business leaders and capital to start, grow or buy a small business.
Part of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy, the program will support 18- to 29-year-old entrepreneurs across the province by partnering them with experts to help develop the skills needed to launch successful businesses. The program will include outreach to those facing multiple barriers or living in high-needs communities.
The Youth Jobs Strategy is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths — its people and strategic partnerships.
QUICK FACTS
• To participate, young entrepreneurs can contact one of 57 Small Business Enterprise Centres located across the province.
• Ontario is investing $295 million over two years in the Youth Jobs Strategy to help 30,000 more young people from across the province connect with the tools, experiences and entrepreneurial support they need to find employment or start their own businesses.
• Starter Company is one of several programs included in Ontario’s $45-million Youth Entrepreneurship Fund.
• Since its inception in 2001, seasonally-run Summer Company — the program on which year-round Starter Company is modeled — has helped more than 5,000 young entrepreneurs launch a summer business.
• Small Business Enterprise Centres are members of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs.
LEARN MORE
• Starter Company
• Employment programs for people under 30: Ready.Set.Work.
• Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy
QUOTES
“The Starter Company Program is another example of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy – that has already created almost 10,000 jobs for young people – at work. It allows young people of all abilities and backgrounds to start a company and connect with the tools, experiences and entrepreneurial support they need to succeed in today’s economy. ”
— Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
“Giving young people the skills they need in today’s global economy is essential to Ontario’s future success. By offering entrepreneurial training and support in the Halton Region we are giving our young people the leg up they need to get their business off the ground, be self-sufficient and create the jobs of tomorrow.”
— Kevin Daniel Flynn, MPP Oakville
“Halton Region has a strong, sustainable economy because of our commitment to being well planned and supporting our vibrant communities. Our partnership with the Province of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy will provide another opportunity for young entrepreneurs to be successful in the region, which will help Halton remain a great place to live and work.”
— Gary Carr, Regional Chair, Halton Region
