YETI – Youth Entrepreneurs Training Initiative
Y
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T
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YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
TRAINING INITIATIVE
Launch your own business this summer with up to $1,000 in funding, mentorship, and training through YETI — the Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative by Community Futures Lac La Biche. Whether you're turning a hobby into a hustle or starting from scratch, we’ll help you build something real.
Our Sponsor
Explorer
For big ideas that haven't met the world ...YET!
YETI is an annual locally-focused, high speed business training initiative for senior high-school teens in the Lac La Biche region. With startup cash, resources and guidance from Community Futures Lac La Biche staff, we'll help you turn your business idea into a full-time money-maker over the 8 weeks of summer - and well into the future!
Program Highlights
• $500 startup funding — and up to $1,000 in total awards
• 5 days of hands-on business training
• Access to mentors, check-ins & support
• Real-life business experience (great for jobs, scholarships & applications!)
• Earn high school credit (ask your school)
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 Lac La Biche region.
How YETI Works
Step 1
Come Up With a Business Idea
Have a passion or side hustle in mind? Awesome. Need a spark? Check out our optional Tip Sheet for inspiration.
Step 1
Step 2
Submit your application & business plan
Use our template to tell us about your idea and how you’d run it.
Step 3
Get accepted & receive up to $500 startup funding
Once you're in, we give you the tools and money to get started.
Step 3
Step 4
Join our training workshops
We’ll cover everything you need: Business 101, Marketing, Money, Wellness, and more.
Step 5
Run your business over the summer
You’ll work at least 15 hours a week building and running your business.
Step 5
Step 6
Meet your goals and unlock an extra $500
If you hit your goals, you could double your funding — and maybe win a High Achiever Award!
Why Join YETI?
YETI isn’t just a program — it’s your launchpad.
Here’s what makes it worth your time:
Real Business Experience
Run your own business over the summer and get hands-on experience that most people don’t get until college — or even later.
Earn Up to $1,000
You’ll receive $500 in startup funding and can earn another $500 when you hit your goals. You keep your profits too.
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
You’ll gain skills in marketing, money management, communication, public speaking, customer service, and confidence.
Get Recognized
Students who complete the program receive a certificate, and top performers are recognized with High Achiever Awards. We’ll even feature your story if you want to be famous!
Meet Other Entrepreneurs
Connect with like-minded students who are also building something awesome. YETI might be where you meet your future business partner or best friend.
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.
YETI Curriculum Overview
Learn What It Takes to Launch Your Business
YETI is a hands-on journey through entrepreneurship. Our workshops are built to give you the real-world skills, tools, and confidence you need to start — and grow — your business.
Over five training days, you’ll build a strong foundation in business planning, marketing, money management, and customer connection — all with the support of mentors who’ve been there.
Get ready to turn your big idea into a business that’s truly your own.
Session Timing
All sessions run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (local time)
In this session, students will dive into selecting the right business idea by learning how to evaluate different opportunities through customer needs, profitability, and personal alignment. They'll explore the importance of having a strong personal "Why" behind their business, which helps to drive decision-making, storytelling, and brand development. Using the Golden Circle model (Why > How > What), participants will craft the first draft of their mission statement and set the foundation for a meaningful business.
How Do I Get Involved?
Watch Live Day Videos
We have lots of interesting entrepreneur focused videos on YouTube. Recordings from Live Day in 2024 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 2023. 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 contact@cfllb.com.
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 contact@cfllb.com. 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 Lac La Biche.
Want to explore more success stories or see what other YETI programs are doing across the province?
👉 Visit yourYETI.ca
