For big ideas that haven't met the world... yet!
A "how-to" business initiative for independent teens
YETI is an annual locally-focused, high speed business training initiative for senior high-school teens.
With startup cash, resources and guidance from Community Futures Wild Rose Region 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!
Take a look at what we got up to below and what we have planned for 2024!
YETI in Wild Rose in 2024
Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative
The full YETI program is launching for it's first year in the Community Futures Wild Rose Region. Aplications will be open from April 1 - June 15, 2024. The program will Start in July on the 2nd (but that is tentative). Successful applicants will bring their business idea to a full week of training workshops where they'll receive help to shape it into a money maker. Each business will receive $500 for start up costs, set some summer goals, and then run the business over the 8 weeks of summer. All proceeds are theirs to keep AND they have a chance to receive an additional $500 at the end of the summer. There's a High Achiever award up for grabs, too!
YETI is open to all senior high school students in our region. Participants also receive the comprehensive self-guided Student Workbook and may have the option to earn high school credits.
Tyson – Sailer's Lawn Service
Meleah – MJEAN Jewelry
Here's What 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.
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.
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!
Tyson Sailer - Sailers Lawn Service
This is my second year running my own business called Sailers Lawn Service based out of Trochu, Ab, and I’ve learned so much. It started with lawn care over the summer, but now I also do snow removal in the winter. Managing both seasons keeps me busy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve learned how to schedule jobs, manage money, handle customer relationships, and even deal with unexpected challenges, like bad weather or equipment breaking down.
That’s why I’m excited about YETI (Young Entrepreneur Training Initiative). It’s a program for teens like me who want to start their own businesses but don’t know where to begin. YETI offers workshops, mentors, and tools to help young entrepreneurs succeed, no matter what type of business they want to start. From understanding marketing to setting goals, YETI is there to guide every step of the way.
Running my own business has taught me so much about responsibility, time management, and leadership. I believe YETI can inspire more teens to chase their dreams and turn their ideas into reality, just like I did with my business.
Meleah Parker - MJEAN Jewelry
My experience at the YETI program was truly transformational, as it not only equipped me with skills as a young entrepreneur but also connected me with an incredible community of people. I learned how to approach challenges with confidence, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others in ways I hadn't imagined before. The connections I made throughout the program continue to inspire and support me. I am grateful for the opportunities to grow and learn alongside such an empowering and passionate group of people that make this program possible. YETI has left a lasting impact on me, and I’m excited to carry forward everything I’ve gained into my future
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 2024. 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 wildroseinfo@albertacf.com
We offer year-round FREE entrepreneurial education sessions for your students - so you don't need to wait until YETI applications open.
