The Government of Canada is committed to supporting youth on their entrepreneurial journeys and to encouraging small business development in a new generation of young entrepreneurs.

“I’m inspired by this group of passionate, creative and driven young entrepreneurs. I have full confidence that the resources and skills they have acquired during Youth Can Do It! will help them contribute to the great community of Canadian SMEs and flourish in their drive to grow their own businesses. I encourage all Canadian youth with similar ambitions to go and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Remember, better is always possible!”
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

“The Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem is built on collaboration, and Futurpreneur Canada is proud to support programs like Youth Can Do It! that play a vital role in the development of young entrepreneurs. We believe that youth entrepreneurship is an effective response to the constant evolution of work. We pride ourselves in maintaining and encouraging a nimble entrepreneurial mindset that will ultimately play a vital role in Canada’s economic growth and prosperity.”
– Dan Ouimet, Senior Vice-President, External Engagement, Futurpreneur Canada

“Canadian entrepreneurs, both young and old, have what it takes to make it in business: passion, drive and energy. BDC understands the challenges that they face, which is why we are happy to share insights and best practices with tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. We want to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures. YCDI is an inspiring initiative, for youth and BDC alike!”
– Michel Bergeron, Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Public Affairs, BDC

“Supporting young Canadians to take action on their ideas and make an impact through entrepreneurship is imperative to building a better future. Startup Canada is proud to support the Youth Can Do It! initiative as part of our commitment to working with the Government of Canada to advance the culture and conditions for entrepreneurial success across Canada."
– Victoria Lennox, CEO, Startup Canada

• Partners in Youth Can Do it! included Futurpreneur Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Startup Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, Innovative Solutions Canada, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, and CanExport.

• Business experts included Corey Ellis, Devon Brooks, Melinda Jacobs, Raphael Morneau-Bérubé, Suzanne Grant, Dave Hale, Patrick White, Michael-Anthony Clement, Katherine Roos, Karla Briones, Stephen Daze, Aleatha Bedard-Poole, Nick Quain, Jason Daley, Swish Goswami, Keriann Johnson, Peter Wilenius, Shawna Tregunna, Jarrod Goldsmith, Elise Racicot, Sunshine Tenasco and Katie Boothby.

• Candidates were selected from an open application process based on a specific set of criteria to ensure regional representation, diversity and inclusiveness.

Associated links

• Youth Can Do It!
• Futurpreneur Canada
• BDC
• Startup Canada

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

Sandra Aubé
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism
343-291-2700

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca