Youth Leading Innovative Business Outcomes
What is it?
The Youth Effect Program allows companies to hire a full-time youth to work on an innovative project for 15 weeks over the summer. The program requires a $1000 investment from companies and provides funding to pay the youth $18/hr for 35hrs/wk. + a $2 wage top up upon successful completion of the program.
The Youth Effect program aims to provide youth (18-29) with experiential learning and training with local businesses and focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwestern Ontario. Youth will be carefully selected and matched with a local business based on interest, skill, and need. They will work together over the course of 15 weeks on a clearly identified innovative project and achieve milestones.
The Youth Effect program is not like other placement programs. It not only provides real-life job skills for the youth, but provides them with innovation training, mentorship, a leadership retreat, and a peer network for those showing a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, there's value to the participating businesses, through innovation training and the ability to access the skills and energy of the youth to complete a defined innovative project, the business will be better positioned to grow!
Program Details
- Youth are paid $18 per hour plus a wage top-up upon successful completion of the program (up to $2/hr)
- Businesses contribute $1000 + hst and mandatory employment-related costs as part of the program
- The program will run for 15 weeks
Youth Eligibility
- Between the ages of 18-29
- Located in Northwestern Ontario
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Interested in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career
- Not related to the company applicant
- Able to commit to full-time hours and participate in the full 15-week program
Company Eligibility
- Must be a business or non profit based in Northwestern Ontario
- Must provide a meaningful innovative project for the youth to work on for 15 weeks
- Must comply with all Federal and Provincial employer payroll remittance requirements for the 15 weeks of employment
Youth Applications for the 2025 Cohort are Open!
Thunder Bay Projects:
WAF Audio: Waves and Frequencies is seeking a student to assist in the development of their multiple-entry horn speaker, the first fiberglass-based product designed for larger commercial spaces. The student will help create a manufacturing plan and support the production and testing of the first commercial prototypes. Skills & capabilities requested: manufacturing & materials knowledge, CAD & design proficiency, process development, prototyping & testing, problem-solving & adaptability. Email resumes to: info@wafaudio.com
The Canadian Wild Rice Mercantile: This project requires knowledge of Accounting and ERP systems and involves using, implementing, and optimizing ERP/Information systems, setting up software integrations and using API's, data preparation, processing, and migration, defining and creating workflows and processes, inventory management, client consultation/facilitation and project management. Email resumes to: les.wildlycanadian@tbaytel.net
Surecraft Plastics: This project is aimed at improving the business' online presence and digital marketing strategy. The project includes a strategic plan to revamp the existing website, the creation of a new website focused on plastic welding, and the development of new social media campaigns. Email resumes to: alan@surecraftplastics.com
XPawn: This project is focused on validating and improving the company's FHIR compression algorithm. Skills & Capabilities Requested: Software fundamentals, research background, communication and teamwork, and generative AI knowledge.
Email resumes to: james@xpawn.ai
Silver Vantage Software: The youth will gain hands-on experience in AI-driven technology, data collection, and product development within an innovative startup environment. Key skills they will develop include: Machine learning fundamentals, thermal imaging & sensor setup, data processing & annotation, technical problem-solving & critical thinking, project coordination & teamwork. Email resumes to: chris@silvervantagesoftware.com
Haven: The youth will gain hands-on experience in product development, marketing, and the strategic processes behind building and refining SaaS solutions. They will learn how to leverage market research to identify user needs, and contribute to testing and quality assurance to ensure a seamless product experience. Additionally, they will gain insight into go-to-market strategies and the customer journey in the SaaS space. Email resumes to: jackbull@shout-media.ca
Kenora Projects:
Lake of the Woods Sunrise Soap: This project will involve various decision making and marketing tasks requiring market research, prospecting for, and engaging with customers, planning social media posts, and planning marketing campaigns and events. Email resumes to: lakeofthewoodssoap@gmail.com
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company: Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is seeking ta youth to play an integral role in the summer season at the Brewers Village. This new position will focus on social media, community engagement, event planning & coordination, brand consistency & content creation. Email resumes to: denise@lowbrewco.com
If you are interested in learning more about the youth effect program or any of these positions, please contact:
Abby Sherlock
807-768-6689