There are a variety of small business resources available that have been developed specifically to help younger people who start and operate small businesses. Young entrepreneurs are defined here as persons who start a business before they are 25 years of age. Following are some resources available for young people who own or want to own a small business.
Business Schools
University and college business programs are a good place to learn about starting and running
your own business.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
A private-sector funded non-profit organization, which was formed to address youth unemployment
and under-employment by providing programs that support young people who are creating their own
employment through entrepreneurship.
Classrooms
Preparing Young Entrepreneurs for Work World
A discussion of what secondary schools are doing to help young entrepreneurs get started.
Junior Achievement
Providing middle grades and high school students a virtual "map to tomorrow," the JA Student
Center offers information and resources geared to help teens become workforce ready in the 21st
century.
More Than Two-thirds of Teens Hope to Become
Entrepreneurs
Summary of a 2005 Junior Achievement study on teens' interest in running their own businesses.
Teen Business Link
A Guide for Young Entrepreneurs from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Young and Successful
An online community that supports the needs of young entrepreneurs from around the world as
they attempt to build and thrive in their own businesses. The site is a community where young
entrepreneurs can network and have their questions answered by their peers in the business
world. Membership required, but it is free to join.
Young Entrepreneurs Association
A not-for-profit organizations for young entrepreneurs across Canada that provides peer
support, social and networking opportunities, and education for entrepreneurs 35 years of age
and under.
Young Entrepreneurs at Haas
A two-year program which introduces high school students to the world of business and gives the
participants an opportunity to launch and operate their own businesses.
Young Entrepreneurs Connexion
Financing for 1819 years old entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.
Young Entrepreneurs Organization
A volunteer group of business professionals, all of whom are under 40 years of age and are the
owners, founders, co-founders, or controlling shareholders of a company with annual sales of
(US) $1 Million or more. The YEO's objective is to support, educate and encourage young
entrepreneurs to succeed in building companies and themselves.
YoungBiz
Information on entrepreneurial teens and help for teens in starting a business.
YoungEntrepreneur.com
A source for learning about starting a business, maintaining a successful business, shopping
for the needed goods or services in operating a business, connecting with like minded
individuals worldwide, chatting and even assistance in securing the much needed venture
capital.
Youth Business
Meeting place, resource center, online mentoring, business tools.
