Build A Business This Summer

What Is Future Founders?

Peace Region Future Founders is a hands-on summer entrepreneurship program for youth ages 12–18 who want to create, build, and launch their own business ideas.

Participants will learn how to:

  • develop business ideas

  • build a brand

  • create marketing materials

  • understand budgeting and pricing

  • plan and launch a product or service

  • sell at a real community market

Throughout the program, youth will work alongside local entrepreneurs, mentors, and community partners while building confidence, creativity, and practical business skills.

The experience ends with an opportunity to launch their business at the Harvest Moon Festival Youth Entrepreneur Market.

No business experience required. Just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try something new.

How The Program Works

Future Founders is designed to take participants from idea to launch through a series of hands-on workshops, mentorship opportunities, and real-world experience. Each session includes guided activities, collaborative work time, mentorship from local entrepreneurs, and lunch provided for participants. Throughout the program, youth will receive practical support as they build their business ideas step by step. Each session will include lunch for the participants.

1. Discover - July 28 • 11 AM–1 PM

The journey begins with exploring what it means to be an entrepreneur. Participants will learn how businesses get started, brainstorm ideas, and begin thinking about what they want to create. This session is focused on creativity, confidence, and possibility — helping youth identify ideas that match their interests, skills, and goals.

2. Build Your Brand - August 4 • 11 AM–2 PM

Participants will begin shaping their business identity through branding and marketing activities. They’ll work hands-on to develop names, logos, messaging, posters, social content, and other materials that help bring their idea to life. This session focuses on creativity, storytelling, and building something that feels real and exciting.

3. Plan Your Business - August 11 • 11 AM–2 PM

This session focuses on understanding the practical side of entrepreneurship. Participants will learn about pricing, budgeting, startup costs, and simple business planning while building an action plan for their business idea. By the end of the session, participants will be preparing their mini business proposals and funding requests.

4. Launch - September 11–12

Participants will launch their businesses at the Harvest Moon Festival Youth Entrepreneur Market. Future Founders will provide dedicated vendor space so participants can showcase and sell their products or services to the community in a real market environment. This is where ideas become reality.

5. Reflect & Grow - Date TBD

After the market, participants will come together to reflect on the experience, celebrate successes, and talk about what they learned along the way. This final session helps participants understand how businesses evolve, how entrepreneurs adapt, and what their next steps could look like moving forward.

What Do Participants Receive?

  • Hands-on entrepreneurship workshops

  • Mentorship from local business owners

  • Lunch and program materials

  • Branding and marketing support

  • Business planning guidance

  • Opportunity to apply for startup funding assistance

  • Vendor space at the Harvest Moon Festival

  • Real-world selling experience

  • Post-event coaching and reflection

Who Is This For?

Future Founders is designed for youth ages 12–18 who:

  • have creative ideas

  • want to make or sell something

  • are curious about entrepreneurship

  • enjoy hands-on projects

  • want to build confidence and leadership skills

  • are interested in art, baking, photography, clothing, crafts, technology, services, or other business ideas

You do not need previous business experience to participate.

Powered By Community

Built by the Peace Region, for the Peace Region

Future Founders is supported by local businesses, organizations, and community leaders who believe in creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Together, we’re helping young people build confidence, skills, and connections while exploring what’s possible right here in the Peace Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Participation in Future Founders is completely free thanks to community sponsorship and support.

  • No. We’ll help participants brainstorm and develop ideas during the program.

  • Almost anything — crafts, baking, photography, services, art, products, digital ideas, and more.

  • Participants can apply for limited startup funding assistance after completing their mini business proposal.

  • Participants should bring a laptop or tablet if possible. All other materials and meals are provided.

  • Parents do not need to attend the sessions, but they will receive information and updates throughout the program.

  • Participants will continue building their business ideas before launching at the Harvest Moon Festival in September.

Ready To Build Something?

Spots for the first Future Founders cohort are limited. Complete the interest form below to apply or receive more information.