Initiate is a program for aspiring entrepreneurs and employment seekers to build their knowledge, skills and experience in self-directed, gamified learning.  

Initiate is a 12-week mentorship and incubator program designed for northern youth ready to take the next step — whether that’s launching a business or building skills for meaningful, in-demand work.

Rooted in cultural relevance and Indigenous knowledge, Initiate offers self-paced, gamified learning in a supportive cross-territory community. Participants choose their own pathway, and with guidance from local mentors and insights from northern industry partners, Initiate creates a space for hands-on experience, grounded learning, and real opportunities — all designed to meet the youth where they are in their journey.

Program Features

  • Participants shape their own learning journey with a flexible, self-directed approach that supports personal growth.

  • Content and mentorship are informed by the lived realities, strengths, and cultural frameworks of Northern and Indigenous communities.

  • A supportive peer group from across northern Canada fosters connection, collaboration, and shared growth.

  • Experienced coaches and mentors offer one-on-one support, ensuring each participant receives tailored guidance.

  • An accessible online format connects participants across territories and provinces, removing geographic barriers.

  • Engaging tasks, milestones, and rewards create a dynamic and motivating learning experience.

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Initiate Pathways

Initiate offers three distinct pathways, allowing participants to tailor their journey based on their goals:

  • Incubator Program

    Designed to build employment skills, gain work experience, or launch or scale-up a business. Through group sessions, e-learning, and coaching, participants take personalized, adaptive learning paths, with rewards, milestones, and tasks to keep learning engaging and goal-oriented.

  • Alumni Network

    Alumni can access exclusive workshops and events. Alumni can also stay connected through regular email updates, quarterly check-ins, in-person events , and continued access to coaching and mentors.

  • Work-Integrated Learning

    Participants gain work experience through in-person and virtual placements with northern employers. This helps participants build essential skills and gain real-world experience in high demand jobs and sectors.

Hear From Our Participants!

  • Neevee Padluq

    Nunavut

    “I feel like I've gained more confidence in myself, and I‘m becoming a better business owner.”

  • Katharine Thomas

    NWT

    “There are so many resources for starting a small business, especially as a young person in the North! Knowing this helps me feel less alone in the creation and operation of my business.”

  • Sarah Long

    Nunavut

    “Keep your mind and effort towards your goal; you can achieve anything. I went from starting with almost nothing for my business to having almost everything I need!”

  • Amira Strain

    Yukon

    “Initiate helped me get a better understanding of the financial side of things. I loved having the space and time and worksheets to break that stuff down. The worksheets will be super helpful for the future too.”

  • Sahara James

    Yukon

    “One thing I value the most from this program is the connection to people and other entrepreneurs. I will stay connected to the people in the program.”

  • Guna Jensen

    Yukon

    “Through Initiate, I learned about the importance of connection - it can make or break your business. lt is crucial to have like-minded entrepreneurial minds be part of your circle, especially in the early seed stages of a business.”

  • Mavis Wedzin

    NWT

    “Small progress is big progress. Being a risk taker is something everyone should try doing!”

  • Anna Lund

    Yukon

    "The program made me see that I am capable of making change, even though I'm so young. Anyone can change anything if they put there minds to it."

  • Joely Gauthier

    NWT

    "For me, I didn't think I would be where I am today achieving all these goals and tasks and meeting new people. I am proud of everything I did so far."

  • Maria Rose Sikyea

    Yukon

    "My biggest takeaway is the importance of connecting and building a routine within connections made. The beauty of diversity in both the mind and heart of people's visions and what they want to bring to the human experience. I found it showed me what is possible and how important it is to lift one another up!"

Initiate Team