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

What is Initiate

Initiate is a program and network helping aspiring entrepreneurs and job seekers launch a business idea, and develop valuable employment skills in high-demand industries. Tailored for graduates of the Inspire program, Initiate supports its participants through interactive, self-paced, and gamified learning.

Inspire graduates from all regions join cross-territory and provincial cohorts, fostering a rich and collaborative learning experience. Participants can choose between three pathways: a business incubator, an employment incubator, or work-integrated learning placements. Through industry partnerships and up-to-date labor market insights, Initiate offers practical guidance and hands-on work experience, equipping participants for success.

How Initiate Works

Initiate is broken down into three interconnected streams, given Inspire Graduates options to choose how they wish to progress their goals.

Incubator Program
Work Integrated Learning
Alumni Network

Stream 1: The Initiate Incubator

The Initiate incubator is a safe space for our alumni to grow! It’s a supportive environment where participants can get support to achieve their goals. Our Initiate Incubator programs help participants fast track success while minimizing risks and maximizing rewards. The Initiate Incubator is offered in two different streams, giving participants the option to choose whether they want to focus on building employment skills and getting work experience, or launching their own business.

The Initiate Incubator is the right fit for participants who have:

Successfully completed the Inspire Program, or are referred to Initiate through a partner or community.
Existing experience learning through digital platforms or taking educational programs online.
Abilities and motivation to work independently on their goals.
Aspirations to see rural, remote, and northern economies flourish either through the development of their own business/ non-profit idea or through local employment.

Initiate Incubator Program Features

Group cohort learning experience, the opportunity to continue to grow your support network
Available to 10 participants per cohort with a selection process to help determine who is eligible for this program
Northern and Indigenous focused content, leadership and subject matter experts
Focus on personalized mentorship and coaching
Virtual program for cross Territory and provincial exchanges
12-week program estimated at 6-8 hours of work each week

Stream 2: work experience through Initiate

Coming Soon

Stream 3: Initiate Alumni Network

Inspire participants and graduates will always be part of the Inspire family! Graduates and partners can stay connected through email updates as well and quarterly phone call check-ins. Graduates are also welcome to reach out to our Initiate Manager to get guidance and advice on resources regarding education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

The network will offer a wide range of individual workshops focused on, personal development, career building, and business start up.

You will also receive invitations to attend any in-person gathering happening in or around your community.

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!"