Initiate is a personalized, gamified learning journey supporting entrepreneurs and job seekers to build skills, confidence, and real-world opportunities.

Initiate is a personalized support program designed for people ready to take the next step in their career or business journey. Whether you're looking to test out an idea, grow a venture, or get job-ready, Initiate offers tailored pathways to help you move forward.

Rooted in rural, remote, and Northern realities, Initiate combines goal-based coaching, practical learning tasks, and peer support, all delivered through a gamified model that keeps things flexible, motivating, and action-driven.

Our Approach

Initiate uses a gamified approach- incorporating game-like elements such as points, tasks, rewards, and progress tracking- to make learning more engaging, motivating, and fun.
Participants work through real-world tasks that align directly with their business or career goals- earning points, tracking progress, and unlocking practical rewards along the way. For entrepreneurs, this might mean testing a revenue stream, launching a new business, or building the foundation to scale what they've already started. For job seekers, tasks are designed to strengthen in-demand soft skills, build workplace readiness, and move them closer to meaningful employment.
Every participant follows a personalized plan created with a coach, making Initiate a flexible and practical way to build momentum towards their individual goals.
Gamification helps break big goals into manageable steps. It gives you clear milestones to work toward, keeps you motivated, and helps you see your progress in real time.
Whether you’re launching a business or preparing for work, our gamified model keeps learning hands-on, flexible, and focused on what matters most to you.

How Initiate Works

Initiate offers three distinct program streams, each designed to meet entrepreneurs and job seekers where they are:

Inspire Graduate Incubator

For Inspire graduates who want to explore entrepreneurship as a way to earn income and create local impact. Build confidence, gain clarity, and take early action in a supportive, peer-based environment.
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Initiate Rural Business Accelerator (in partnership with Tamarack Institute)

For rural and remote entrepreneurs who are ready to launch or grow a business. Access coaching, peer learning, and a flexible, gamified platform tailored to rural, remote and Northern realities.
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Work-Integrated Learning

For job seekers building skills, experience, and momentum through hands-on placements and personalized support right in their home communities.
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Stream 1: Inspire Graduate Incubator

This stream is designed for Inspire program graduates who want to explore entrepreneurship as a pathway to income and impact. Whether you’re testing an idea or ready to take the next step, the incubator offers a supportive space to build confidence, gain clarity, and start putting your vision into action.

Participants work with a coach to create a personal action plan, then complete real-world business-building tasks in areas like marketing, finance, and operations. As they move through the program, they earn points, unlock practical rewards, and stay motivated through peer support and check-ins.

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.
Goals to see rural, remote, and northern economies flourish either through the development of their own business/ non-profit idea or through local employment.

Inspire Graduate Incubator Program Features

Small cohort of 10 participants, selected through an application process
12-week virtual program with 6–8 hours of weekly commitment
Group learning and peer support
Personalized coaching and mentorship
Content and facilitators with Northern and Indigenous perspectives
Opportunities to build cross-regional networks and connections

Stream 2: Initiate Rural Business Accelerator

Offered in partnership with the Tamarack Institute and supported by TD, this 10-week accelerator supports entrepreneurs in rural, remote, and Northern communities across Canada who are ready to launch or grow a business.

Whether you’re getting ready to launch, working toward investment, expanding your operations, or strengthening your business foundation, this stream helps you move forward with confidence.

Participants gain access to experienced mentors, practical business development tools, and a peer learning cohort, all supported by a flexible, gamified learning platform.

What’s Included:

A 10-week virtual program tailored to rural and remote business contexts
Personalized coaching and goal-setting
Live peer sessions and cohort-based learning
Task-based business development with gamified rewards
Access to an AI-powered learning platform with 24/7 support
Support for building financial readiness, investment pathways, and long-term sustainability
Ongoing connection and guidance from a trusted network of community-based support and resources

This stream is a good fit for entrepreneurs who are ready to grow what they’ve built or take their next big step.

We’re currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort! Apply now to join a supportive community of rural changemakers and take your next bold step.

Apply Now

Stream 3: Work-Integrated Learning

This stream helps Inspire graduates gain work experience and build job-ready skills through work-integrated learning opportunities. With personalized support and connections to employers in rural and remote regions, this program creates practical pathways to employment.

Participants develop confidence, expand their networks, and gain valuable exposure to high-demand roles and industries-all within their own communities.

What’s included:

Work placements with local employers or community partners
Personalized coaching and goal tracking
Skills development through real-world tasks
Support in resume writing, interview prep, and workplace readiness
Flexible virtual and in-person formats depending on location

This stream is ideal for participants who are exploring career options, re-entering the workforce, or looking to gain hands-on experience and build toward long-term employment.

Initiate is powered by strong local connections. We work with community partners, mentors, guest speakers, and employers who believe in building local business and career pathways- especially in rural, remote, and Northern communities.

There are many ways to get involved:

Community Partners

Host a cohort, help with outreach, or support participants through local services and networks.

Ways To Get Involved

Mentors & Coaches

Share your knowledge through one-on-one coaching or peer learning sessions.

Guest Speakers

Lead a workshop, speak at a cohort session, or share your entrepreneurial or professional journey.

Employers

Offer work placements or job shadowing opportunities for participants in our employment stream.

By getting involved, you’re helping to grow local economies, support underrepresented entrepreneurs and job seekers, and strengthen long-term community resilience.

Interested in partnering with Initiate?

Get In Touch

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!"