PROGRAM LAUNCH DATES BELOW
Government-funded* business startup program for technicians & tradespeople affected by BC mill closures and curtailments.
- $5,000 grant for business expenses.
- Attend our 5-day foundational business training.
- Access ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support.
- Engage in 3-hour training workshops, 1x per month, for seven months.
*This is a free program for eligible participants
Eligible participants are all 3:
3. Interested in operating a contract-based service business.
Learn more now:
Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to you with further details. To speak directly to a staff member, call us at (250) 563-2663 or email us anytime at info@northerninnovation.ca.
PROGRAM LAUNCH DATES
Terrace – Launches March 17th 2025
Port Alberni – Launches March 24th 2025
Prince George – Launches April 2025
Vanderhoof – Launches May 2025
Fort St. John – Launches Spring 2025
Cowichan Valley – Launches Spring 2025
Always Accepting New Communities!
We require 5 enrolled applicants in any given location to launch a new cohort.
Apply now – and tell a friend!
All workshops can be attended in-person OR online.
About Build Your Own Future
Build Your Own Future (BYOF) is a Government funded business startup program for tradespeople and technicians who have been affected by mill closures or curtailments.
BYOF offers a comprehensive package of training, coaching & mentorships, and skill-building workshops to help you successfully launch your own business and develop into an effective entrepreneur.
Looking to elevate your side gig into a full-time venture? We’re here to help you turn those weekend jobs into something bigger. And yes, we’ve got your back on some of the costs too.
Whether you’re facing a sudden career shift or looking to seize new opportunities, this trades startup program is tailored to you.
5-Day Business Training
Topics covered in the 5-day Foundational Business Training Bootcamp include:
- You and your business
- How to find your market
- Business cash flow, expenses, and taxation
- Project management and quoting
- Operations management
- Sales and marketing
- Business models and goal setting
Monthly Workshops
Monthly 3-hour workshops, for seven months total
- The Entrepreneurial mindset
- Customer Service
- Sales & Cash Flow
- Project Management
- Leadership Skills
- Leadership Competencies
- Supportive Workplaces
- *OPTIONAL: HR Basics
coaching & mentorship
Ongoing coaching & mentorship is available to back you up at every stage.
Coaches and mentors provide ongoing support and suggestions, help you overcome adversity, and ensure the bigger picture is carefully considered throughout planning, launching, and scale-up.
$5,000 Grant
$5,000 is available as a reimbursement for business expenses.
Half of this amount ($2,500) is available upon completion of the foundational business skills training.
The second half (an additional $2,500) is available upon completion of the 8-month program.
A wide range of business expenses are eligible, offsetting the costs encountered when starting your new company or growing your side hustle.
The time commitment for this program is 5 days of in-person foundational business training, 7 evening workshops (one per month, 3 hours in length), as well as coaching & mentorship as needed. Between workshops, participants are required to spend time working on their business model and launching their venture at their own pace.
How it works
5-Day Business Training Bootcamp
Fill out all Forms
- Program Agreement
- EI Consent Form (If applicable)
Coaching and Mentorship
Book a coaching or mentorship call
- Mandatory pre-grant meeting to review business model
- Coaching from a professional business coach*
- Mentorship from an entrepreneur in your sector*
- Mandatory coaching session after business launch
*as needed
Grant Phase 1
Complete the Business Training Bootcamp
License your Business
- Municipal Business License
- If outside city limits – contact the Regional District
Complete the Reimbursement Form
- Attach copy of Business License
- Attach all Receipts (up to $2,500 can be claimed at this stage)
Monthly Capacity Building Workshops
Track your progress as you go!
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Workshop
- Sales & Cashflow Workshop
- Project Management Workshop
- Customer Service Workshop
- Leadership Skills Workshop
- Leadership Competencies Workshop
- Supportive Workplaces Workshop
- Optional: Human Resources 101 Workshop
Grant Phase 2
Submit reimbursement form with receipts – up to $2,500
Show proof of revenue in your business
Complete Exit Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
How can this program help me?
This program will provide you with the resources, support, and training needed to help you launch your own business with confidence with a supportive team behind you.
What kind of workers qualify for this program?
This program is for Skilled Trades Workers and Technicians in the forest industry affected by mill closures or curtailments. Contractors, workers, adn Bridging to Retirement participants are welcome to apply. To confirm whether you qualify, please contact us. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Call 250-563-2663 or email us at info@northerninnovation.ca .
Do I need my Red Seal to be considered a tradesperson?
No. You need experience as a tradesperson; you do not need to be Red Seal certified to qualify as a tradesperson. Depending on the trade, you may need to complete a recognized apprenticeship program and obtain certification as per SkilledTrades BC requirements.
Is there a cost to participating in the Build Your Own Future (BYOF) Program?
No. This is a free program for eligible participants, thanks to funding from the Provincial Government of British Columbia.
I already have a small company that I have been running on the side, can I still join?
Yes! We are here to help you succeed; learn more about business basics, grow your competency as an entrepreneur and take your business to the next level.
Do I need to have my business idea concretely decided before starting this program?
Nope! This program will help you explore opportunity, validate your market, and find the best fit for your skills and training – while providing you with the business knowledge needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.
What types of industries can participants have their businesses in?
This program is designed for tradespeople and technicians to launch a service-based contracting business. If you have a question regarding the eligibility of your business idea, please reach out.
How long will this program last?
The program is currently funded until 2026; the duration of each cohort is 8 months. Training has been carefully structured to minimize time commitment during daytime hours. After the 1-week of business training workshops, 3-hour workshops are held once per month in the evening as we endeavour to schedule your training around the demands of running your business.
Is this program open to the whole province?
Yes, Skilled Trades Workers and Technicians anywhere in BC who have been affected by a mill closure or extended curtailment can apply. Employees, contractors, and those taking advantage of the Bridging to Retirement Program are also encouraged to apply.
What can I expect after I apply?
You can expect to hear back within 3-5 business days. Once you submit the BYOF application form, it will be reviewed by one of our staff. Please do not hesitate to reach out, if you wish to speak to a human. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Call 250-563-2663 or email us at info@northerninnovation.ca
Who is delivering the program?
The BYOF program is delivered by Northern Innovation Network (formerly Hubspace), in partnership with program coaches, mentors, and facilitators from across the province.
What are the roles of coaches and mentors?
Coaches and mentors provide ongoing support and suggestions, help participants overcome adversity, and ensure the bigger picture is carefully considered throughout planning, launching, and growth.
When can I access the $5,000 reimbursement?
The $5000 grant will be provided at 2 stages. The first half ($2,500) will be available at the end of the 5-day cohort training session, the second half will be available upon program completion. This is a reimbursement for business expenses. Receipts documenting expenses incurred are required.
How much of a time commitment is it?
8 hours a day for 5 days for the Foundational Business Training Bootcamp, and 3 hours per month for 7 months for each capacity building workshop. Ongoing coaching and mentorship for a minimum of 3 sessions and additionally as required on an individual basis. Participants are required to spend time between workshops working on their business.
When is the next cohort and where will it be?
We will be launching new cohorts throughout the province on an ongoing basis. To find out about current and upcoming cohorts, or to request a new cohort in your community, please see our website. Alternatively, you may contact us at info@northerninnovation.ca or phone us anytime Monday to Friday between 9 and 5 at 250-563-2663.
Where can I go to learn more?
Check out our website, or reach out directly: If you have any questions or prefer to speak with a team member, our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Give us a call at 250-563-2663 or email us at info@northerninnovation.ca.
Still have questions? Prefer to speak with someone?
Call us: Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm at 250-563-5663.
Or, email us anytime at: info@northerninnovation.ca.
Our Supporters.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the generous support of our funders.
