MB4Youth Division

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Young Entrepreneurs Program

Program Criteria | How to Apply | Financial Assistance | What Happens Next | Reimbursement Procedures | Important Notice |Terms and Conditions | Important Contacts | Offices | Program Definitions

For a print version of this information and application click here.

The Young Entrepreneurs Program is a component of Partners With Youth, which is a Provincial program operated by the Departments of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Education, Citizenship and Youth and Competitiveness, Training and Trade. The program encourages Mantioba's young people to start their own full-time businesses and pursue self-employment as a career choice. Applications are accepted on a year-round basis from youth aged 18 to 29 years.  Under the Young Entrepreneurs program, approved applicants are eligible for a grant of up to $4000 to help defray business start-up cost and capital expenditures.

All youth interested in applying to the program must submit the following before an application can be assessed and reviewed for grant consideration:

• a completed program application
• a comprehensive business plan

Eligibility Criteria

Please note: Businesses that are currently in full operation are not eligible to apply.

Please go to program definitions for a list of words shown in italics.

Applicants:

• Youth 18 to 29 years of age are eligible to apply (Proof of age will be required).
  
  
• Must be Canadian citizens or have received landed immigrant status
  
  
• Must attend a three-day Business Start training program (depending on the location of your residence).  Some applicants may be exempt if able to demonstrate past attendance at a similar business training.
  
  
• Where more than one business partner or investor is involved, the principal applicant to the program must be significantly involved in the management of the business. Not all business partners must be eligible youth, however, the principal applicant must be in the 18-29 years of age range and meet all eligibility criteria.
  
  
• Approved applicants must be working at the businesses on a full-time basis (30 hrs/wk), or if the business is not yet operational, the applicant must plan to work full-time and may not be employed elsewhere or attending school on a full-time basis elsewhere.
  
  
• The applicant must be actively involved in all aspects of the business on a day-to-day basis.

Business Ventures:

• The business which is seeking program assistance must not be currently operated by the applicant on a full-time basis.
  
  
• The proposed business must be year-round and permanent in nature.   Proposals to initiate part-time or seasonal businesses will not be considered.
  
  
• The proposed business must provide the principal applicant with full-time self-employment (at minimum 30 hours per week).
  
  
• Must be based within Manitoba.
  
  
• Must be a business created for the purpose of making a profit.
  
  
• Must demonstrate in the business plan and application that the business has a reasonable chance of success.
  
  
• Must not be an expansion of an existing business.
  
  
• Where existing business ventures and/or assets are being purchased, the applicant must demonstrate that all business transactions will be/are completed at fair market value.

Those not eligible to apply to the Young Entrepreneurs Program include:

• Applicants who are full-time students or planning to return to school on a full-time basis.
  
  
• Applicants who are currently self-employed full-time.
  
  
• Applications to support business ventures that are in full operation prior to applying to the program for assistance.
  
  
• Applications to expand existing businesses.
  
  
• Applicants who are receiving grant funding from any other Federal or Provincial program will not be considered. Loans and loan guarantees are not considered to be grants.
  
  
• An applicant who has received Young Entrepreneurs program support in the past.
  
  
• Applications to support the purchase of existing business ventures or assets that have received Young Entrepreneurs Program grant support within the previous two years.
  
  
• Business ventures that provide regulated professional services in self-governing professional occupational categories in Manitoba.

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How to Apply

1. Read the Young Entrepreneurs booklet/application. Contact program officials listed below if you have any questions relating to the application process or eligibility.
   
   
2. Application must be submitted prior to the start of the business venture. If necessary, completed business plans may be submitted to the program after the initial program application form has been forwarded.
   
   In rural Manitoba

• Contact the Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives office or Community Development Corporation nearest your location.  These offices can provide general information and assistance in completing the application and/or business plan.  These office locations are listed under Offices below.
  
  
• Complete all sections of the Young Entrepreneurs application and develop a business plan.
  
  
• Complete the three page Business Plan Overview check list to ensure all key sections have been included in your business plan and application.
  
  
• Make a copy of your Young Entrepreneurs application, business plan and all correspondence for your records.
  
  
• Submit your application to the MB4Youth Division, located at 310-800 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 0N4.

In Winnipeg and Brandon areas

• The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre listed below can assist applicants with the development of their business plans.
  
  
• Complete all sections of the Young Entrepreneurs application and develop business plan.
  
  
• Register for the Business Start Workshop at Winnipeg - 984-0037; Brandon - 726-6250
  
  
• Complete the three page Business Plan Overview check list to ensure all key sections have been included in your business plan and application.
  
  
• Make a copy of your Young Entrepreneurs application, business plan and all correspondence for your records.
  
  
• Submit your application to the MB4Youth Division, located at 310-800 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 0N4.

3. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Career amd Business Development Consultant, Shaun Hampton at (204) 945-3556.
   
   
4. It is recommended that all applications maintain a log of daily business activity and hours worked at the business venture. If approved, this documentation will be required by the program. This information can also serve as a valuable tool for new business owners.

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Financial Assistance

The Young Entrepreneurs program provides grant funding to reimburse approved applicants for eligible business startup costs and capital expenditures. The Young Entrepreneurs program grant is based on the ability of the applicant to identify a shortfall in startup capital to properly establish the business, either for capital or operating expenditures The program will provide a contribution of up to $4000 based on 50% of startup costs. 

Example 1
Approved applicant spends $8000 to set up the business.

• Grant amount would be $4000.00

Example 2
Approved applicant spends $7500 to set up the business.

• Grant amount would be $3750
  

Eligible Startup Costs - license fees, space rental, telephone installation, utilities, office supplies, equipment rental, business travel costs, etc.   Inventory costs are not eligible. 

Eligible Capital Cost Expenditures - recent purchases of land, buildings, office equipment and other significant equipment and fixtures.

Please note:

• Inventory costs and "good will" are not eligible expenses under this program.
• In cases where existing business ventures and/or assets are being purchased, the program will require additional information to verify receipts and demonstrate the transactions were completed at "arms-length" or fair market value.

What Happens Next - Assessment Process

When an application and comprehensive business plan has been submitted to the Young Entrepreneurs Program:

1. Applications will be assessed for program eligibility and the buiness plan will be assessed for viability.
   
   
2. Applicants will be contacted by the program manager or another government representative to discuss the following:
   • request any additional information needed for the assessment of the application and business plan,
   • identify resources and supports available to assist with business plan development,
   • coordinate attendance of a Business Start Workshop (where applicable), and
   • these staff and related resources are intended to assist the applicant to develop a complete business plan prior to final review.
     
     
3. Application Review and Assessment
   • all applications and business plans must be reviewed by the Young Entrepreneurs Program manager to assess program eligibility.
   • those business plans that demonstrate viability will be forwarded to a regional economic development advisor for further assessment. The regional EDA can also provide support to the applicant if required.
   • review and recommendation regarding approval will be completed by the regional EDA and forwarded to the YE program manager for final decision.
     
     
4. Applicants will be notified by letter of the funding decision for their application.
   • If an application has been approved for grant funding, information on the claim for reimbursement process will be sent to you.
   • If an application is not selected for grant funding, program staff will identify the basis for this decision in the notification letter. You may contact the Young Entrepreneurs program at (204) 945-4284 for further information and clarification if needed.
   • All applications for Young Entrepreneurs business grants must be reviewed by more than one program authority as part of the approval process. Final approval of applications is at the discretion of the Young Entrepreneurs Program.

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Grant Reimbursement Process

Prior to the release of the grant funding, a government representatibe will conduct an on-site monitor at your place of business and a Claim for Reimbursement form will then be submitted. Only those ventures that have been in full operation for the minimum ten-week period are eligible for grant payment at this point.

• Approved applicant will receive a letter outlining this process in greater detail.
  
  
• Approved applicants are required to maintain and submit a log of the daily hours and activities spent in operating their business for the first 10 weeks of business operation. As the applicant is required to work at the venture on a full-time basis, the program anticipates that a minimum of 300 hours will be worked during this period.
  
  
• Approved applicants will be reimbursed upon receipt of a Claim for Grant Funding form.  This claim form can be submitted only after 10 weeks of full-time self-employment.
  
  
• Young Entrepreneur grants may be withheld if the applicant's contribution does not meet the minimum $500.00 in eligible business startup costs; if the applicant does not work full-time at the business; or if any other program conditions are not met.
  
  
• All approved applicants may be subject to monitoring throughout the program duration.
  
  

Claim for Reimbursement forms will not be processed until the applicant has been monitored at their place of business, has completed a log of daily hours, and completed the Business Start workshop (if applicable).

Please note, the Claim form will be required to detail your business start-up costs and must be supported by:

• copies of point of sale receipts and invoices (with proof of payment)
• copies of financial account statements that correspond with purchases
• copies of credit card account statements.

NOT ALL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE A GRANT

Important Notice

Most applicants will be able to develop a business plan without assistance of a business consultant or other professional. There are a number of business development related resources and support staff available throughout the province with the development of their business plans at no charge. Additional reference material can be obtained from the Canada Business Service Centres, Interactive Business Planner at: www.cbsc.org/ibp.

Applicants who choose to use the services of a fee-for-service private business consultant or other professional are advised that the business consultant or other professional have no influence or connection with the Young Entrepreneurs program or the Provincial Departments responsible for this program.

Terms and Conditions

1. Officers of the program will make all necessary investigations in reviewing this application to ensure the information provided is true and complete.
   
   
2. Applicants may be requested to provide additional documentation that may be required to verify program eligibility requirements.
   
   
3. Young Entrepreneurs may make a public announcement relating to this approval of this grant.
   
   
4. Approved applicants agree to provide information that will assist in the review and evaluation of the Skill Development for Young Entrepreneurs program.
   
   
5. I understand that applicants may receive future contact from the Partners With Youth program that relate to workshops or other training opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
   
   
6. I understand that the officials responsible for Partners With Youth have the authority to assess each application on its individual merits and will exercise their absolute discretion in determining the amount of grant funding approved for each business.
   
   
7. I understand that payment made to the applicant/business will be taxable income in the year issued to the individual/business.

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Important Contacts

Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
Suite 250, 240 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Phone (204) 984-2272 or toll-free 1-800-665-2019, Fax (204) 983-3852, Web site - http://www.cbsc.org

Contact the toll-free number for information on the many satellite offices located throughout Manitoba.

Manitoba Companies Office
Register your business with the province contact 945-2500

Manitoba Business Start - 3 Day Workshop (offered by the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre)
For more information on the program and upcoming dates contact in Winnipeg (204) 984-0037 or in Brandon (204) 726-6250.

Canada Revenue Agency
To obtain a Revenue Canada Business Number and information on employer/employee contributions to E.I. and C.P.P., contact Canada Custom and Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525.

Workers Compensation
To inquire about compulsory and non-compulsory registration phone the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba in Winnipeg at 954-4505 or outside Winnipeg call toll-free 1-888-504-1339.

Employment Standards
If you have any questions regarding your obligations as an employer in the Province of Manitoba, for example, payment of overtime, vacation pay, minimum wage or construction wages, please contact The Department of Labour - Employment Standards Branch:
In Winnipeg phone 945-3352 or outside Winnipeg call toll-free at 1-800-821-4307. Web site - http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/

Offices

• Winnipeg

Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth
Young Entrepreneurs Program
310-800 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB  R3G 0N4
Phone: 945-4284 or toll-free 1-800-282-8069 ext. 4284
E-mail: shaun.hampton@gov.mb.ca

• MAFRI GO Teams - office and centre locations in rural and northern Manitoba

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