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Congratulations to the participants who successfully completed the program.

Thank you to our partners, funders and supporters.

Tecumseh Community Development Corporation
I DO BUSINESS. Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP)

Calling all Aboriginal youth living in Southwestern Ontario:

I DO BUSINESS. is partnering with Tecumseh Community Development Corporation (TCDC) to deliver an entrepreneurship training program that will help you to learn, launch, and grow your very own business in less than a year!

Our FREE 14-week training program will help you:
  • Come up with your brilliant business idea and create a plan to reach success
  • Apply for a chance to get a $3000 grant to help you start your business
  • Market your business to get customers and make money!
  • Learn about business loans and other ways to get money to start your business
  • Build your skills and confidence to be a successful entrepreneur
  • Provide you with post-training business launch support for
    up to an additional 14 weeks
  • Match you with a business mentor who can help guide you as you start-up
    your business

Read more details below:
Am I eligible?
To participate in this program, you must: 
  • Be 18 to 29 years of age
  • Self-identify as Aboriginal, First Nation, Métis, or Inuit
  • Have a desire and determination to be your own boss!
  • Commit to the 14 week program

How do I apply?
You can submit the form by email, fax or mail.
Email: dougall.tcdc@gmail.com
Fax:    519.332.6196
Mail:   Tecumseh Community Development Corporation
ATTN: Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program
           1040 Degurse Dr.
           Sarnia, ON | N7T 7H5
Check out what our previous Grads have to say: 
                          Melissa
                          Heather


Learn More
Phone: 519-332-5151
Email: dougall.tcdc@gmail.com
This project is part of Ontario’s Strategic Community Entrepreneurship Projects initiative. Learn more here.
Special Thanks to our Technology Sponsors, the Electronic Recycling Association & RCT (Renewed Computer Technology) for donating much needed laptops for our TCDC program participants to use while developing their business plans!
Why should I take part in this program? How will it help me reach my goals?
By the end of this program, you will: 
  • Have your very own business started up and running
  • Get the opportunity to be your own boss and do work you love
  • Have a business website, logo and other marketing tools
  • Be a part of an awesome group of other young Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
  • Have an experienced business person as your mentor who will continue to help you build your business, even after the program

How does the training program work?

This program includes:

Part 1. START: Participant Enrollment (1 week)
We will work with you to create a personal training plan and provide any additional help needed for you to succeed in the program.

Part 2. LEARN: Entrepreneurship Skills Training (14 weeks)
Learn and practice key entrepreneurship skills for success, including:
  • Knowledge and attitudes of an entrepreneur
  • Finding your brilliant business idea
  • Business planning
  • How to find customers
  • Ways to market to potential customers
  • Business loans and grants
  • How to manage your business
  • Managing employees
  • How to make that sale!
  • Technology

Time Commitment: Expect to commit up to 20 hours per week for this part of the program. Some of this time will be in the classroom, some online, and some of it will be self-directed. 

Part 3. LAUNCH & GROW: Business Start Up Support (Additional support of up to 10 weeks)
Be supported in starting up your business!  You will: 
  • Compete in a business plan competition where you could win a prize!
  • Apply for a chance to get a $3000 grant to help you start your business
  • Learn about business loans and grants and get help applying for them
  • Help with setting up and marketing your business
  • Get matched with an experienced business person as your mentor to help you succeed
  • Make your first business deal, sale, or contract!

Time Commitment: The majority of your time will be focused on actually starting and running your own business,
with bi-weekly individual and group check-ins and support from our Business Development Facilitator.

What supports are there to help me take part in and finish the program?
We will work with you to identify what help you may need in certain areas to make sure that you can remain focused on starting your business and attend all meetings. Supports will be different for every person, but may include:
  • Help with transportation
  • Help with child care
  • Snacks provided at program meetings whenever possible
  • Some flexibility with training schedule when needed because of other important commitments such as work or family
  • Connecting you with additional programs or organizations that can help meet other needs