BizStart FAQ
1. What is the BizStart program?
The BizStart program helps you develop entrepreneurial as well as broader employability skills. It is a part-time, 14 week program which helps you build your business.
In the program, participants will receive tailored entrepreneurial training to develop and launch their business by the end of the program. Furthermore, business consultants will be working with you in a consulting capacity to ensure that your business plan reflects market reality.
2. What training is provided through the BizStart program and what are the different phases of the program?
Employability Skills and Employability-Based Training – Phase 1
Participants will receive essential skills, employability and entrepreneurial training to enable them to better prepare for entrepreneurship and employment in the current labour market.
Entrepreneurial Skills Training and Business Plan Development – Phase 2
Participants will receive entrepreneurial and business skills training as well as business plan development workshops.
Business Launch and Entrepreneurial Operations – Phase 3
Participants will engage in active business start-up, operations, and growth activities which will allow them to enhance the business skills they acquired from the previous phase.
Mentorship – part of Phase 3
During the business launch and entrepreneurial operations phase the participants will be matched with a mentor and exposed to various forms of mentorship.
3. Who can apply to the BizStart Program ?
The BizStart program is open to youth between the ages of 16-30 living within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
4. What types of businesses are accepted?
BizStart accepts all types of businesses, from app developers to musicians. Creative and Non creative business are all welcome.
5. Does my business need to be registered before I apply?
No, your business does not need to be registered before you apply. BizStart will provide you with resources to assist with the application process.
6. Can I register if I am only in the beginning stages of my business?
Yes, as an entrepreneurship training program we have catered the curriculum to assist with businesses that are in the beginning or middle stages.
7. What topics will be covered in the six months program?
Training components include marketing, business management, branding, operations, business planning, and other business related topics.
8. Will BizStart help me complete my business plan?
Yes, we provide resources and support to assist you with the completion of your business plan.
9. What are the hours for the BizStart program?
BizStart is a part-time program. Workshops take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am – 4pm, in addition to some self-directed work hours for a total of 16 hours a week.
8. When is the start date?
The application for the cohort starting on September 4th 2024 is now closed. The next cohort will start on Dec 16th 2024.
9. How many students will be enrolled in each class?
We will have 33 students in the next cohort.
10. When is the last day to apply?
We are currently accepting applications for the cohort starting on Dec 16th 2024. Applications will close Nov 22nd, 2024. Apply here
11. How has covid-19 affected the program?
Program delivery is based on a hybrid model. There are both in person and virtual requirements to be in the BizStart program.
11. Where is the BizStart program’s location?
Youth Employment Services YES
555 Richmond Street West
Suite 711
Toronto, ON M5V 3B1
Tel: 416-504-5516
