Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program
IYEP supports Indigenous students by fostering knowledge and skills pertinent to success in high school, post-high school or training, and the workplace. The course provides Indigenous students with hands-on entrepreneurial knowledge and experience as well as the opportunity to interact with their local business communities.
About the Program
Through the IYEP courses, students learn how to create product-based or service-driven businesses. The program provides students with the basic skills and knowledge they need to become entrepreneurs.
The program is comprised of two 1-credit courses: Entrepreneurship 11 and Entrepreneurship 12. Though intended for Grades 11 and 12, students in Grades 10 to 12 may take the courses.
The Impact
During the program, students gain an in-depth understanding of how to develop a business that takes them from researching Indigenous entrepreneurs and exploring the business community to developing a business plan. In the process, they learn about innovation and creation, accounting, cost-price analysis, financial literacy, marketing, e-commerce, and ultimately how to bring their products and services to market. In addition, the program provides students with rich experiential opportunities.
We believe the path to success begins when all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Role
In 2007, MFI launched IYEP to introduce Indigenous high-school students to business opportunities within the Canadian economy. The curriculum teaches students how to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit as well as improve their financial literacy and communication skills, and gives them an opportunity to explore a variety of post-secondary options. But at the heart of the program is a simple hope: that students leave with strengthened self-confidence and belief in their own potential.
Explore MFI’s virtual learning hub called The Training & Resources for Early Education & Schools (TREES) Network. TREES is a space for delivering and accessing culturally appropriate training, professional development, resources, supportive circles and peer mentorship opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learning professionals working with Indigenous children, students and families.
Collaborate with MFI
We invite all Indigenous-led organizations to connect with us. We are excited to learn more about the well-being outcomes you wish to advance for the people in your local school, community, or organization.
Support the Mission
Join MFI in creating new pathways with Indigenous Peoples that lead to a more just system by funding the critical efforts to get there.