Salvation Army Program Empowers Young Entrepreneurs

The Salvation Army’s Yorkwoods Community Church in Toronto runs a program that teaches teens real-life skills and encourages them to discover and develop their business potential.

Enterprising Youth is open to participants aged 10 to 15. Over nearly three months, students meet once a week to learn entrepreneurial concepts, prepare plans for a potential product and present their ideas.

“We are teaching them how to gain income, what it is, how to deal with expenses and pay bills, all the basics. The idea is that hopefully one day they start a business,” says Heather Ortiz, community program coordinator.  

“We are teaching them how to gain income, what it is, how to deal with expenses and pay bills, all the basics.”

The program was created in partnership with the organization Seeds of Hope and two university professors. Mary Han and Dr. Nikhil Celly, who developed the curriculum. The initiative began online during the pandemic and has since transitioned to in-person sessions. Currently, 21 students take part, nearly doubling participation from the first year.

Throughout their involvement students develop a business plan, create a product and sell it. They present their ideas to judges who provide constructive feedback. Those who earn enough to cover their initial expenses can keep their profits.

“We are going to host a sale right after church. They’ll also be selling to their friends and neighbours as well,” Heather adds.

Students get creative with their ideas. Products include picture frames, candles, food and traditional cultural drinks.

The Yorkwoods Community Church is located in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto. A neighbourhood often associated with insecurity and limited opportunities, but within lies a community full of drive and ambition.

“With this program, we are trying to give children hope for the future, keep them off the streets and focused on something positive,” Heather shares.

Those looking to support Enterprising Youth can contribute through donations or by volunteering.

“We are trying to give children hope for the future, keep them off the streets and focused on something positive.”

“Our volunteers are known as ‘mentors, ‘ and they guide the children through the whole process, helping them with their entrepreneurial plans and encouraging them to reinforce all the concepts they learn,” Heather says.

Many participants return each year. To keep the experience engaging, new ideas and lessons are introduced that support the main concept.

Heather admits Enterprising Youth is one of her favourite initiatives. She loves seeing participants grow and develop new skills.

In addition to learning about business, students build social skills through teamwork. There are also icebreaker games and a Bible component.

The Salvation Army, along with its partners, is giving children the opportunity to think about a prosperous future from an early age while also teaching them important lessons they don’t always learn in school.

By Juan Romero