Our History
Youth Ventures was started back in 1992 on the Northern Peninsula with 2 participants. Since then, the program has grown and now has 25 Regional (Site) Coordinators across Newfoundland and Labrador who are there to help students start businesses.
Designed for students 12-29, Youth Ventures works with close to 300 students and help start almost 200 businesses each year. Since 1992 the program has helped over 7000 young people explore entrepreneurship.
Our Mission
Today, Youth Ventures empowers young people to turn their hobbies, interests, and passions into money making profitable ventures. The program itself is available to students across the province from May-September every year, however the Provincial Coordinator is available year round for anyone that still needs assistance or has any questions regarding their business.
There’s no one too young or too old to start a business. It’s all about taking the hobbies and passion you have, along with the support of Youth Ventures, and making money by doing what you love to do. Youth Ventures has helped students as young as 7 start successful businesses.
Youth Ventures is there from the beginning to help you come up with an idea, create a business plan, do market research, point you in the direction of financing to get your business up and running. Just need some help creating flyers? We can do that for you too!

Founded
In 1992 the Youth Ventures Program was started on the Northern Peninsula with two entrepreneurs.
Provincial Delivery
In 1996, the CBDC network started delivering the program which was then offered to all regions of the province.
Expansion
Delivery expanded to 15 delivery sites.
Present Day
Today Youth Ventures is delivered through 25 delivery sites in partnership with CBDCs, Chambers of Commerce, Community Youth Networks, Regional Development Boards, and Town Councils.