TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE. START YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
Build Your Own Future (BYOF) is a free, government-funded business startup program for workers whose employment has been affected because of B.C. mill closures or tariffs, to help them transition into self employment and launch their own business. The program provides training, coaching, mentorship, and up to $5,000 in EI-Exempt funding to help eligible participants transition into self-employment.
Don’t know if BYOF is right for you? Get a Free 30 minute no-obligation coaching call to learn about possible business ideas and ways you can start a business with the skills you already have.
Discover 100 potential business ideas you can start with the skills you already have. You can also get a free coaching call to discuss your possible business ideas.
5-DAY
BOOTCAMP
7 evening workshops
ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
ONGOING MENTORSHIP
up to $5,000 startup grant
FREE GUIDE
100 BEST BUSINESS IDEAS FOR SKILLED TRADES & MILL WORKERS
Discover low-cost, high-potential business ideas you can start with the skills you already have.
FREE COACHING CALL
Hop on a free 30 minute coaching call with our in-house business coach to discuss your business ideas.
The program includes five days of foundational business training, seven evening workshops, a $5,000 grant to reimburse business start-up expenses, plus ongoing coaching & mentorship as needed. During the program, participants will work on their business model and launching their venture at their own pace.
Real People. Real Results.
Tim Moser - Interland Resource Management (Terrace, BC)
Interland Resource Management (Terrace, BC)
“The program gave me the confidence to move ahead with launching my forestry consulting company, which ultimately became Interland Resource Management.
Steven Hunka - Hunka’s Tree Falling (Prince George, BC)
“The knowledge I gained from BYOF was even more valuable than the funding I received.”
Branden Frew – East Island Crane Service (Nanaimo, BC)
East Island Crane Service
“I would definitely recommend this program to anyone wishing to start a business. It provided an excellent base knowledge on business viability and what is needed to actually start a business.”
Khurram Mumtaz – Deliza Confections
“The BYOF program became the inflection point that transformed that dormant ambition into a structured, actionable pursuit. Where I once felt suspended in place, I now wake with a sense of purpose, energized by work that aligns with my passion and values.”
Tim Moser - Interland Resource Management (Terrace, BC)
Interland Resource Management
“Overall, I would definitely recommend this program. I’ve already referred several contacts to it. For anyone with a trade or interest in working for themselves, a focused, practical business course like this can make all the difference.”
Steven Hunka - Hunka’s Tree Falling (Prince George, BC)
Position
“The teachings and the individualised tailored-to-me coaching sessions helped me overcome my obstacles during my small business journey have proven very valuable, including the 'working on your business, not in your business', and learning the many things that tradespeople overlook when starting up.”
Branden Frew – East Island Crane Service (Nanaimo, BC)
A broad range of topics were covered and I felt much more confident that I could enter the business world and not make a critical mistake on start up. Funding provided by the grant was used to help finance the purchase of my own mobile crane which I now own outright”
Khurram Mumtaz – Deliza Confections
“The $5,000 grant served as both a symbolic and practical catalyst, enabling me to acquire essential commercial equipment that elevated my kitchen from a personal workspace to a functional micro-enterprise.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Who Is Eligible
- Forestry workers impacted by BC Mill Closures or Curtailments
- Individuals impacted by Tariffs
- Contractors, workers, and Bridging to Retirement participants are also welcome to apply.
To confirm whether you qualify, please contact us. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Call 250-563-2663 or email us at byof@northerninnovation.ca .
What You’ll Learn
Topics covered in the 5-day foundational business training and evening workshops include:
- How to find your market
- Business cash flow, expenses, and taxation
- Project management and quoting
- Operations management
- Sales and marketing
- Business models and goal setting
- The Entrepreneurial mindset
- Customer Service
- Sales & Cash Flow
- Project Management
- Leadership Skills
- Leadership Competencies
- Supportive Workplaces
- *OPTIONAL: HR Basics
$5,000 Grant
$5,000 is available as a reimbursement for business expenses.
The first half of the grant amount ($2,500) is available upon completion of the foundational business skills training, and providing a copy of your business license and receipts of eligible business expenses.
The second half (an additional $2,500) is available upon completion of the 8-month program, and providing proof of revenue in your business along with receipts of eligible expenses.
A wide range of business expenses are eligible, offsetting the costs encountered when starting your new company or growing your side hustle.
Coaching & Mentorship
Ongoing coaching & mentorship is available to back you up at every stage.
Coaches and mentors provide ongoing support and suggestions, help you overcome adversity, and ensure the bigger picture is carefully considered throughout planning, launching, and scale-up. Access coaching from a professional business coach or mentorship from an entrepreneur in your sector (as needed), as well as pre-and-post business launch coaching sessions to ensure you’re on the right track.
UPCOMING TRAINING COHORTS
We will be launching new cohorts throughout the province on an ongoing basis.
To find out about current and upcoming cohorts, or to request a new cohort in your community, please contact us.
Have A Question?
Call 250-563-2663 or email us at byof@northerninnovation.ca
Ready To Apply?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible for this program?
This program is for:
- Workers impacted by British Columbia Mill Closures or Curtailments
- Individuals in British Columbia impacted by Tariffs
- Contractors, workers, and Bridging to Retirement participants are welcome to apply.
To confirm whether you qualify, please contact us at 250-563-2663 or email us at byof@northerninnovation.ca.
Is there a cost to this program?
This is a free program for eligible participants, thanks to funding from the Government of British Columbia.
Who is delivering the program?
The BYOF program is delivered by Northern Innovation Network (formerly Hubspace), in partnership with program coaches, mentors, and facilitators from across the province.
What type of industries can I start a business in?
This program is designed for those who want to launch or grow a service-based contracting business. If you have a question regarding the eligibility of your business idea, please reach out.
Do I need to have a business idea before starting?
Nope! This program will help you explore opportunity, validate your market, and find the best fit for your skills and training – while providing you with the business knowledge needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.
When is the next cohort and where will it be?
We will be launching new cohorts throughout the province on an ongoing basis. To find out about current and upcoming cohorts, or to request a new cohort in your community, please see our website. Alternatively, you may contact us at: byof@northerninnovation.ca, or phone us anytime Monday to Friday between 9 and 5 at 250-563-2663.
I already have a small company that I have been running on the side, can I still join?
Yes! We are here to help you succeed; learn more about business basics, grow your competency as an entrepreneur and take your business to the next level.
What are the roles of the coaches and mentors?
Coaches and mentors provide ongoing support and suggestions, help participants overcome adversity, and ensure the bigger picture is carefully considered throughout planning, launching, and growth.
When can I access the $5,000 reimbursement?
The $5000 grant will be provided at 2 stages. The first half ($2,500) will be available at the end of the 5-day cohort training session, the second half will be available upon program completion. This is a reimbursement for business expenses. Receipts documenting expenses incurred are required.
What is the time commitment?
Each cohort of the program takes place over an eight month period.
Training has been carefully structured to minimize time commitment during daytime hours.
During the first month, the 5-day business training bootcamp is completed (eight hours per day).
Then, each month that follows will have a a three-hour long evening workshop held once per month, over 7 months.
Coaching and mentorship is ongoing during the program for a minimum of 3 sessions and additionally as required on an individual basis.
Participants are required to spend time over these right months between workshops working on their business.
What can I expect after I apply?
You can expect to hear back within 3-5 business days. Once you submit the BYOF application form, it will be reviewed by one of our staff. Please do not hesitate to reach out, if you wish to speak to a human. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Call 250-563-2663 or email us at byof@northerninnovation.ca
FUNDED BY:
DELIVERED BY:
