WHAT IS THE YOUNG MILLIONAIRES PROGRAM?

The Young Millionaires Program is a summer business/entrepreneurship program available to youth aged 9 to 16 which provides youth the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship. The program offers youth training, mentoring, and ongoing support, that will assist them to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.

Youth develop and expand their entrepreneurial skills through a series of workshops containing lessons and activities on basic business fundamentals such as; creativity and innovation, entrepreneurship, idea development, marketing, expenses and revenue, record keeping, customer service, and public speaking.

Applicants are approved based on completion of their application, business idea, business plan, interest, and enthusiasm. Once applicants complete the workshops, a detailed business plan, and an interview, they are accepted into the program. They are presented with a non-repayable start-up grant of up to $150 dollars for sole proprietorship and up to $200 for a partnership.

The Young Millionaires Program will attempt to:

● Teach youth fundamental business skills

● Develop problem solving skills to tackle challenges

● Provide opportunities to explore learning from failure

● Establish a sense of responsibilities, independence, and confidence

● Support youth entrepreneurs in commencing their own business

The Young Millionaires Program is offered Island wide by the following regional delivery partners listed below:

● Central Development Corporation – Central PEI

● Active communities Inc. – Eastern PEI

● CBDC – West Prince Ventures – Western PEI

● RDÉE Ile-du-Prince-Édouard Inc.- Francophone Program

● CBDC Central- Charlottetown Area

The Young Millionaires Program has been operating since 1992, and is funded through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Business Development Program and Innovation PEI.

Keep up to date on our adventures and events by following us online!

Instagram: @young_millionaires_program

TikTok:  @ymppei

Facebook:  @ymppei

Don’t forget to check out our past YMP commercials created by Josh Harris of Cobra Productions, a 2021 YMP business and Dominic Gallant of  Hamster Studio Original, a 2023 YMP business!

OUR

PROGRAMS

Young Millionaires Program

Explore Your Potential

At the Young Millionaires Program, we firmly believe that nothing is impossible.

We encourage the discovery and development of essential skills that will grow with each youth as they and their goals mature and offer a fun and safe environment for our inspired youth to reach for the stars.

Pre-registration is always welcome, with our registration officially opening in May and age-appropriate workshops beginning in June.  Youth that meet attend all workshops and submit a completed their business plan will be eligible for non-refundable grants of $150 for a sole proprietorship up to $200 for a partnership.

Youth are supported and encouraged throughout the summer by our amazing Program facilitators and Provincial Coordinator as they engage in group vending events and activities meant to inspire and motivate young minds to see the many connections between family, community and the businesses within them.

Young Entrepreneurs discover, develop and grow in Prince Edward Island.

For more information, email our central offices at ymp@centralpei.ca , or call 902-887-3400 and the Young Millionaires Program Provincial Coordinator will be happy to assist you.

 

This program runs from Registration in MAY until program completion in SEPTEMBER.

Shooting Stars

Reach for the Stars

The Shooting Stars program was designed to support and aid our young entrepreneurs in business or product expansion, creating an online presence or business, and strategic planning to ensure their and their business has the best chance at success.

We offer a informative workshops, a full year of support and mentorship to youth who:

  • choose to continue their businesses following the completion of the Young Millionaires Program.
  • has demonstrated an excellent understanding of program concepts
  • has met or exceeded their goals in the YMP program.
  • wish to bring their business online
  • has genuine interest in sharing their experiences with others
  • are earnest, honest, responsible, reliable and mature
  • would like to expand their business or product line

Shooting Stars will have access to the following:

  • Access to all YMP perks & sponsorship deals
  • One-time payment of $75 for consultation services as mentors to new YMP applicants in addition to funds received through this program.
  • Inclusion to all YMP organized events
  • Access to Facilitator and Provincial Coordinator support
  • Exclusive access to year-round venues
  • Opportunity to expand their skills and businesses
  • Access to additional funds and professional mentors
  • Access to selling events from September-May
  • Access to a small business loan through CBDC

This Program is exclusively for active youth who have completed the Young Millionaires Program , so join YMP today and learn while you earn now!

This program runs from October-May with the option to attend YMP events from June-September.

Youth Employment Program

March-August

Prince Edward Island is a very unique place to live and work.   There are so many opportunities for Islanders to succeed, from entrepreneurship to meaningful and satisfying employment.

Our goal within the Youth Employment Program is to provide a safe and fun environment for youth ages 12-15 to explore their interests and potential careers before they reach High School and must choose their courses.   We aim to provide youth with experience and skill development so that they can gain the confidence to follow their dreams.

We will explore our own personalities, learn coping and conflict resolution techniques, obtain  First Aid and/or Food Safety certification, learn about our individual strengths and weaknesses, and how to improve.

We will show the value in creating a skills based resume that can be easily adapted for any position, discuss the importance of a cover letter and practice the STAR interview process to set youth at ease.  We will also learn all about Employment Standards, focusing on youth employment standards, and discuss the process of filing a complaint so that youth are aware of their options and how to proceed.  Our facilitators will be available for support, mediation or  to brainstorm potential employment options.

All this will be done in a fun and safe environment and led by experienced and knowledgeable staff dedicated to helping youth achieve their goals.  Participants will be monitored throughout to ensure they are comfortable and that employers are following youth employment standards.

The purpose of this program is to not only allow youth to discover what they want to do, but to help them discover what they don’t.   We all have expectations that may not always be realistic.   The YEP will allow youth to determine if their chosen path is one they truly want to travel, and help them identify what skills and experiences will help them achieve their dreams.

 

You can sign up today for this PILOT program that will be offered in-person in the Central area with the option to follow along online.

Email ymp@centralpei.ca for more information or to register.

SUCCESS

STORIES

Western PEI – Kai Nurse

Hi my name is Kai Nurse and I am proud to say that I was a part of the young millionaires program.

In the young millionaires program I learned how to be an entrepreneur. The program gave us a clear idea of what to do, as far as marketing, where to sell, attitude and much more. They also gave us a heads up on what was upcoming in our journey of becoming an entrepreneur. I love this program, it’s perfect for meeting new people, learning how to start your own business either by yourself or with a friend. Now let's not forget about the money, if you do a good job and follow the instructions you can make some good money. In one summer I made close to $1000, i’m sure you can make that if not more in one summer. If you are gonna do this and expect to make money you will have to put in the work, an hour or 2 a day depending on what you are doing and set aside some time to sell your product and you are set.
Not that hard if you ask me.
Thanks,
Kai

2021 Young Millionaires Program Stars

Our 2021 YMP was exceptional in many ways.  We saw 137 amazing, inspiring and motivated youth join our community and create wonderful products, provide essential services, and established some strong connections with their peers and local businesses.  They have earned in excess of $50,000 in a relatively short time.

We would like to congratulate the following YMP business owners who have gone above and beyond in the creation, management or expansion of their businesses:

Chloe Schurman- Chloe's Designs ( Central )

Liam Bourque- Sandbox Science ( Charlottetown )

Jolène Gallant- Red Rock Jewelry ( Francophone )

Dawsen Clements & Sheppard Smallman - Dashin' Baskets ( Western )

Lennox Island Region

Hailey-Mae Gillis- Bug's Snuggle Bags ( Eastern )

Peyton Larkin & Akira Lane- The Mini Makers of PEI ( Central )

Check out our gallery  and see what they've been up to!

 

Porter Doiron

Porter Doiron started YMP when he was just 9 years old with his perler bead business making key chains and magnets geared around PEI tourism products and for 2 years sold his products at various locations around Cavendish and Charlottetown, PEI.

On his 3rd year he wanted to do something with more of a purpose to an everyday type of customer - which is where the natural soy candle idea evolved from.   Seaview Candles are all natural soy candles with amazing scents such as Nanny's Cinnamon Rolls based on real life inspirations.

You can check out his products on his instagram account : @seaviewcandlespei

For any other candle inquiries; striveformore@gmail.com; they will be available this season (2022) at Cottage Life Boutique, the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company and some other pretty amazing venues across PEI!

Each year he donates a portion of his proceeds to Santa's Angels.

You can check out his Atlantic Talk interview right here:

https://youngmillionairesprogram.ca/porter-doiron-atlantic-talk-interview/

Thank you, Porter, for being so awesome!

C & D's Honey

We are Cale and Denver Nelson and we started a business together as a Young Millionaires project.

Our business, C and D's Honey, sells unpasteurized local honey and beeswax products from our own beehives. We are involved at every step of taking care of our bees and with the honey bottling process. We have learned so much about taking care of bees.

Our "Honey Shack" at the end of our driveway in Montague continues to be a big hit, and we have been expanding over the past while to be involved with other businesses too!

For example: - Branching Out Island Artisan Market during the Christmas season - Growers Station.ca is providing delivery service to Island restaurants - Bogside Brewing Farmers Market - The Wheelhouse Restaurant in Georgetown.

The Young Millionaires program has helped us start and grow our business. They helped with the business plan, marketing, sales venues, grant money, business advice, etc. We would tell anyone interested to get involved and started with this program. It has been a great experience!

-- Thank you very much, Cale and Denver

C & D's Honey-Facebook

2022 Shout Out

Our 2022 Young Millionaires Program was absolutely phenomenal! We saw amazing successes and earnings across the entire Island with 142 Young Millionaires learning and earning over $75,000!

Special congratulations are in order for the following businesses:

Akira- She Rocks PEI- Highest Earnings
Chloe- Chloe's Designs- YMP Legend
Haylei- Nature's Decor- Western Entrepreneur of the Year
Consejo & Caleb- Seaside Treasures - Francophone Entrepreneur of the Year
Dakota & Kamryn- Gloss Boss - Eastern Entrepreneur of the Year
Justin & Jacob- J & J Grass Cutting & Snow Removal - Provincial Entrepreneurs of the Year
Sophie & Finley- Sopley's Art Market- Most Creative Business

Special Thanks to our Lennox Island Region, which saw a record number of youth this year as well.

Onward and Upward!

Darwin's Dough

Hi! I am Darwin and I started my mason jar cookie business called Darwin's Dough,

in 2020, I started small, with just 3 cookie flavors and I went door to door in my neighborhood selling my jars.

Over the last 2 years, I expanded my flavors and introduced seasonal sensations, added a tote bag for my product and attended many craft fairs and sales events.

My favorite part of my business is attending these events and getting do my sales pitch. I've learned a lot about marketing and made a couple of friends along the way. Some day I would love to expand my business and have many ideas to keep it going.

My advice to other kids is to join the Young Millionaire's program and don't be afraid to say hi to potential customers!

-Darwin's Dough

Darwin's Dough- Facebook

Seaside Treasures

Introducing our 2022 Francophone Entrepreneurs of the Year!

Seaside Treasures was created by grade 5 students, Caleb Lombardo and Leonardo Consejo in 2022. When the Young Millionaires Program came to their school in Rollo bay, it got them super excited to start their own entrepreneurial journey. They tossed around a few different ideas until they finally landed on one that fit them both perfectly. This is when Seaside Treasures came into existence.

Both young men live in the Souris area very close to beaches that are well known for having lots of seaglass. They each spend a lot of time at the beach in the summer where they collect seaglass, drift wood, shells, and any other unique treasures they find. They then bring them home to clean them, dry them, and turn them into beautiful pieces of artwork and jewelry. You can find their work at the Souris Farmers Market each Friday throughout the summer months, and hopefully the Mermaid Tears Festival in 2023.

They hope to expand their reach by offering their products at different storefronts throughout the eastern region in the near future.

Seaside Treasures- Facebook

Chloe's Designs

Hello!   My name is Chloe Schurman and I am the owner and creator of “Chloe’s Designs”.

I produce resin jewelry & have also started diversifying into other resin products , like charcuterie boards & ornaments. I am a creative person by nature and draw inspiration from my surroundings including the ocean, red sand beaches & cliffs, green fields and beautiful sunsets. My pieces are fun & vibrant and can be both simple or intricate in design, either way each piece is made with love!

I have been fortunate to be part of the Young Millionaires Program for 2 years now. It all started when I was 11 years old, my parents got me a resin kit for Christmas & after some experimenting, I found I had a natural knack and passion for resin making. I joined the YMP program that summer and it has been a whirlwind ever since.

The YMP Program is simply amazing, and I cannot speak highly enough of it. Their step by step program teaches you the basics of running your own business, from name branding and marketing, selling at the right cost , how to interact with people , tackling challenges along the way and so much more. Along the way you are supported by passionate knowledgeable people, who truly want to see you succeed. They present amazing vending opportunities which in turn give you confidence to reach for your dreams.

Since starting with YMP , I have been very fortunate to see my business succeed beyond my expectations, hitting 5 figures in profits over a 2-year period. Not only did I sell at markets, but have my products in consignment stores and also had a wholesale deal .I have earned the 2021 Highest Earner YMP Award Central Region & 2022 YMP Legend Award , in addition have been featured in Salt Wire, Journal Pioneer , in PEI Living “Top 10 under 20 article “ and also interviewed on HOT105.5 radio. By mentoring some In 2022, I realized I also inspire others to start their own businesses which is very rewarding.

For 2023, I am continuing with my business. You will find me at various markets across the island, doing custom jobs & maybe I will start with some online marketing too. To view my products or contact me , you can access my business page Chloe’s Designs from the link below:

http://www.bit.ly/ChloesDesigns

Remember, everyone has to start somewhere , so don’t hesitate and take a leap of faith & sign up for the YMP, you won’t be disappointed!!!

Best wishes

Chloe

2022 YMP Legend recipient & Shooting Star

Honey Bee Boats

I’m Wesley and I proudly own Honey Bee Boats!

Honey Bee Boats was born out of the desire to explore my new home, PEI.  I’d come from Alberta, where there’s not nearly as much water, and once here, I was gifted a model sailboat.  I found it and the art of sailing fascinating.  When I joined the Young Millionaires Program in the summer of 2021, I wanted to transform this new found love into a business.  Through the help of the start-up grant and many wonderful market opportunities that first year, I was able to turn a profit with my unique driftwood and sailcloth boats that either float or sail.  The next year, I continued with the program and was able to expand my products by adding new sail colors, sailboat shaped candles and even came up with a new product from my wood scraps.  All of this was possible as a result of the program’s workshops that helped me through writing a business plan and helping me keep on track with following it.

I’m proud to say that I have boats happily floating not only in North America, but also in Europe!  I’ve also been able to purchase my own 7’ sailboat, and more recently, my own ice boat that I plan on fixing up!  All this was made possible with a lot of hard work and much help from the Young Millionaires Program.  I have many goals for the future and can’t wait to see what I can accomplish!

Happy Sailing,

Wesley

She Rocks PEI

Hello future entrepreneurs!

My name is Akira Lane and I am the owner of She Rocks!

I employ my parents and pay them in loads of love! I design and create bracelets, fidget rings, and anklets. My jewellery is made with fine metals and semiprecious stones. They’re beautiful, if I say so myself!

I joined the Young Millionaires Program in the summer of 2021. With my partner Peyton as the Mini Makers of PEI, we were awarded as one of the Program Stars of 2021. In 2022 I ventured out on my own and began She Rocks!  I had an amazing year!  I was awarded the Highest Earner of the YMP program, with profits of over $18,000!

Last year I was excited to take part in a HOT105.5 commercial spot.  I was also featured in the 2022 summer edition of PEI Living Magazine's, ’10 under 20’.  Please click on the link here for the article: PEI Living article

You can find She Rocks at various markets during the year. Currently, I consign my bracelets at Red Island Handcrafted, Rosewood Refinery, and the Maker’s Place. I will also be a regular vendor at the Downtown Charlottetown Farmer’s Market over the summer months. To view my products or contact me, you can access my business page from this link:  She Rocks - Facebook

The Young Millionaires Program has been an amazing opportunity for myself. The program taught me so much and their support in invaluable.

Don't hesitate, join today!

Akira

Lil Soaps

We are Jacob and Claire MacDonald and together we wanted to create mini soaps that were both fun to use and smelled delicious.

In 2021 after the pandemic the need for soap was at an all time high and opportunity arose and so lil soaps was started.

We started out with only a few soap designs and scents and now have over 100 different shapes and scents to choose from. We enjoy changing out product with the seasons and customizing orders for our customers.

In 2023 we were interviewed by Saltwire and featured in PEI's The Guardian and St Johns The Telegram news paper.

link:  Saltwire Media article

With the knowledge and support received from the young millionaires we were able to achieve our business success and look forward to growing our small business.

Ava's Candy Clouds

You may have heard of the SWEETEST business currently open for business, Ava’s Candy Clouds!
 
Miss Ava began her cotton candy business in May 2023 and has attended many local events... and this young lady is 100% ready to begin selling her sweet treats again!
 
At just 11 years old, Miss Ava has learned that with hard work (and a little help from Mom), she can achieve anything! And oh, has she achieved great things already such as being the recipient of the 2023 YMP LEGEND award, which is only given to our most successful and determined youth!
 
She has also DIVERSIFIED by adding salty buttery popcorn to her products with a new product coming this summer as well. And we just can't wait!
 
To book Ava's Candy Clouds for your sweet upcoming event, contact her via Facebook! Don't delay! This amazingly sweet & salty business is often in high demand once the summer weather arrives!
 
Way to go, Miss Ava!

Juniper Fidget Co.

Lincoln started his business, Juniper Fidget Co, in the summer of 2023 at just 9 years old in the Charlottetown region.
 
Lincoln, who himself has an ADHD diagnosis, is able to explain to potential customers why and how his products work. He can personally vouch for their effectiveness in relieving stress, anxiety, and sensory compulsions, while also improving focus and concentration with his current inventory consisting of handmade fidget necklaces and keychains, stress balls, and food-grade silicone chew necklaces. 
 
How did he get started? Well, he began with a modest goal of making $150 over the summer months, and had earned $1300 by summer's end. To date, he has participated in several markets and has earned upwards of $2500!
 
Lincoln was really excited about the prospect of earning money through this process, but he was most excited to provide solutions and support for challenges that so many people face. His efforts have not gone unnoticed-Lincoln received the "Innovation and Social Impact Champion" title through YMP, and was recently nominated for, and won, an 'Access Award' through Resource Abilities-an award given annually to an individual who improves access for people living with disabilities and differences in the community.
 
Lincoln is a great example of how PASSION and KNOWLEDGE can play a major part in helping you choose your business path!
 
Go Lincoln!!! 😎

Juniper Fidget Co - Facebook

Hamster Studios Original

"Oh my Gallant!" exclaims our hero as he...

Dominic is one of our youngest YMP youth, but he has BIG dreams!

In fact, Dominic was the creator of our fantastic Lego-themed 2022 YMP commercial at just 9 yrs old.

Today, he is the writer, illustrator and publisher of Unicorn, a comic book series about a young man in Toronto who discovers he is anything but ordinary!

This talented young man is also the recipient of a variety of awards, such as the Central Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, Publication of the Year (Summerside Heritage & Culture Award).

To find out more, or to pick up your very own copy of Unicorn, Unicorn 2, and Unicorn 3 at Coles (County Fair Mall, PEI) Summerside or any HMS Office Supplies location, or check out Hamster Studios original on Facebook and Instagram!

Hamster Studios Original

 

Homemade HapPEIness

I’m Holly Arthur, and I own a small business called Homemade HapPEIness, where I make and sell postcards and framed pictures of PEI themed images made out of words associated with PEI.

This is actually my second business!  Two years ago, I started off my business career very differently, as a wire jewelry business called HA Jewelry. With that business I made earrings, necklaces, and rings from wire, beads, and sea glass. I sold at some of the Young Millionaires markets at Avonlea Village, and at various craft fairs, markets, and yard sales.

After that first summer, I realized that jewelry took too long to make, that lots of other people were making jewelry too, and that I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I thought I would. So, I decided to do something new. I had been playing around with ideas for a school project, and realized that these images I created would make great postcards and prints if I used PEI themed words and images. So, I used this idea to make the products for my new and improved business by importing the Word Art images to design the cards.

Last year I sold at Farm Day in the City,  YMP Community Day, the Dundas Agricultural Fair and more. I had a lot of interest and positive feedback about my products, and I was delighted to be named the 2023 Eastern Entrepreneur of the Year!

This year my focus is consignment.  I’m hoping to be selling my Anne-themed postcards and prints at Anne & Gilbert the Musical this summer.  I have asked to sell my products at the Gallery café in Charlottetown, and I have a list of other local gift and souvenir shops to contact in Montague and Charlottetown, so you may be seeing my products in stores soon!

My goal is to expand my business internationally. I am planning to get a website running soon to help my sales, and I have started designing some holiday cards based on my images, ready to sell at the Christmas markets this year.

I am so thankful for the Young Millionaires program for giving me the opportunity to start my own business, and for their training, guidance, and support. I have learned so much over the last 2 summers.

Make sure to keep a look out for Homemade HapPEIness cards and prints, coming to markets and gift shops near you soon or you can contact me at HOMEMADEHAPPEINESS@GMAIL.COM

2023 Shout Out

2023 was an exceptional year for our young entrepreneurs that saw many challenges, but also many successes.

Here we give a big YMP shout out to those youth who achieved and exceeded their goals.

Dominic Gallant- Provincial YMP Entrepreneur of the Year
Peyton Larkin- Highest Earnings ( Central )
Calum Allen- Most Postive ( Central )
Althea & Nyl Recio- Most Dedicated ( Central )
Lincoln Lajoie- Most Dedicated ( Central )
Ava Greencorn- YMP Legend ( Provincial )
Holly Arthur- Eastern Entrepreneur of the Year
Casen Arsenault- Francophone Entrepreneur of the Year
Jada Carragher- Most Positive ( Francophone )
Jack & Anna Johnston- Most Positive ( Eastern )
Lucy Cook- Most Dedicated ( Eastern ) 

Darrion & Miley Campbell- Highest Earnings ( Eastern )
Lacey Collicutt-Western Entrepreneur of the Year
Sopley's Art Market- Highest Earnings ( Charlottetown)
Lincoln Caissie- Social Impact Award ( Provincial )

 

 

 

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