Youth Entrepreneurship (YEP) Grant & Mentorship Program

Time Frame

Successful applicants will participate in a six-month, one-on-one mentorship partnership with a pre-selected business owner. Mentees will be new Red River Métis youth business owners 29 year of age and under (operating for less than two years), while Mentors must be established entrepreneurs with five or more years of business experience.

The upcoming cohort will run from April to October 2026. Please review the information below prior to applying.

What's in it for me?

Mentees (29 years of age or under, and in business for under two years) will receive a $3,000 participation grant to put toward their business in recognition of their commitment to the program. An initial $1,500 will be direct deposited at the start, with the remaining $1,500 awarded upon successful completion. Mentees will also earn a Certificate of Completion and, most importantly, gain invaluable one-on-one business coaching designed to support their growth and long-term success.

Mentors (five or more years in business) will receive a $1,000 honorarium, with $500 paid at the start of the program and the remaining $500 upon completion. In addition to a Certificate of Mentorship, Mentors will experience the meaningful reward of making a positive impact in our community-sharing their knowledge, leadership, and experience with an entrepreneur eager to learn and grow.

Commitment

Confidentiality

• All applications will be kept strictly confidential and are used solely to provide the selection committee with insight into applicants' entrepreneurial goals, values, and expectations, ensuring strong and thoughtful Mentor-Mentee matches. Following the close of the application period, all applicants will be notified of their status in mid March 2026 regarding selection for the April to October 2026 cohort.
• Any information collected throughout the program will remain confidential and will not be shared externally unless explicit consent (such as permission for a public testimonial) is provided by both the Mentee and the Mentor.

Self-led Partnerships

• Selected applicants will be introduced to their Mentor or Mentee through an LRCC-facilitated virtual introduction meeting. Immediately following this meeting, both parties will sign a formal participation agreement to confirm enrollment, and direct deposit information will be collected to facilitate program payments.
• After onboarding, each mentorship partnership will operate in a self-directed and flexible format. Meeting schedules, delivery methods (such as in-person or virtual), and discussion topics will be collaboratively determined, guided by the growth areas identified by the new entrepreneur. A minimum of one hour-long meeting per month is required throughout the program.

Coordinator Support

• Once the Mentorship Agreement has been finalized, participants will receive a set of program resources to support their partnership, including a Meeting Tracker to document sessions and progress. Throughout the six-month program, the Program Coordinator will conduct regular email check-ins to ensure commitments are being met and that both Mentors and Mentees are satisfied with the progress and outcomes of the partnership.
• At the conclusion of the term, both participants will be required to complete a feedback survey, helping to strengthen and inform future cohorts of the program.

Space is limited, and successful applicants will be selected based on several factors, including but not limited to, the best alignment with available mentors' skills, experience, and availability.

Please find the application links below. All applications must be submitted by Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Mentor Application: Louis Riel Capital Corporation - Mentor Application - Fill out form

Mentee Application: Louis Riel Capital Corporation - Youth Entrepreneurship Mentee Application - Fill out form

If you have any questions, please reach out to nataliek@lrcc.mb.ca.