Special Projects funding from EDP Alberta helped Community Futures Meridian Region design and deliver a practical, inclusive way for rural youth to learn the basics of small business ownership. All 10 seats filled within 7 days, and every participant completed the program by October 2025.
The Youth Side Hustle Program is a hands-on, module-based entrepreneurship initiative designed for rural youth ages 12–18 in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The program introduces youth to business planning, branding, financial literacy, and self-employment through an accessible, disability-informed learning framework.
“Youth entrepreneurship isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. Our mission is to empower young people with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to turn their side hustles into thriving ventures.”
— Lori Feader, CEO, Community Futures Meridian Region
What the program delivered
The program aims to build confidence, encourage self-reflection, and help young people--especially those with visible and invisible disabilities—recognize entrepreneurship as a flexible and empowering career path through a hands‑on, 7‑module format:
- Business Idea
- Branding
- Canva Brand Kit
- Customer Profile
- Making Money (pricing & budgeting)
- Is Self‑Employment a Good Fit for Me?
- Health, Disabilities & Entrepreneurship
How Learning Happened
The program used teaching materials and delivery that met each individual participant where they were: one‑on‑one coaching, disability‑informed reflections, and a safe, adaptable learning environment for neurodiverse and anxious youth. The program also included incentive payments to help participants take first steps toward launch.
Appreciation and Takeaways
Feedback from the participants has been amazing:
“Thank you for doing this program. I hope more youth take advantage of it. The $250 grant will help me with my business setup and growth!”
“I thought it was perfect.”
“It’s amazing to teach young entrepreneurs how to start a business.”
“It was great—I have nothing that could be improved.”
And Core Takeaways reflect first time entrepreneurs everywhere:
“The amount I should sell my products for based on how much they cost to make.”
“How much advertising I need to do.”
Why it matters
Because youth were introduced to entrepreneurship in an accessible way, more of them now believe business ownership is open to them. Some will return to the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) later; others may tap Community Futures services—coaching, markets, or mentorship—sooner. That shift in belief also creates an early, healthy pipeline of future EDP clients, built on confidence and practical skills.
Funding and Partners
The EDP Special Projects Program supports additional funding for local Community Futures offices who have an entrepreneurship activity, event, or program in their region that will benefit individuals with disabilities, long term health conditions, or neurodivergence.
As well as partnering with Alberta EDP, Community Futures Meridian also collaborated with Saskatchewan EDP to help bring the Youth Side Hustle Program to life.
Interested in bringing the Youth Side Hustle Program to your region?
Please reach out to Lori Feader, CEO for Community Futures Meridian Region
Or if you are a community organization in Alberta and have a great idea for a project which directly supports entrepreneurs with disabilities, reach out to your local Community Futures office.
