PROGRAM LAUNCH DATES BELOW
Government-funded* business startup program for technicians & tradespeople affected by BC mill closures and curtailments.
- $5,000 grant for business expenses
- Attend our 5-day foundational business training
- Access ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support
- Engage in monthly 3-hour training workshops for seven months
*This is a free program for eligible participants
Eligible participants are all 3:
- A tradesperson or technician (employees and contractors are both eligible) in any forestry sector.
- Affected by a BC mill closure or extended curtailment.
- Interested in operating a trades or technician service business.
Learn more now:
Fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to you with further details. To speak directly to a human, call us at (250) 563-2663 or email us anytime at info@hubspace.ca.
Smithers – November 2023
Terrace – December 2023
Prince George – Winter 2024
New Communities Coming Soon!
Workshops can be attended in-person OR online. Inquire to learn more, or submit an application.
About Build Your Own Future
Build Your Own Future (BYOF) is a Government funded business startup program for tradespeople and technicians who have been affected by mill closures or curtailments.
BYOF offers a comprehensive package of training, coaching & mentorships, and skill-building workshops to help you successfully launch your own business and develop into an effective entrepreneur.
Looking to elevate your side gig into a full-time venture? We’re here to help you turn those weekend jobs into something bigger. And yes, we’ve got your back on some of the costs too.
Whether you’re facing a sudden career shift or looking to seize new opportunities, this trades startup program is tailored to you.
How it works
1. Training
- One week of intensive business workshops to provide a strong foundation.
- Seven monthly skill building workshops, held over 3 hours in the evening.
Training will include topics such as: finances, marketing & sales, operations, project management, customer service, leadership, diversity, and more.
This program has been carefully structure to minimize time commitment during daytime hours.
2. 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.
3. $5,000 Grant
$5,000 is available as a reimbursement for business expenses.
Half of this amount ($2,500) is available upon completion of the foundational business skills training. The second half (an additional $2,500) is available upon completion of the 8-month program. A wide range of business expenses are eligible, offsetting the costs encountered when starting your new company or growing your side hustle.
The time commitment for this program is 5 days of in-person foundational business training, 7 evening workshops over a 7 month period, and coaching & mentorship as needed. Between workshops, participants are required to spend time working on their business models and launching their venture at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can this program help me?
This program will provide you with the resources, support, and training needed to help you launch your own business with confidence with a supportive team behind you.
What kind of workers qualify for this program?
This program is for tradespeople and technicians in the forest industry affected by mill closures or curtailments. 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 info@hubspace.ca .
Do I need my Red Seal to be considered a tradesperson?
No, you do not need to be Red Seal certified to qualify as a tradesperson.
Is this a free program?
YES. This is a fully funded program for eligible participants, thanks to funding from the Provincial Government of British Columbia.
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 start the process of taking your business to the next level.
Do I need to have my business idea concretely decided before starting this program?
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.
What types of industries can participants have their businesses in?
If you have a question regarding the eligibility of your business idea, please reach out.
How long will this program last?
The program is currently funded until 2026; the duration of each cohort is 8 months. Training has been carefully structured to minimize time commitment during daytime hours. After the 1-week of business training workshops, 3-hour workshops are held once per month in the evening. We endeavour to schedule your coaching around your other commitments.
Is this program open to the whole province?
Yes, tradespeople and technicians in any BC community that experiences a mill closure or extended curtailment qualify for this program. Employees, contractors, and those taking advantage of the Bridging to Retirement Program and eligible to participate.
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 info@hubspace.ca
Who is delivering the program?
The program is delivered by a team of Hubspace employees, program coaches, and mentors, and facilitators from across the province.
What are the roles of 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 scale-up.
When can I access the $5,000 grant?
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.
How much of a time commitment is it?
8 hours a day for 5 days, 3 hours per month for each capacity building workshop (for a total of seven workshops), ongoing coaching (minimum 1 hour per month), and mentorship (as needed). Participants are required to spend time between workshops working on their business models and getting started in their industry.
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 contact us at info@hubspace.ca or phone us anytime Monday to Friday between 9 and 5 at 250-563-2663.
Where can I go to learn more?
Check out our website, or reach out directly: If you have any questions or prefer to speak with a team member, our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Give us a call at 250-563-2663 or email us at info@hubspace.ca.
Still have questions? Prefer to speak with someone?
Call us: Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm at 250-563-5663.
Or, email us anytime at: info@hubspace.ca.
This Program Is Sponsored By:
Our Supporters.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the generous support of our sponsors.
