Tariffs and Trade Updates and Information, visit www.chambercheck.ca
Tariffs and Trade Updates and Information, visit www.chambercheck.ca
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Discovering new ideas is the cornerstone of business success.
Innovation and creativity are essential drivers in modern business environments, offering organizations the ability to adapt, grow, and remain competitive.
The Youth Creativity Fund (YCF) – launched in 2022 – is doing just that by nurturing the next generation of innovative thinkers by providing them an opportunity to bring their creative ideas to life thanks to a bit of seed funding and valuable input from an array of community supporters assembled by the Business Education Partnership (BEP) of Waterloo Region.
“At its core, it’s always been about supporting young people with their big, creative ideas — but now we’re focusing a lot more on high school students, especially those in the 15–18 age range,” says Alethea Robinson, YCF Program Manager.
The program calls for these students to outline their ideas in an application to the BEP team, which if approved after meeting the necessary requirements will then be shared with the YCF Program Committee for final approval which results in funding up to $1,000 per project. The committee consists of HIP Developments CEO Scott Higgins, educator Camelia Nunez and Nicole Fernandes, Operations Manager for Enbridge Gas.
Chambers collaborating on program
The BEP team will also work with those students whose applications may not have initially been accepted to finesse their submissions and those who do receive approval can re-apply again in the future once they have completed a report outlining the outcome of their project.
“Fostering this kind of creativity is key for not only the future of our community, but our job creators for the rest of the 21s century,” says Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Greg Durocher.
Both the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and Great Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce are collaborators of this program, which also includes a list of local businesses and organizations as supporters.
“Having that support of local businesses and business leaders is a great way to ensure the continuation of this important initiative,” he says.
According to a recent report, in the first half of 2025 the YCF has supported 44 various projects led by 89 students through the distribution of $38,500 in microgrant funding.
“There isn’t really a ‘one-size-fits-all’ applicant — and that’s the best part,” says Alethea. “We’ve had students who are entrepreneurs at heart, others who are more into tech and innovation, and others who just want to bring people together through art, culture, or community service.”
Success stories include the creation of an AI-powered app called ‘Linkage’ designed to connect seniors and teens based on shared interests, geography, and life experience, as well as the organization of a community event called Walk for Hope which involved more than 550 students and raised over $28,000 for KidsAbility, a local non-profit that supports children with developmental needs. Their goal was $24,000.
Students feel pride in their ideas
“We’ve seen everything from tech hackathons and AI-powered apps to community events, art projects, and small businesses,” says Alethea. “What I love is that it’s about what youth are doing outside the classroom, or even in school clubs that really connect with the community.”
She says seeing the pride on the faces of the participants when they realize someone supports their idea is something that resonates with her as program manager. According to organizers, 94% of participants have reported learning a new skill or gaining knowledge.
“It makes them feel rooted in the community in a whole new way, and I think that’s really powerful,” says Alethea, adding word of mouth has been a big help in attracting applicants especially when students see their friends receive funding. “We also do outreach through schools, teachers, and community partners so that young people know the fund is there for them. Keeping the application process simple has made a big difference. We want it to feel approachable, not intimidating.”
She insists not overthinking their projects is key for students thinking about applying and that passion knowing they have an idea which can make a difference in the community is all that is required.
Visit youthcreativityfund.ca to learn more.
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Brian Rodnick 300 June 7, 2026 |
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Greg Durocher 41 July 28, 2023 |
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce 24 January 29, 2021 |
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Cambridge Chamber 2 March 27, 2020 |
750 Hespeler Road Cambridge, ON N3H 5L8
Phone: 519-622-2221
Fax: 519-622-0177
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