Stories and Sweets Presents
BUILDING THE FUTURE
A youth entrepreneurship mentorship program connecting Ottawa students with real-world mentors to explore ideas, build confidence, and showcase their potential.
Students in Grades 9–12 work alongside entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals for three days of hands-on mentorship, followed by a public showcase where they present what they’ve built and learned.
July 7-10, 2027
Mentorship. Entrepreneurship. Opportunity.
Building the Future is an annual initiative by Stories and Sweets designed to connect Ottawa youth with mentors who are actively building businesses, brands, and careers.
Students gain direct exposure to entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, and real-world problem solving. Mentors share their experience while also gaining new perspectives from the next generation.
Together, they explore ideas, develop skills, and build something meaningful.
How the Program Works
A Four-Day Hybrid Mentorship Experience
Building the Future combines virtual mentorship sessions with an in-person showcase, making the program accessible while still creating a meaningful community celebration.
Students and mentors connect online for the workshop portion of the program, then gather in person to share what they’ve built.
Day 1–3: Future Builder Sessions (Virtual)
Students and mentors join a shared program call hosted by Stories and Sweets.
Participants are placed into small breakout rooms with their mentor, where they spend time learning, asking questions, and working through ideas together.
These sessions may include conversations about:
• entrepreneurship and starting a business
• storytelling and personal branding
• creativity and idea development
• marketing and promotion
• navigating challenges and opportunities
Students gain direct insight into how mentors built their careers while developing their own ideas and confidence.
Because these sessions are virtual, students can participate from home while still having meaningful one-on-one time with their mentor.
Day 4: Community Showcase (In Person)
The program concludes with an in-person showcase in Ottawa where students present what they’ve learned and developed during the mentorship sessions.
The showcase is designed to feel like a science fair or vendor-style experience, where students can share their ideas with:
• family members
• mentors
• community members
• local entrepreneurs
Students may present:
• a business idea
• a creative concept
• a brand or product idea
• a short pitch or presentation
The goal is to celebrate their work and give them the opportunity to share their voice.
Building the Future is free for both students and mentors.
The program is designed to remove barriers so that young people can access mentorship, learn from experienced professionals, and explore their ideas in a supportive environment.
Students will receive volunteer hours for their participation.
Why This Program Matters
For Students
Students gain:
• real mentorship from entrepreneurs and professionals
• volunteer hours for their participation
• confidence in sharing ideas and speaking publicly
• exposure to entrepreneurship and creative careers
• connections that may lead to co-op placements, mentorship, or summer opportunities
For Mentors
Mentors gain:
• the opportunity to give back to the next generation
• fresh insight and reverse mentorship from youth perspectives
• connections with emerging talent
• the chance to inspire and guide future leaders and creators
Ready to Build the Future? Whether you're a student eager to learn or a mentor ready to give back, we invite you to be part of this experience.
Explore Our Mentors
Students choose the mentor they would like to work with.
Our mentors come from a wide range of industries including entrepreneurship, creative business, publishing, design, food, marketing, wellness, and more.
Each mentor brings their own story, experience, and perspective to the program.
Students in Grades 9–12 in the Ottawa region who are curious about entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership are encouraged to apply.
You do not need to already have a business idea. Curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn are what matter most.
Who Can Apply
We welcome mentors who are entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, and business leaders who want to invest in the next generation.
Mentors guide students through conversations about their work, their journey, and the realities of building something meaningful.
Become a Mentor
About Stories and Sweets
We welcome mentors who are entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, and business leaders who want to invest in the next generation.
Mentors guide students through conversations about their work, their journey, and the realities of building something meaningful.