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.
Meet the Mentors
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Lyrique Richards
Stories and Sweets Co-founder
Author. Storyteller. Community Builder.
Lyrique is the author of #1 bestseller Dear Black Girl, Let Me Hold Your Pain and a speaker devoted to helping others claim their power and share their voice. She brings her eye for intentional storytelling and her deep community roots to every event we craft. -
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Zharia Gallimore
Stories and Sweets Co-founder
Baker. Entrepreneur. Sweet Creator.
Zharia is the founder of Zar’s Cookie Jar — the delicious, creative spark behind the “sweets” in Stories and Sweets. Her work reminds us that food is a story in itself — one that connects, comforts, and celebrates all at once.
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.