Kenora’s Youth Were Takin’ Care of Business at the Youth Enterprise Day Camp

The City of Kenora is thrilled to celebrate the success of this year’s Youth Enterprise Day Camp, held Monday, August 18 through Friday, August 22, 2025. Hosted and facilitated by the City’s Economic Development Department, the week-long program brought 13 dedicated youths, ages 9 to 12, together to learn about entrepreneurship, meet local business owners, and have some fun along the way.

Fuelled by the sounds of Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business”, the camp’s theme song, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through interactive activities, local business tours, and hands-on project development. Each camper worked through the elements of their own business plan including budgeting, marketing, and meeting with a Loans Officer at Northern Credit Union. The campers worked to develop and create their products and had the opportunity to showcase their businesses at a mini pop-up market under the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion.

“We are incredibly proud of the campers! Each one put in tremendous effort building their businesses, and it was amazing to watch their ideas grow and each camper work through problems,” says Allyson Pele, Economic Development Officer. “What stood out most was the collaboration and teamwork among the campers, even though each led their own businesses.”

Hazel, one of the campers, shared, “My favourite part of business camp was getting to create your own business and being able to sell your product at the market on Friday. We did fun activities like visiting other entrepreneurs at businesses in town. I also like the counselors; they were very kind and helpful. I can’t wait to do it again next summer!” 

Esme, a parent, noted, “This was my daughter’s third time doing the Youth Enterprise Day Camp in Kenora and she’s already looking forward to next year! She has learned so many things about business and has gained confidence in her ideas and interactions with people. The counsellors were so encouraging and positive and helped to develop her plan to ensure success at the market. It is a unique and engaging camp and really is a highlight of her summer!”

The Economic Development Department is proud to celebrate the creation of 13 new businesses in Kenora:

• Beads and Braids by Hazel
• I Make It, You Bake It by Addaleena
• Keewatin Jewels by Emma
• Stuff Stuffed Stuffies by Adele
• Super Slime by Ivan
• Candy Bag Co. by Jaxon
• Winnipeg River Candy Co. by Nolan
• Kenora Hot Chocolate Co. by Charles
• Go Fish LOTW by Thomas
• Bio Gen by Owen
• Lakeshore Art Inc. by Hailey
• Canada Key Chains by Franklin
• Be Happy Stay Crafty by Anna

This annual initiative is made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors dedicated to cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs: Northwest Business Centre, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, Harbourtown BIZ, Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation, and the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce.