Youth Entrepreneurship Program helps Blood Tribe high school students achieve small business success
Story by Henry Heavyshield, Blood Tribe Communications Officer
Standoff, AB — The 21st annual Youth Entrepreneurship Program completed another successful year of introducing high school students to the world of small business. Founded in 2004, the program is a joint initiative between Blood Tribe Economic Development and Blood Tribe Employment and Skills Training. The six-week program provides 10 high school-aged students from the Blood Tribe with the support, training, and seed money to transform their small business dreams into a reality.
“We hope to give students the understanding that entrepreneurship is just another door for them to grow, start their own business, to create an opportunity for themselves,” said Norma Wolf Child, Small Business Development Officer for Blood Tribe Economic Development.
Program popularity grew each year, with approximately 70 applicants this summer. Interviews narrowed the field down to 10 successful students who moved onto the next stage and presented their business ideas to a panel of judges in a fun yet competitive Dragons’ Den – style pitch competition.
“They had a chance to kind of portray their whole business, everything from the business plan to the balance sheet, to their profits, and how they’re going to go about selling their products, you know, how they acquire their products,” explained Payton Tail Feathers, Assistant Youth Entrepreneur Coordinator.
The process helped students develop valuable interview, presentation, and project management skills that are transferable beyond the program.
Danica Mistaken Chief, owner of Cultural Creations, said the process was stressful but ultimately rewarding.
“It was very nerve wracking, but, once I pitched my idea, it felt easier for me and less anxious,” recalled Mistaken Chief.
Taysen Shouting, owner of Mistaki Market, shared a similar experience.
“All together it really showed me how to sell, and not be shy, and like how to use my social skills too,” said Shouting.
The program began with three weeks of in-class training where students were provided with foundational small business skills and knowledge. Workshops covered topics such as writing business plans, value proposition, budgeting, marketing and market research, and tools to deal with stress and time management.
The program also offered several hands-on teaching and mentorship opportunities for the young entrepreneurs. These included field trips to local businesses where they got to see firsthand the day-to-day work of running a small business.
They also benefited from presentations by guest speakers and Blood Tribe mentors. Students were also introduced to some of the success stories that have come out of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program from years past.
Charlie Russell was one of the presenters. He had completed the program while he was a student and is now the owner and operator of his own successful Blackfoot cultural business. He conducted a pemmican-making workshop and spoke to students about his own small business journey.
Trey Twigg, Youth Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, shared why this program is important for our community.
“Our youth are our future. I feel like we need to support them in order for them to grow and reach their goals,” said Twigg.
For three weeks, between July 28 – August 15, 2025, the students set-up shop in front of the Blood Tribe Administration Building. They offered a wide variety of products, from jewelry and handicrafts to churros and blind-box gift bags and more.
Twigg and Tail Feathers expressed how proud they were of their students’ dedication and initiative.
“One of our students actually took it upon himself and he emailed, personally, one of the retailers in Cardston, Eagle Spirit. It’s been going great. It sold out the second day here. His scarves and blankets, they’re going like hotcakes,” said Tail Feathers.
The students combined their personal interests with their assessments of the local economy to come up with the inspiration for their ventures.
For instance, Reece Many Bears, owner of Lucky Star Mini Bags, got the idea for his operation during a visit to this year’s Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo.
“I saw people doing the same thing where they made mystery bags, and I just kind of watched their table for a bit. And they did pretty good. I was like, well, there’s a youth entrepreneurship program. My two older brothers both did that. And you know, if I sign-up, I already have my idea,” said Many Bears.
The program provides a steppingstone for students who plan on continuing their small business careers beyond the program.
“I want to own my own business. I want to go to school for it, so I’m going to keep on doing this stuff,” said Shouting.
“It’s something I want to pursue after high-school, and being in this program has helped me gain more insight about being in business,” said Will Shade, owner of Sacred Brims. In addition to his studies, he also runs another online business with a friend.
Others shared that, regardless of career paths, running their own business was an enjoyable and rewarding way of spending the summer.
“Just meeting new people and spending half of the summer with them,” said Bevin White Quills, when asked what she would remember most about the program.
“My favourite thing was the learning, and experiencing what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, the hard work it takes. It’s really nice seeing our community coming out and supporting us,” said Selah Sweet Grass, owner of Niitsitapi Sweet Treats.
The program will conclude with awards to further inspire students to continue their career and educational journeys, including Future Entrepreneur Award, Best Attendance, and Most Dedicated. Stay tuned to BTEST and Economic Development’s webpages for the award winner announcements.
Blood Tribe Administration would like to congratulate this year’s participants and thanks all Blood Tribe Members who came out to support our next generation of talented young entrepreneurs.
