SPARKING INNOVATION: North Forge and Met schools are inspiring young entrepreneurs

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As Global Entrepreneurship Month approaches this November, it’s a great time to reflect on how an entrepreneurial mindset can start at any age. The Met Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurship (MICE) Program, in partnership with North Forge, is proof that young people can spark innovative ideas and build real businesses from the ground up.

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What began in 2018 with only five students has grown into a thriving program consisting of 30 budding entrepreneurs learning how to bring their dreams to life. The distinctive partnership between Met Schools and North Forge equips students with the practical, hands-on experience necessary to create an authentic business. Far more than theory — these students are working with real business mentors, developing products, and solving real-world problems.

At the end of each term, students pitch their ideas to North Forge, their peers, mentors, and partners. In June 2024, MICE students presented a wide range of business ideas — from the production of hot sauce to graphic design companies, cosmetic brands, and even a trading card brokerage. North Forge leaders provide valuable feedback, helping students refine their business models and guide them on their entrepreneurial journeys.

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A standout feature of the program is “MICE Light,” introduced in 2020. Catering to Grade 9 students, this early-stage version of the program offers a taste of entrepreneurship, motivating students to start thinking about their future businesses — planting seeds of innovation, and fostering creativity and critical thinking long before students graduate.

The MICE Program now includes students from Maples Met, Seven Oaks Met, and Exchange Met. They emphasize project-based learning which includes weekly internships that complement the student’s entrepreneurial goals. This blend of practical work and education helps students develop strategies in every form of business, from creating clothing lines to social enterprises, robotics solutions, and renewable energy projects.

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North Forge, Manitoba’s leading innovation hub, plays a pivotal role in making this program successful. Not only do they provide workspace and weekly lessons, they also connect students with internships that help them refine their business ideas. Marney Stapley, Director of the North Forge Fabrication Lab (FabLab), sees this program as vital for cultivating future Canadian entrepreneurs. “This program will help create leaders who are more creative, collaborative, and competitive,” she says.

Stephen Sim, a well-known improvisation performer and teacher, leads the MICE program with creativity and enthusiasm, ensuring that students not only gain business acumen but also essential life skills. The program’s focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation sets these young entrepreneurs up for success in a rapidly changing world.

As we celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Month, it’s important to recognize that entrepreneurship isn’t only for adults — young people are just as capable of driving change and innovation. The MICE program demonstrates that with the right mentorship, resources, and support, students can turn their ideas into action. These young entrepreneurs aren’t simply dreaming about the future — they’re building it.

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