Trades to Self Employment

You know how to do the work. Now, what would it take to build a business around it?

A 5-day, hands-on business intensive for tradespeople who are thinking about starting their own business, taking on independent work, or turning an existing side hustle into something more.

You already have the skills to do the work. But running your own business means knowing how to price and quote jobs, manage cash flow, market your work, understand insurance and WCB, find customers, protect yourself with contracts, and keep projects on track.

Trades to Self-Employment is a partnership between Yukonstruct and Yukon Women in Technology and Trades (YWITT), bringing together practical business training with a supportive, community-focused approach to help tradespeople build the skills, confidence and connections to take the next step toward self-employment.

We fully understand that your time matters. Participants will receive an honorarium for the week to help replace income they would otherwise lose by stepping away from paid work.

You don’t need to have a business plan or a registered business to apply. Whether you’re just exploring the idea of working for yourself, already taking on occasional jobs, this program is designed to meet you where you’re at.

Apply Now!
What you’ll learn

Over five days, you’ll work through the practical fundamentals of starting and running a trades business, including:

  • Build your business model
  • Find your market
  • Price, estimate and quote work
  • Understand your money
  • Get your requirements in place
  • Protect yourself on the job
  • Find customers and build your reputation
  • Market your business
  • Manage projects and operations
  • Make the shift from tradesperson to business owner
  • Explore funding opportunities
This isn’t a week of sitting through lectures. You’ll be working on your business throughout the week.

By the end of the week, you’ll leave with:

  • A Lean Canvas Business Model to map out your business
  • Market clarity who your target customers are and what they need
  • Practical tools for pricing, estimating, and quoting your work
  • Stronger command of your numbers – cash flow, expenses, and taxes
  • The licensing, insurance, WCB, and permitting requirements you’ll need to navigate
  • Practical approaches to finding customers and marketing your business
  • A clearer sense of your next steps toward launching or formalizing your business
Who should apply?

We’re looking for tradespeople and hands-on workers who are interested in starting, formalizing or growing their own business.

You might be:

  • Thinking about owning a trades business someday
  • Exploring a business idea but aren’t sure where to start
  • Ready to turn your trade skills into a business
  • Already taking on occasional independent or side jobs
  • Operating informally and ready to formalize your work
  • Running a part-time or existing business and looking for ways to improve or grow

You do not need to have a registered business or a completed business plan to apply.

The program is open to tradespeople of all genders, with 70% of participant spots reserved for women and gender-diverse people.

What kinds of work can you build a business around?

We’re interested in a wide range of trades, skilled work and hands-on services, including:

  • Carpentry and woodworking
  • Renovation and home improvement
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing and heating
  • Welding and metal fabrication
  • Automotive and mechanics
  • Heavy equipment and equipment operation
  • Landscaping and grounds maintenance
  • Snow removal and winter services
  • Property maintenance
  • Painting and finishing
  • Roofing and siding
  • Drywall and flooring
  • Concrete and masonry
  • Cleaning and specialized cleaning services
  • And other skilled trades or hands-on services

Don’t see your work listed? You can still apply.

Program Details

Duration: 5 Days
Format: In Person at Yukonstruct
Cohort: 12 Participants
Timing: December 7th to 11th
Cost: Free to selected participants

Honorarium: Participants receive an honorarium for their time during the program to help replace income they would otherwise lose by stepping away from work.

Travel subsidies are available for folks coming in from communities to help offset travel costs.


Supporting You Beyond the Five Days

The support doesn’t end when the week does. Participants will have access to a follow-up evening session, sponsored one-on-one support, and connections to other entrepreneurs, tradespeople and business supports as they take their next steps.

Ready to take the next step?

You know the trade. Let’s build the business.

If you’ve been thinking about working for yourself, taking on more independent work, or turning your side hustle into something bigger, this five-day intensive is designed to help you figure out what comes next.

Apply Now!

Not sure if you’re ready? That’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you apply. Contact ryan@yukonstruct.com to inquire.