Teaching Canadian Youth to Fail Forward

In this exclusive feature, AJ Tibando, CEO of Shift Canada, shares how the national charity empowers young Canadians to embrace entrepreneurial risk, build confidence, and develop an innovative mindset through entrepreneurship education.

In 2026, Shift Canada’s Shift Failure program reached over 330,000 students, bringing its total reach to more than 640,000 students since launch. AJ discusses helping young people overcome the fear of failure, navigate AI-driven uncertainty, and turn creative ideas into opportunities.

Shift Canada’s new survey suggests that young Canadians’ comfort with entrepreneurial risk is strongly shaped by exposure, whether through family, school, or programs. Why does entrepreneurial confidence begin with exposure, and what does this mean for Canada’s future economy?

Why Exposure Builds Confidence

Our sense of what is normal or acceptable is shaped by the environment around us – what we see and experience and how much we can relate to those doing it. To feel confident as an entrepreneur, you need to be exposed to an environment where you see people taking risks, failing and adapting, thinking big and being boldly ambitious.

For Canada’s future economy, we need more young people to feel confident building, creating, and pursuing ideas in a rapidly changing environment. By giving students the tools and mindset to take thoughtful risks and exposing them to entrepreneurial thinking at a young age, we can help equip the next generation to create their own opportunities and strengthen Canada’s long-term prosperity.

The research shows that 82% of young entrepreneurs who used entrepreneurship programs found them helpful, yet only 30% have used one. Why is interest in entrepreneurship outpacing action, and what barriers are stopping more young Canadians from accessing practical support?

Barriers to Practical Support

Interest can outpace action when young people don’t yet see entrepreneurship as accessible. Exposure matters. If you haven’t seen people like you start businesses, take part in a program, or get room to test ideas, taking that first step can feel risky – and scary! 

Financial pressure and uncertainty can add to that hesitation. Young Canadians are navigating affordability concerns and a changing job market, so practical support needs to make entrepreneurship feel more tangible. 

“To teach youth to “fail on purpose” means helping them understand that failure is not judgment – it’s data.”

Young people are entering a job market shaped by affordability pressures, changing education pathways, and uncertainty around AI. How are these forces affecting their confidence, and what do young Canadians say they need from educators and mentors that they are not receiving today?

Confidence in an Uncertain Market

These changes and uncertainties are creating real challenges for young people and forcing many of them to rethink their career paths or plans. One of the most important things that young people can have to help maintain their confidence and turn uncertainty into opportunity is an entrepreneurial mindset. That doesn’t mean they need to all become entrepreneurs, but it’s about seeing themselves as being in control of their choices, being able to adapt to change, manage risk, embrace failure and innovation, and stay open to opportunities as they arise. 

Your research found that 38% of young Canadian entrepreneurs feel AI has made starting a business riskier, while only 11% say it has lowered the risk. Why do you think AI is producing this reaction, and how can young people use the technology without letting fear or hype prevent them from acting?

Using AI Without the Fear

Many young Canadians are still figuring out how AI will affect their jobs, industries, and business opportunities. There are a lot of competing messages about its impact, so it is understandable that some see it as increasing risk.

At the same time, though, it’s important to recognize that AI can also create opportunities. It can help young people research markets, test ideas, and explore business concepts before committing significant time or resources. 

The key is not to let fear or hype make decisions for them. Young entrepreneurs should stay curious, build their skills, and treat AI as one tool they can use to learn, adapt, and move their ideas forward. But most important of all, nothing can replace the real, human touch.

Shift Canada’s Shift Failure program reached more than 330,000 students in 2026, and 96% of participating students reported more confidence taking creative risks. What does it mean to teach youth to “fail on purpose,” and what final advice would you offer Canadian small business owners, educators, and parents who want to help the next generation become more resilient and entrepreneurial?

Learning to Fail on Purpose

To teach youth to “fail on purpose” means helping them understand that failure is not judgment – it’s data. Like a scientist running an experiment, students can test an idea, reflect on what happened, learn from it, and adapt their next attempt.

For small business owners, educators, and parents,  make room for young people to try. Share real stories of setbacks, celebrate thoughtful risk-taking, not just perfect outcomes, and help them see that confidence grows through action. 

As our survey revealed, early exposure matters. When young Canadians see entrepreneurship as something real people do, and learn that mistakes are a normal part of building anything meaningful, they are more likely to pursue their ideas with the courage and resilience our country needs.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Our platform is dedicated to fostering dialogue and sharing insights that inspire and empower small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.