BEYOND ብር Beyond Birr (ብር)
For Parents & Guardians

Your trust means everything.

We know that as a parent, you want the best for your child, and we take that trust seriously. Here is everything you need to feel confident about their three weeks with us, and how to apply.

A note from our team

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Thank you for supporting your child's application to Beyond Birr. Your willingness to invest in their growth means more than we can put into words.

Beyond Birr is a safe, structured, and culturally grounded space where your son or daughter will be challenged, encouraged, and celebrated. Every mentor, guest speaker, and team member in this program looks like your child and has walked a path they can learn from.

If your child is accepted, you will receive a welcome package with the full schedule, venue details, and everything you need to feel confident about their participation.

With gratitude,
The Beyond Birr Team

The Program

What your child will do

Twelve in-person sessions from August 10 to 27, Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 2PM, in Calgary.

Build

Team-based business development

Students form teams, shape an idea, and develop it into a real small business with a $100 seed fund behind it.

Learn

Speakers & workshops

Guest speaker sessions with community role models, plus career-readiness workshops that outlast the summer.

Launch

Market, pitch & field trip

A real pop-up market on August 25, a final pitch showcase, and a field trip to Calgary-based businesses on August 27.

Good to know

Safety and logistics

Cost

Completely free

The program is free of charge. Each student team also receives a $100 seed fund to launch their market-day business. Your family pays nothing.

Getting there

Transportation support

Students can attend using their own transportation or public transit. Calgary Transit youth passes may be available, and if your child needs transportation support, contact us to discuss options.

Health & safety

Prepared and careful

We collect allergy and medical information, keep emergency contacts on file, and program staff are authorized by you to seek emergency medical attention if it is ever needed.

Consent first

Nothing without your signature

Participation, the field trip, media use, and direct communication with your child all require your written consent through our parent and guardian consent forms.

How to apply

Three simple steps

1

Fill out the application

Complete the application form. Questions first? Email info@beyondbirr.ca or call (587) 966-2963.

2

Sign the consent forms

We'll send the parent/guardian consent form and media release form for you and your child to review and sign together.

3

Get the welcome package

Accepted families receive a welcome package with the full schedule, venue details, and everything needed to start on August 10.

FAQ

Common questions

How much does the program cost?
Nothing. Beyond Birr is completely free, and every student team receives a $100 seed fund from the program to launch their business for market day.
Who can join?
Ethiopian and Eritrean youth aged 14 to 18 in Calgary. No business experience is expected; mentors and workshops guide every step.
When and where does it run?
August 10 to 27, 2026, Monday through Thursday from 10AM to 2PM, across 12 sessions in Calgary. Venue details are shared with accepted families in the welcome package.
What happens on August 25?
Pop-up market day. Every team launches its business at a real market and sells to real customers. Family and community are welcome, see the Market Day page.
What happens on August 27?
The final day: a field trip to various Calgary-based businesses, alongside the program's final pitch showcase.
What if my child needs help getting there?
Calgary Transit youth passes may be available, and if your child needs further transportation support, contact us to discuss. We'll work something out together.

Invest in their growth.

Applications are open for Summer 2026. We would be honoured to have your child in the room.