Cornwall, Ontario – Students looking to do something different this summer can now apply for funding to help them start a small business.
Summer Company is a program funded by the Government of Ontario to help students with start-up money to kick-off a new summer business. The program includes advice and mentorship from the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre and local business leaders to help get the business up and running.
Learning how to run a business is one of the best summer jobs a student can have. Participants of the program get to be their own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills participants will develop.
“The creativity that sparks the entrepreneurial spirit can start at any age,” said Shauna Baggs, Business Consultant with the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre. “The Summer Company Program gives students the tools they need to develop their idea into a full-time summer job and may even be the beginning of a successful long-term business.”
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Summer Company program, participants must:
- Be in school now, and are returning to school in the fall
- live in Cornwall, S.D.G, or Akwesasne
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- be between 15-29 years old
(if under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant) - are not already running a business
- are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
There will be a Virtual Summer Company information session on April 11th from 5:00-5:30pm. Register here
For Summer Company program guidelines visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/summer-company-program-guidelines
Financial Support
Students who are accepted into the Summer Company program will receive up to $1,500 up front to help with start up costs. An additional $1,500 will be available for participants who successfully complete the program requirements by the end of the summer. In total, successful Summer Company participants will receive up to $3,000 in grant awards.
How to Apply
Those interested in applying for the 2024 program must complete their applications by May17th 2024. The Business Enterprise Centre encourages those interested to submit applications as early as possible in order to have the best chance of being accepted.
To apply visit: www.ontario.ca/summercompany
The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre staff are available to assist in completing applications and answering questions. Contact the centre by calling 613-930-2787 ext. 2276 or email Sydney Smith at sysmith@cornwall.ca
2nd Annual Youth Entrepreneurship in Action Event is Back
Join us on April 11, 2024, at Aultsville Theatre for this incredible opportunity to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in young people throughout of our region! Admission to the event is free, thanks to the generous support from our community partners.
Event Details
- Date: April 11, 2024
- Arrival: 9:30AM-9:55AM
- Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
- Location: Aultsville Theatre, 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, ON
- Cost: FREE! (limited sitting, register early)
- Register for Event: 2024 Youth Entrepreneurship Event
About the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre
The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne by offering information, tools and support during the start-up and growth stages of business operation. This includes administration of the Summer Company and Starter Company PLUS programs. The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development and funded in part by the Government of Ontario.
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is located at 100 Water Street East (Cornwall Civic Complex) and can be contacted by phone at 613-930-2787 x 2276 or online at:
