A blonde white woman is mowing the lawn. The copy on the graphic reads "this program is ideal for youth entrepreneurs who are interested in launching and operating a summer business".

Learning how to run your own student business is one of the best summer jobs you can have. Through the Summer Company program, eligible youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29, can receive coaching, training, and grants to help them launch and operate a wide variety of businesses.

The program supports students with:

  • training and business skills development to help them create business plans and prepare to run their own business for the summer
  • $1,500 of start-up funding for the new business and an additional $1,500 upon successful completion of the program
  • mentorship and guidance from local business professionals and consultants

The Orangeville & Area SBEC will assist you with the development of your business plan and throughout your business operations during the summer. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills you’ll develop. The program deadline for applications is May 17, 2024.

Contact us for details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria?

View the eligibility checklist to see if you meet the program requirements. Applicants must:

  • be a high school, college or university student
  • live in Ontario
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • be between 15 and 29 years of age (if under 18, a parent needs to sign the application)
  • not be already running a business
  • not be working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
  • be returning to school after the program ends

If you have received a Summer Company grant in the past, you are not eligible to apply again. 

What kind of business can I run?

Examples of past Summer Company businesses include:

  • lawn and garden maintenance
  • window washing
  • swimming instruction
  • car detailing
  • photography
  • graphic design

You can choose to start almost any type of business, as long as it:

  • is a sole proprietorship or corporation (where you are the majority shareholder)
  • is an independent business venture (not a part of an existing or family business)
  • qualifies as “self-employed” for income tax purposes
  • operates in Ontario on a full-time basis
  • follows government rules for operating a business

If you have questions about whether or not your business idea is eligible, please contact us. 

How do I apply?

To learn more about the Summer Company program visit the Government of Ontario's website. Applications typically open in January with a deadline of early May. 

  1. Review the program guidelines and complete the eligibility questionnaire
  2. Submit an online application
  3. Once submitted, your application will be sent to the Orangeville & Area SBEC. We will follow up with you to provide you with a business plan and cash flow statement template. Our small business consultant is available to walk you through your application, if required
  4. If your application meets the program’s requirements, the Orangeville & Area SBEC will let you know if you have  been approved and if you qualify for grant funding

Meet this year's student entrepreneurs

A girl with long brown hair.

Ailsa Bogan-Randeraad – Best of Breed Dog Salon

Best of Breed Dog Salon is a homebased dog grooming service out of Mono, Ontario. The salon offers a range of packages which include bathing, conditioning, brushing, dematting, face and feet trimming, full body shaving, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. Learn more.

A girl with long brown hair.

Ava Murenbeeld – Refashioned

Refashioned gives new life to second-hand items and re-envisions them in a unique stylish way. The use of recycled materials not only contributes to the reduction of waste, but also results in pieces that offer a new take on vintage while not contributing to fast fashion. 

A young man.

James Convery – Happy Dog, Dog Walking

Happy Dog, Dog Walking offers dog walking services and is tailored to customers who are occupied during weekdays, when they are more likely to be busy and unavailable to take their pet out. Servicing Orangeville and Purple Hill.

A young man with brush cut hair.

Maurizio Ruggieri – Detailing Ninja

Detailing Ninja is a car care service based in East Garafraxa. Clients have the flexibility of dropping their car off at Marizio’s homebased location or opting for him to come directly to their home for onsite detailing. Detailing Ninja is dedicated to providing top notch cleaning and detailing solutions to car owners in Dufferin County. Learn more. 

A young man wearing a black sweater.

Nicholas Day – Nick of Time Lawn Care

Nick of Time Lawn Care provides grass cutting and trimming services in Orangeville and Mono. It offers summer contracts, weekly cuts, or lawn care on an as-needed basis.