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.

Program open for application

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