The Summer Company program has helped dozens of area youth get a start in small business. Offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Summer Company provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.

About the program

The Summer Company program offers:

  • training and business skills development to help youth 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

How to 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 

Eligibility

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

You cannot apply again, if you have received a Summer Company grant in the past.

Participants

Check out these past Summer Company participants to see the successful business ventures supported by this program.

Cameron Sheedy – Headwaters Pest Control and Lawn Services

Headwaters Pest Control and Lawn Services owner, Cameron Sheedy, is a licenced pesticide operator with a wealth of experience in commercial and residential pest treatments. He offers free consultations and will provide a competitive quote to meet your needs. The professional service targets insects and rodents including ants, spiders, wasps, mice and other pesky intruders. Cameron also provides garden treatments to protect flowerbeds from potentially harmful insects. Additional services provided by the company include lawn and garden maintenance as well as mosquito and fly control.

Michaela Donato – Donato Design

Design student Michaela Donato wants to help you turn your house into the home of your dreams. Donato Decor offers in-home décor services ranging from designs and décor to rearranging and organizing. Michaela provides individualized consultations for new homeowners, people preparing to downsize, or folks who just want a fresh, new look.