The Stratford Perth Centre for Business has announced the application process has opened for local students who want to open their own summer business.
Summer Company is an Ontario government program for students between the ages 15 and 29. It's supported by the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, with the mentorship of the Stratford Perth Centre for Business.
This year, the program, delivered by the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, will work with seven students to turn their business ideas into a reality by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and financial grants of up to $3,000. Provincial grant money of $1,500 will help with start-up costs and the remaining $1,500 is paid at the end of the summer.
“I’m grateful to the Province of Ontario, and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade for their continued support of young entrepreneurs through the Summer Company Grant program. Their funding allows us to continue to deliver mentorship, training and support to the next generation of business owners.” said Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford.
“This year, we’ve seen an explosion of interest in the Summer Company program from students looking to spend their summer exploring entrepreneurship and learning how to handle running their own business in a time that will present multiple challenges for them to overcome. Our seven students have all begun the process of becoming their own boss and are navigating small business ownership like pros," added Holly Mortimer, SPBC Business Advisor.
The Stratford Perth Centre for Business has supported the launch of dozens of new student-run businesses, many of which have matured into full-time enterprises.
