Young entrepreneurs in Lambton County are gaining experience and knowledge on how to run their summer businesses.
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s (SLEP's) Small Business Enterprise Centre recently announced the five successful applicants of this year's Summer Company Program.
"We are incredibly proud of this year’s cohort and excited to see the positive impact their business ventures will have on their personal growth, as well as on our community,” said Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager Alison Minato.
The young entrepreneurs each received $3,000 grants, half at the beginning of the program to cover start-up costs and the remainder will be doled out at the end of summer. The program also includes mentorship and training sessions.
One of the successful applicants, 24-year-old post-secondary student Sami Moussa of Forest, recently launched Forest Fungi.
He cultivates gourmet mushrooms in a controlled indoor environment and sells his fungi at local markets. He also sells do-it-yourself grow kits at local markets, with plans to potentially distribute products to local restaurants.
Moussa said he received a lot of advice about pricing, how to reach out to restaurants, how to approach people, as well as other business strategies.
"Of course, the grant to help start the business was very beneficial as well as I really needed it for a lot of my equipment," Moussa said.
Another recipient, 15-year-old Max Maoirat of St. Clair Township, said he also gained confidence in himself through the program.
Maoirat runs a lawn maintenance business, called Max's Mowing. He has invested in emission-free, battery-powered equipment to help reduce his carbon footprint.
So far, he said business has been good.
"I've got about 15 clients and I've grown it and made a name for myself in my town," he said. "I've been making good amounts of money and building relationships. … I hope in the future that I can also start to hire more of my friends, and grow my business."
Other successful applicants include high school student Dax Watson of Bright's Grove who founded Mow and Grow Designs and offers lawn services in the Bright’s Grove and Camlachie areas.
Post-secondary school student Maxwell Cabajar of Sarnia created XX Games, a venture to create, publish, and sell digital content for tabletop roleplaying games.
Post-secondary student Mavi Deol of Sarnia created Handi Bid, a digital platform to connect homeowners and businesses with skilled freelancers.
SLEP Marketing and Communications Manager Arianne Garcia said while they received very strong applications this year, they would have liked to see a higher volume of applications. SLEP plans to do more outreach with area schools this coming year to help raise awareness for next summer.
"It’s not too early to start planning, so we encourage interested youth to reach out to our office if they think they may be interested in participating next summer," said Garcia in an emailed statement.
The program is a joint initiative between SLEP and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. The annual initiative is open to those between the ages of 15 and 29.
