A program that Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid says will "foster tomorrow's business leaders" offers enterprising students looking for a summer job the chance to create their own.
The
Summer Company initiative offers students aged between 15 and 29 funding of $3,000, alongside training and business coaching, to start their own business.
Those accepted into the program get $1,500 up front in seed money, as well as $1,500 upon completion of the program. They're also partnered with a business mentor to help them implement their business plan. Program guidelines say that almost any type of business can qualify, as long as it is owned and operated independently by the applicant and is a new startup. It is a competitive program with limited spaces—students wishing to apply can visit the
Summer Company website for information on how to register.
The program is one of a few initiatives by the province to aid students looking for summer employment. Others include
job listings and a
$2-per-hour subsidy for employers.
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Andrew Block, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Innovation