Summer Company
What is the Summer Company?
The Summer Company program aims to inspire students age 15-29 to explore entrepreneurship and to equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Students learn how to run a business, receive mentorship and training, and develop skills that are highly valued in all workplaces.
How it Works
- You will receive valuable business training and coaching.
- Up to $1,500 up front to help with start up costs.
- Up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements at the end of the summer, plus all the money you earn from your business!
Dates and Hours
- Intake opens February 14, 2024
- The application deadline is May 17, 2024 at 4:30pm
- Start date – early June
- Program wraps up – mid August
Over the summer program period, be prepared to commit:
- Minimum of 280 hours for high school students
- Minimum of 420 hours for post-secondary students
Who is Eligible
You could be eligible, if you:
- Are a student between the ages of 15 and 29
- Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives in Ontario
- Are not working at another job more than 12 hours a week during the program or going to school
- Are returning to school after the program ends
- See the full Summer Company eligibility check list
Application Process – The 2024 intake is now closed.
Check your Summer Company eligibility.
Submit your application package in one email to smallbusiness@huroncounty.ca
The package includes: the application form with business plan, cash flow and a current resume.
- Summer Company Application Form (word)
- Summer Company Application Form (pdf)
- Summer Company Cash Flow Template (Excel)
- We are here to assist with the whole process including the business plan template.
After the deadline on May 17th at 4:30pm, staff will review all applications.
If your application meets the program’s requirements, we will contact you for an intake meeting.
After you are accepted, we will provide payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs related to your business.
You will also be assigned a coach, be provided basic business training, and then start promoting your business!
Thank you to our partners!
The Summer Company is a partnership between the County of Huron and the Province of Ontario with additional financial support from the McCall MacBain Foundation.
Meet Past Participants
Brohman Custom Designs
Brette Brohman
Founded by architecture student Brette Brohman, Brohman Custom Designs specializes in building custom closets, mudrooms, and built-ins. Through the Summer Company program, Brette was able to provide the local market with affordable and completely customizable storage spaces while getting the chance at some experiential learning – putting the skills she gained at Carleton University into action.
“I wouldn’t have had this kind of experience anywhere else – it’s an experience that is 100% worth the time and effort.”
Lily By Design
Lily Conley
Lily By Design features handmade, all-natural and eco-friendly products that support self-care. From unique soy candles to beeswax lip gloss, lotion, bath bombs and bubble baths, Lily Conley offers health driven amenities to Huron County – from the community, for the community.
“It wasn’t just the training, coaching and grant money that helped me, it was the work that was required for the program – it actually got me doing the things I had avoided or didn’t know how to do…. The fact that I had to do it gave me the opportunity to double down and understand these important aspects of my business.”
Happy U R Here
Sara Nogueira
Based in Exeter, Happy U R Here is an art company that sells prints, stickers and original artwork. Owner Sara Nogueira used the Summer Company grant to bet on herself, take a risk, and grow because of it.
“….because I knew I had the safety net of the grant, I decided to just go for it. I’m really proud of myself for applying for the program and going through the whole process.”
West Coast Honey
Neil Haas
Ontario’s West Coast Honey is a small-scale apiary, selling fresh, local honey in the Goderich and Clinton area. At 17-years-old, Neil Haas used a grant from the Summer Company program to overcome the high startup costs protective bee-keeping equipment demands.
“….I wouldn’t have been able to afford the start-up costs without the funding from the Summer Company. Now that I’m over that initial cost, I’m able to keep going and generate sales and profits. The funding really helped me to expand my business and make it sustainable.”