Be your own boss this summer

 

 

Want to run your own business?

We teach youth the practical skills for starting up a successful business during the summer break. We then coach and fund them to run it.

If you are between the ages of 15 and 29 and you have a business idea, you may be eligible for this program. If accepted, you will receive up to $3,000, hands-on coaching and interactive workshops for starting and running your own business this summer.

Applications are now open until May 15th. Spaces are limited and will go quickly. Apply now!

Join the waitlist for next summer today!

Program participants receive

Interactive workshops

Hands-on mentorship

A grant of up to $3,000

A digital community of entrepreneurial peers

Applications are now open until May 15th. Spaces are limited and will go quickly.
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Fifth Avenue Painting provides residential interior painting services.

Joshua Green
Fifth Avenue Painting

Queeny Decorations provides event planning services for weddings, birthday parties for all ages, gender reveals, funerals, bridal showers and more.

Queeny Boateng Pinamang

GenesAce sells heart-made journals for expressing your authentic creativity, helping you bring your wildest dreams, ideas, and goals to life through the power of writing.

Venika Sem

BrainBox is a brain computer-interface educational product.

Kake Jin

Miss Meow Knit/Crochet sells handmade yet affordable, customizable knit/crochet wear and accessories.

Grace Wang

Practice With Me provides a violin practice buddy, helping violin students improve faster by practicing the violin with them.

Gemina Chen

genesiskickz is an online seller of high end sneakers.

Desmond Anuku

Kosei Crochet sells crocheted stuffies, potentially expanding to other products in the future, such as hats, keychains, accessories and more.

Emma Kwong

Ottawa Hot Stuff offers rare and specialty hot pepper products including fresh exotic peppers, pepper jellies and pickled peppers. Peppers to look forward to include Ghost, Trinidad Scorpion, Habaneros and more.

Ayesha Iqbal

Capital League is an initiative providing young men in Ottawa with the opportunity to play the sport they love and connect with their peers.

Abdullahi Omer

One of the best summer jobs you can have

Build your business

  • Propose a new business idea separate from any current family businesses.
  • Prepare a business plan that shows the business can successfully launch and operate this summer.
  • Learn what it takes to run a successful business through interactive workshops and hands-on coaching by experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Develop skills in sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and online sales.
  • Run your business; be prepared to invest 35 hours a week to operate it during the summer.

Kara

Build your business

  • Propose a new business idea separate from any current family businesses.
  • Prepare a business plan that shows the business can successfully launch and operate this summer.
  • Learn what it takes to run a successful business through interactive workshops and hands-on coaching by experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Develop skills in sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and online sales.
  • Run your business; be prepared to invest 35 hours a week to operate it during the summer.

 

Leverage the start-up money

A grant of up to $3,000 will be awarded to successful applicants in two instalments:

  • The first instalment of up to $1,500 will be provided to cover startup costs at the beginning of the program.
  • The second instalment of up to $1,500 will be provided upon successful completion of the program.

Find your community

  • Meet like-minded young entrepreneurs like yourself.
  • Share your passions.
  • Make friends along the way.

Find your community

  • Meet like-minded young entrepreneurs like yourself.
  • Share your passions.
  • Make friends along the way.

Apply now and be your own boss this summer

Meet Ottawa student entrepreneurs

Amal Abed, Tota’s Gems

Timeless tailored jewelry

Read More →

Charlotte Alexander, The Little Bean Company

The little bean that wood

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Drayton Mulindabigwi Jabo, 20today20tomorrow

Beginning a boundless social enterprise

Read More →

Join our waitlist to receive program updates.

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Mac Henry, Camp Questalot

Storytelling in a digital age

Read More →

Anna Hiemstra, Makrtech & The Robotic Arm Kit

Bringing STEM to your doorstep

Read More →

Yvonne Tan, Yvonne Tan Art

Art with a mission

Read More →

Is the Summer Company Program for you?

This program is made possible through funding from the Government of Ontario.

Ontario Logo

Eligibility
  • Be between 15 and 29 years old.
  • Currently a student and returning to school in the fall (proof of enrollment required).
  • Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant residing in Ontario.
  • Are not already running a business.
  • Are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program.
How to apply

Applications for 2021 program are open until May 23. Here is how to apply:

What to expect after you submit your application
  • If your application meets the program requirements, you will be instructed to complete the Summer Company business plan template and start up budget calculator.
  • Once your business plan and startup budget calculator are complete and submitted, your program coordinator will invite you for an interview.
  • After the interview, your program coordinator will let you know if you’ve been approved to participate in the program.