Helping build & grow businesses

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.

How to apply →

2021: Digital most, limited in-person contact

We are excited to share that the Summer Company Program will be running digitally for the 2021 season. Due to COVID-19, your business should involve limited in-person contact and it must follow guidelines from the Government of Ontario, Public Health Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

 

Program participants receive

Interactive workshops

Hands-on mentorship

A grant of up to $3,000

A digital community of entrepreneurial peers

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.

Meet Ottawa student entrepreneurs

Mac Henry, Camp Questalot

Storytelling in a digital age

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Anna Hiemstra, Makrtech & The Robotic Arm Kit

Bringing STEM to your doorstep

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Yvonne Tan, Yvonne Tan Art

Art with a mission

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Apply now and be your own boss this summer

Is the Summer Company Program for you?

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.

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