Summer Company

Summer Company is a program of the government of Ontario that helps young people between 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer business by providing funding, advice and services.

Learning how to run your own student business is one of the best summer jobs you can have. You get to be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills you’ll develop.

Program Info

Who is this Program For?

Go to high school, college or university
Live in Ontario
Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Are between 15-29 years old (if under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant)
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
Are returning to school after the program ends

Business requirements

Is a sole proprietorship or corporation (where you are the majority shareholder)
Is an independent business venture (not a part of an existing or family business)
Qualifies as “self-employed” for income tax purposes
Operates in Ontario on a full-time basis
Follows government rules for operating a business

Under 30 Students Business Training Entrepreneurship Grants Beginner

Cost

Free

Program Start Date

June 1, 2022

Registration Deadline

May 31, 2022

Session Info

15 session(s).

Outcomes

An award of up to $3,000
A first payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs
A second payment of up to $1,500 once you’ve successfully completed the program
Hands-on coaching
Mentoring from business leaders in your community and from your program provider

Not sure where to start? Book with Olga George-Cosh, our summer company advisor.

The 2018 Summer Company students with Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie

Syllabus

All sessions are during the day often from 9am - 3am. All sessions are located in Guelph. Accommodations can be made for participants in Wellington County.

Week 1 - Orientation and program training
Week 2 - Business showcase. Show off your new business to the public
Week 3 - Workshops on sales and time management
Week 4 - Group meeting with business mentors
Week 5 - Program wrap up party

The Summer Company program has an application system operated by the provincial government. In apply to enter this program please complete the following.

Check to see if you’re eligible for the program
Complete the online application inquiry
Select your local program provider
Assign yourself a password
Submit your application inquiry