Summer Company
What is the Summer Company Program?
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 appplication 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 open!
- 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!
For more information or assistance in developing your business idea, contact smallbusiness@huroncounty.ca or (519) 524-8394 ext. 6.
Meet Past Participants
To learn more about past participants of the Summer Company program, click here.
Brohman Custom Designs
Brette Brohman
Founded by architecture student Brette Brohman, Brohman Custom Designs specializes in building custom closets, mudrooms and built-ins and is located in Goderich, Ontario.
Lily By Design
Lily Conley
Based in Ripley, 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, this youth-driven company was founded by Huron County local Lily Conley.
Happy U R Here
Sara Nogueira
Located in Exeter, you’ll find Sara Nogueira – artist and founder of Happy U R Here, an art company that sells prints, stickers and original artwork. As a recipient of the Summer Company program, Sara spent her summer growing her popular business at local markets and through her online store.
Open Heart Studio
Anna Lang
Anna Lang, owner of Open Heart Studio, launched her business in July 2021 with an online store selling fully customized bucket hats for adults and children. Each hat is handcrafted and sewn by Lang based on the customer’s style, preferences and size with materials sourced from Canadian retailers.
Huron County Horse Trailers
Claire Mitchell
Huron County Horse Trailers is owned and operated by 18-year-old Claire Mitchell and is located outside of Walton. Claire purchases and restores pre-loved horse trailers and refurbishes them for resale, making horse transportation safe and affordable for members of the local equestrian community.
Ontario’s West Coast Honey
Neil Haas
After connecting with a local beekeeper who took Neil Haas under his wing, offering mentoring and teaching him what he needed to learn to become an effective beekeeper, Neil launched Ontario’s West Coast Honey, a small-scale apiary selling fresh, local honey in the Goderich and Clinton area.
The Whistling Woodworker
Josiah Peterson
A hobby has turned into a successful, international business for Josiah Petersen, owner of Whistling Woodworker, who began woodworking when he was only nine years old. After connecting with the Huron County Summer Company program, Petersen was able to start his business and make money doing something that he already loved and was skilled at.
Brody's Builds
Brody Nesbitt
A thoughtful mother’s day gift idea has turned into a flourishing business for Brody Nesbitt, owner of Brody’s Builds. Nesbitt notes that a key moment in his entrepreneurial journey was his acceptance with the Huron County Summer Company program, which provides business grants and mentoring for students looking to open a summer business.
Blake Street Bakery
Sydney Pollack
Sydney Pollack opened the Blake Street Bakery on her grandparent’s suggestion and it was an immediate success. Working out of her own home, Pollack bakes cookies, cupcakes, bagels, pies and scones that are so delicious she has regular customers driving in from long distances for her treats.
Thank you to our partners!
How Can We Help?
Huron County is always excited to support new and innovative ideas and businesses.
We’re here to help!
Find Us
57 Napier Street,
Goderich, ON
N7A 1W2
Canada
Phone
+1 (519) 524-8394 ext.6