Summer Company program accepting applications

If you’re a high school or post-secondary school student and want to be your own boss this summer, you’re invited to apply to the Summer Company program.

Each year, the York Small Business Enterprise Centre administers its Summer Company program in partnership with the provincial government.

The program is designed to foster and develop the entrepreneurial spirit in students who are aged between 15 and 29 years and who are registered to return to school in the following school year. The application deadline is April 30 but because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, spaces may fill before the official deadline. Book a free consultation with the Centre if you need help refining your business idea.

Participants will receive hands-on training and skills development, coaching and entrepreneurship guidance, mentorship to develop and launch a summer business, company exposure opportunities through program showcases and a grant of up to $3,000.

The program runs from May 23 to August 21. Participants can expect one to two scheduled activities per week such as workshops, showcases or mentorship sessions throughout the program. Before summer holidays, activities typically take place on weekends or weekday evenings. During summer holidays, activities are held during daytime hours.

Outside of those scheduled sessions, participants will be working full-time on building and running their own business. You can’t work at another job or go to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program period in the summer.

Summer Company offered through the York Small Business Enterprise Centre helps young entrepreneurs in Stouffville as well as Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King and Newmarket. Students in Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan can apply directly through their Small Business Enterprise centre webpage.