The Summer Company program helps students start a summer business and gain valuable experience as an entrepreneur. Offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, this program provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.
How to apply
To apply for the Summer Company program, you must first submit an eligibility inquiry. Eligible candidates will be invited to submit a business plan with a start-up budget and cash flow projections. This information along with an interview will be used as part of the selection criteria for the program. For more information on how to apply, please contact us.
Applications are closed for summer 2022.
Eligibility and participation requirements for candidates
Please complete the eligibility inquiry to see if you qualify for the program. You’re eligible to participate if you’re:
- Attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
- A resident of Ontario
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Between the ages of 15 and 29 as of April 30, 2022 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
- Starting a new business (if you’re unsure, contact your program provider)
- Not working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the duration of the program
- Following the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
- Able to work over the summer program period:
- a minimum of 280 hours if you’re a high school student
- a minimum of 420 hours if you’re a post-secondary student
Eligibility requirements for businesses
Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:
- Is a sole proprietorship or a corporation where you (the applicant) will be the majority shareholder
- Is an independent business venture
- Is a new business, not previously registered or operated on an on-going basis
- Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Operates in Ontario
- Operates full-time as defined in the business plan
- Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business
Businesses must meet all of the above requirements. Visit the Province of Ontario's Summer Company website for information about the types of businesses not eligible for funding.
Program guidelines and benefits
Review the Province of Ontario's program guidelines to find out about the different funding opportunities, participation requirements, program term and taxes.
Through the Summer Company program, you can be your own boss and learn what it takes to manage a business. You'll gain experience in a variety of areas, including:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Invoicing
- Bookkeeping
- Customer relations
Past participants
Check out our 2021 program participates from the Windsor-Essex area.
Benchmark Outdoor Furniture - Albert Douglas |
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Bliss Apparel - Katie Rubli |
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Burke’s Yard Works - Michael Burke |
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519-977-4973 |
Captain Clean Automotive Detailing - Daniel McClary |
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Diamond Drone Photography - Mohammad Alhmamoud |
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diamond-drone-photography-windsor.business.site 519-965-2900 |
Freedom Custom Signs - Lukas Bekcic |
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Little Lena’s Bow-tique - Danielle Dewar |
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ProLawn Property Maintenance - Naekwon Todd |
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226-506-0797 |
rtist Shop - Ellen Tao |
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A local art lover creates various fun stickers, art prints and decals. |
StitchNRide - Alexandrea Coombe |
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Student Success - Tayshaun Bedford |
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Surfs Up Swimming - Ella Stephens |
 Private swim lessons for children ages three to 13.
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SwimGym - Joshua Sementilli |
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Handcrafted comfortable outdoor furniture for home.
Hand dyed and personalized embroidered women’s wear.
Landscaping, lawncare and power washing services.
Interior and exterior mobile car detailing services.
Aerial photography and video services for real estate and events.
Custom sign creation for home and business.
Handmade bows in a variety of 
Lawncare, maintenance and concrete work.
Equine business with products for equestrians, horses, horse tack, horse lovers, and more. StitchNRide products are vibrant and fun to fit any personality.
Subscription box service for high school and post-secondary students to help reduce the stress of the university planning process and help them succeed in their high school, college and university careers throughout the years.
Private aquafit training.