The Summer Company program helps students start a summer business and gain valuable experience as an entrepreneur. This program provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.
About the program
Since 2001, Summer Company has supported hundreds of Windsor-Essex student entrepreneurs to start a small business. This program takes place annually between June and August and is funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in partnership locally with the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.
Be your own boss and learn what it takes to manage a business. Summer Company provides students aged 15-29 with many benefits.
Benefits
- In-person business training
- Group mentorship sessions
- One-on-one guidance from a Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre business advisor
- Grant of up to $3,000
- Mentorship from entrepreneurs and business professionals
Program requirements
The Summer Company grant is awarded to participants that complete the following program requirements..
- Participate in business training and group mentorship sessions
- Operate a business full-time during the summer
- Complete biweekly reports and meetings with a small business advisor
- Complete a final report
Review the Province of Ontario’s Summer Company program guidelines for full details.
Who should apply
Eligibility requirements for candidates
- Attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes high school, college or university)
- A resident of Ontario
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Between the ages of 15 and 29 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
- Starting a new business
- 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
- 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.
How to apply
The initial step in applying for the Summer Company program is completing an eligibility form. Candidates who meet the requirements will be invited to submit a business plan. The business plan, along with an interview, will be used to select candidates for the program. Applications for the summer 2025 program is now closed. Applications for summer 2026 will open in January 2026.
FAQ
There is a cost to apply or participate in the program?
There are no fees associated with Summer Company.
How long is the program?
Starter Company PLUS runs annually from June to August. Participants are expected to attend mandatory training, mentor sessions, submit biweekly reports and meet regularly with their business advisor during this period.
How many people are admitted to the program?
Up to 16 people will be admitted to the 2025 program.
Do I have to pay taxes on the $3,000 grant?
The grant is taxable under the Canada and Ontario Income Tax Acts. A T4A slip will be issued to the recipient of the grant.
Can I participate in Summer Company if I have another job?
Summer Company participants must be available to operate their business full-time during the summer and cannot be working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the program.
I don’t qualify for Summer Company. How can I get help to start a business?
Please contact us for assistance or refer to our pages on Government Programs and Support and Regional Programs and Support to learn about other business support services.
2025 Participants
Check out our 2025 program participants from the Windsor-Essex area.
Cassie King
Cassie’s Captures
Cassie had always been surrounded by a camera growing up and fell in love with the magic of capturing special moments. Photography is all about preserving memories that last forever. That passion inspired her to start her own business – Cassie’s Captures – offering personalized photo shoots, custom photo books and even custom apparel, giving you unique ways to showcase your most meaningful memories.
Eliana Chen
Chen Exam Prep
Eliana is the founder of Chen Exam Prep, a personalized SAT tutoring service that helps high school students boost their scores with expert strategies and tailored study plans. After raising her own SAT score from 1200 to 1500+ in just three months, she now empowers others to achieve the same success.
Leila Crozier
Paint It Forward
Leila is the founder of Paint it Forward, a business that uses creativity to support local non-profits through workshops, consultations and commissions. What started as a student-led fundraising initiative has grown into a mission-driven business bringing art and advocacy together.
A’mya Norwood
Bonnet Beauties
A’mya is the 17-year-old founder of Bonnet Beauties, a business dedicated to creating double-sided satin bonnets designed to protect wavy, curly and coily hair. After struggling to find the perfect bonnet for her own hair, A’mya decided to create her own by combining style, comfort and hair health into one must-have accessory.
Nuha Tausif
Inkspired Threads
At just 15, Nuha is the founder of Inkspired Threads, a custom apparel business that blends creativity with sustainability. She specializes in eco-friendly Direct-to-Film and Direct-to-Garment prints, offering unique designs that let individuals express their style while caring for the planet.
Raynell George Syrus
Essex Edge Lawncare
Raynell is the founder of Essex Edge Lawncare, offering reliable mowing, trimming, yard cleanups and seasonal services for residential and commercial clients. His mission is to keep lawns looking sharp while building strong connections in his community.
Yazareth Meneses Arrieta
Poured from the Heart
Yazareth is the creative mind behind Poured from the Heart, a local small business specializing in custom-designed drinkware. Offering high-quality glass bamboo cups with heartfelt designs, each piece is made using sublimation printing and permanent vinyl. Whether it’s for a special occasion, or a thoughtful gift, every cup is crafted to reflect your unique style.
Michail Karpunov
Neighborhood Green Clean
Michail is the founder of Neighborhood Green Clean, an eco-friendly exterior cleaning business serving the greater Essex region. He provides surface washing and streak-free window cleaning using environmentally safe products, less water and minimal waste.
Rose Rashid
The Colorful Rose
Rose is the creative force behind a budding art business that offers custom and original artwork. Becoming an entrepreneur has been a lifelong dream for Rose, she’s always envisioned building a business of her own and being her own boss. Now, through the Summer Company program, she’s taking the first steps toward making that dream a reality.
Khaled Al Khatib
SkyFly Films
Khaled is the founder of SkyFly Films, a creative videography business bringing a cinematic touch to weddings and special events. Using sub-250g indoor drones, Khaled captures breathtaking aerial footage safely inside enclosed venues, blending creativity and technology to give clients a stunning new way to relive their most important moments.
Arezo Anwari
Stitches and Needles
Arezo is the founder of Stitches and Needles, a tailoring business that offers alterations, custom clothing design and garment repairs. Arezo is an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for fashion and craftsmanship, helping people feel confident in clothes that fit perfectly. Her goal is to make affordable, high-quality, personalized tailoring accessible to her community.
Danasha Chan
Inklusiv
Danasha is the founder of Inklusiv Apparel, a streetwear brand that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. Specializing in stylish, modern hoodies with unique graphic designs, Inklusiv Apparel offers versatile pieces that let young people express themselves while staying comfortable and on-trend.
Garrett McPhee
GM Custom Storage Solutions
Garrett is the founder of GM Custom Storage Solutions. He creates customized storage solutions for garages, barns and basements, designing everything from slide-out drawer shelves and workstations to premium finished shelving. His goal is to maximize space while keeping things stylish and organized.
Alexandra Orawski
Ahoy Cleaners
Alexandra runs Ahoy Cleaners, a boat cleaning business serving the Windsor-Essex area, offering professional interior and exterior cleaning services at local marinas. Her goal is to keep vessels looking their best all season with reliable, high-quality service with a personal touch, tailored to the needs of each client.
Mahmoud Alsamhan
M.A. Lawn Care
Mahmoud is the founder of M.A Lawn Care, a new business dedicated to keeping outdoor spaces looking their best. From grass cutting and trimming to yard cleanups, Mahmoud focuses on providing reliable, affordable lawn care services with great customer service and high-quality results.
Ryan Salling
Acai Waves
Ryan is the owner and operator of Acai Waves, a mobile food trailer serving up fresh, healthy, delicious Acai smoothie bowls. Each bowl is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients and topped with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, blueberries, pineapple and more.
