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 closed May 15, 2023 - Please check back in January 2024
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 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
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
Current participants
Check out our 2023 program participates from the Windsor-Essex area.
Calico Bakery - Mackenzie Atanasio |
![]() Custom deserts and baked goods Calico Bakery is a home-based bakery that sells delicious cakes, cinnamon buns, custards, cookies, and more. |
Usamah's Shiny Windows - Usamah Bhutta
|
226-975-1880 Usamah's Shiny Windows is a window and siding cleaning company servicing the Windsor-Essex region. |
SEA’s Crochet- Scarlett Ambedian |
Custom crochet products Instagram |
Glimmer and Shine Car Detailing - Micah Moore |
mmicah012@gmail.com |
Struced Lawn Care - Tanveer Singh |
Struced Land Care is a landscaping business that provides lawn care, sod installation, pressure washing, garden design, planting, and other landscaping services. |
Arcane Landscaping - Michael Hayo |
Landscaping services 519-999-5122 Arcane Landscaping is an outdoor transformation company proudly serving the Windsor-Essex region. Their mission is to bring your dreams to life through the art of landscaping, ensuring unparalleled quality and satisfaction for all their valued customers. |
Miss Magpie Atelier - Natalie Dallaire |
Instagram |
Henna Hand and Body Art - Kamryn Couvillon |
519-984-4208 Henna Hand and Body Art pops up at local fairs, events, and festivals across Essex County to create custom, beautiful, henna body art. Personal bookings for parties and gatherings are also available. |
Hannah's Pawfect Portrait - Hannah Simons |
Custom pet portraits hannahspawpefctportraits@outlook.com Instagram |
Nature's Complexion - Ashley Easton |
Natural skin care products natures-complexions.myshopify.com 226-340-6450 Natures Complexion manufactures all natural, eco-friendly skin care products. They currently sell lip scrub and body scrub in a variety of different scents. |
Luxe Labels - Aisha Bhutta |
Custom label design and print Instagram |
Jasniewicz Consulting - Karol Jasniewicz |
Website software development 226-340-6955 |