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.
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.
Past participants
Check out our 2024 program participants from the Windsor-Essex area.
Emma Colenutt
Emma Faith Collections
Emma Faith Collections is driven by a passion for sewing and creative design, specializing in handmade makeup cases and keychains. Emma Faith, the designer and owner, provides personal flair and attention to detail with plans to expand her collection line.
Dea Baggio
Swim Lessons with Dea
Swim Lessons with Dea offers private swimming lessons, which stems from her passion for teaching children important life-saving skills and water-smart messages. Her lessons are tailored specifically to the needs and goals of each student and their swimming ability.
Nathaniel Prange
Wounded Axolotyl Games
Wounded Axolotyl Games creates board games for beginner and seasoned gamers. Their latest release, Project Block 11, is a prison-themed card game set to deliver an exciting new twist on strategy.
Grant Belanger
Redeemed Threads
Redeemed Threads offers faith-inspired clothing, including t-shirts and hoodies, designed to meet the unique needs of the Christian market.
Afiya Islam
Party Crashers Rental
Party Crashers Rental, a Windsor-based event rental business, specializes in balloon decor and game rentals to help to transform your events into memorable celebrations.
Omar Ghalion
Paradise Photography Studio
Paradise Photography Studio specializes in nature and portrait photography. The studio is dedicated to capturing moments of beauty and emotion with exceptional quality and creativity, whether it’s for special events, portraits or artistic compositions. Editing services are also available.
Melody Hearn
Hooray Crochet
Hooray Crochet creates handcrafted crocheted pieces with care and attention to detail. Whether you are looking for hair bows to clothing, accessories, stuffed animals or blankets, customized creations are also available.
Amisha Suresh
Luminique Naturra
Luminique Naturra is dedicated to creating natural makeup and skincare products to enhance beauty. Its expanding product line is designed to make you feel radiant and confident to better support your unique needs.
Mahidhar Bollu
MX Soap Emporium
MX Soap Emporium crafts natural, homemade soaps using eco-friendly and premium ingredients to add luxury to your daily routine. The carefully curated collection offers a diverse range of exquisite scents from the tranquil aroma of lavender to the uplifting allure of jasmine to elevate your soap experience.
Habibullah Hussaini
You_nique Auto Detailing
You_nique Auto Detailing provides top-quality car detailing services, keeping your car in prime condition and looking new.
Allen AlkisButrus
Double AA Detailing
Owner Allen Alkis Butrus has channeled his passion for cars into a dedicated car detailing business. He’s committed to using high-quality products and techniques to ensure that each vehicle is meticulously detailed focusing on quality and customer satisfaction.
Sarim Ishtiaq
Kterings Inc.
Kterings is an online platform connecting exceptional
at-home caterers with customers who demand excellent homemade food every day. Kterings was born out of a passion for exceptional homemade food and a commitment to delivering amazing catering services.
Ryan Reid
Crystal Clean Windows
Crystal Clean Windows specializes in providing top-notch residential and commercial window cleaning services throughout Windsor-Essex. Owner Ryan Reid is highly committed to offering a customer-focused approach to ensure client satisfaction.
Abulfath Nabizada
Imran Art
Imran Art offers unique and custom drawings and paintings, inspired by this young artist’s passion for creativity.
