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
- Has not received funding from Summer Company in the past
- 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 ongoing 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
Applying is straightforward and designed to help us understand your idea and your readiness to run a summer business. The deadline to apply was April 30, 2026.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The first step is to complete the eligibility form. This helps us confirm that you meet the basic program requirements. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to apply to the program.
Step 2: Prepare Your Business Plan
If you’re invited to apply, you’ll be asked to submit a business plan that outlines your idea and how you plan to run your business.
Your business plan should explain:
- What your business will offer
- Who your customers are
- How you will market and operate your business
- Why your idea is a good fit for the Summer Company program
Step 3: Complete Your Financial Projections
Along with your business plan, you’ll need to submit financial projections for your business.
- Complete your start-up budget and cash flow projections in the spreadsheet
- You will receive a financials template spreadsheet
- Attach the completed spreadsheet when you submit your application
These financials help us understand how you plan to manage money and operate sustainably over the summer.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your application by:
- Completing the business plan questions in the application form
- Uploading your completed financial projections spreadsheet
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed to determine whether your business is a good fit for the program.
Step 5: Interview & Selection
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview. Your business plan and interview together are used to make final decisions about program acceptance.
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 2026 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.
2026 Windsor-Essex Participants
Anabelle Dao
BeYouty Box
Anabelle created BeYOUty Box, a beauty and self-care subscription box designed with young people in mind. Each box features a curated selection of beauty, skincare, hair and self-care products, with a focus on making self-care fun and accessible while encouraging confidence, healthy habits and individuality.
Adam Dunlop
The Poop Troop
Adam is a young entrepreneur who started his pet waste removal business to build something of his own while providing a service that makes life easier for busy pet owners, families, and seniors. By offering reliable weekly, bi-weekly, and one-time pet waste removal services, Adam is helping customers enjoy clean, safe, and worry-free outdoor spaces while developing valuable skills in customer service, marketing, and managing a growing business.
Tejas Kaushik
TK Web Solutions
Tejas is a young entrepreneur and technology developer with a passion for using digital solutions to help businesses grow, inspired by seeing small businesses with strong products and services that lacked the modern tools needed to reach more customers. His business provides custom website development, digital transformation, search engine optimization, online marketing support, business automation, and technology consulting, working closely with clients to create practical solutions that strengthen their online presence, customer experience, and overall business performance.
Liam Brigden
StickerLab
Liam is the founder of StickerLab, a custom sticker business he started after experiencing the challenges of finding a summer job and deciding to create his own opportunity through the Summer Company program. StickerLab offers custom stickers for businesses and individuals, with options including bulk orders, mystery packs, single stickers, custom designs and a variety of sizes.
Dima Altuamah
Dima Print
Inspired by a passion for creativity and design, Dima launched Dima Print, a custom direct-to-film T-shirt printing business. Dima Print creates personalized apparel featuring custom designs, images and names for individuals, businesses, schools, churches and other organizations, with a focus on creating memorable products for every customer.
Ayham Genawi
Lavish Streetwear
With a passion for fashion and creativity, Ayham launched Lavish Streetwear to offer luxury-inspired clothing at an affordable price. The business combines style, quality and affordability while providing Ayham with valuable hands-on entrepreneurial experience and a foundation for future growth.
Mubashira Khateeb
HeritageStitch
With a passion for sewing and helping people feel comfortable and confident in their clothing, Mubashira launched Heritage Stitch a home-based sewing and alterations business inspired by a passion for sewing and helping people feel comfortable and confident in their clothing. Serving the Windsor-Essex community, Heritage Stitch offers alterations and repairs including hemming, resizing, formalwear alterations, zipper and button repairs, general mending and custom fitting consultations.
Connor Teasdale
Clearview Windows & Eaves
Connor is the founder of his own window and exterior eavestrough cleaning business, which he started to challenge himself, gain hands-on business experience and build something of his own. Through running his business, Connor is developing valuable skills in sales, customer service, marketing and money management while continuing to grow as a young entrepreneur.
Ali Zbib
Squeaky Duck Pressure Washing
Ali is the founder of Squeaky Duck Pressure Washing, inspired by an entrepreneurial spirit he has had from a young age. With a strong interest in running his own business, Ali decided to turn that ambition into action and launch Squeaky Duck Pressure Washing.
Armani Labrada
SpiritDayTees
Armani is an aspiring entrepreneur and the founder of SpiritDayTees, a business he started to gain independence and flexibility while benefiting from the guidance of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre. Created to make school theme days easier for families, SpiritDayTees offers affordable packs of essential-coloured T-shirts, helping students stay prepared for spirit and awareness days without the stress of last-minute shopping.
Aman Baig
CronusSystems
Turning an interest in computers and technology into a business, Aman launched CronusSystems to make PC building easier and more accessible. CronusSystems offers custom PC builds, component selection, upgrades, troubleshooting and other computer-related services tailored to each customer’s needs and budget.
Neha Chopra
Summer Slide
Neha is the founder of Summer Slide, a specialized tutoring service inspired by her own positive experience with personalized learning support. Summer Slide helps students in Grades 3 to 9 strengthen their skills in core subjects like math and English, with tutoring aligned with the Ontario curriculum and focused EQAO preparation to help students build confidence and succeed.
Shegofa Anwari
Bleum
Shegofa is the founder of a custom clothing business inspired by a passion for creativity, fashion and sewing. Offering unique, made-to-order pieces for cultural events, parties, celebrations and everyday wear, Shegofa works with customers to bring their ideas to life and create clothing that reflects their culture, personality and individual style.
Mohammadullah Ashori
Grid & Glass Window Cleaning
Mohammadullah is a young entrepreneur with a passion for learning, problem-solving, and providing excellent customer service, who started Grid & Glass to gain real-world business experience while helping homeowners keep their properties looking their best. Specializing in residential exterior window, screen and track cleaning, Mohammadullah is focused on providing reliable, high-quality service, honest pricing and an outstanding customer experience while building a trusted reputation in the community.
Evan Gilbert
Obsidian Web Designz
Evan is the founder of Obsidian Web Designs, creating modern, custom websites that help small businesses strengthen their online presence and turn visitors into customers.
Andy Qi
TheLlamaWay Studios
Andy is the founder of TheLlamaWay Studios, a game publishing studio created from his passion for game development and a desire to share his work with others. His first release, Letting the Cats Go, is a 2D atmospheric platformer featuring cats and pandas, now available on the App Store and itch.io.
Learn more about our 2025 Summer Company participants.