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 form. 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.
Application intake is currently closed and will open again in January 2025.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
