Summer Company

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.