WINDSOR-ESSEX , ONT. — Sixteen young entrepreneurs were recognized today for launching and successfully operating small businesses in Windsor-Essex this summer.
The 2025 Summer Company Student Showcase was held at Art Windsor-Essex, bringing together student entrepreneurs, their families, program facilitators, mentors and event sponsor Motor City Community Credit Union to celebrate the program’s graduating class. Special guests included Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald and representatives from the office of Windsor–Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie, who presented congratulatory certificates to the students on behalf of the Province of Ontario.
Full-time students, aged 15–29, received hands-on business education, mentorship from local business leaders, and a grant of up to $3,000. Summer Company is delivered in Windsor and Essex County by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC), a division of Invest WindsorEssex, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Students received a certificate of program completion and proudly showcased their products and services. They also shared insights from their entrepreneurial journey this summer.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is proud to announce the following 2025 participants and their businesses:
- Khaled Al Khatib – SkyFly Films
- Mahmoud Alsamhan – M.A. Lawn Care
- Arezo Anwari – Stitches and Needles
- Danasha Chan – Inklusiv Apparel
- Eliana Chen – Chen Exam Prep
- Leila Crozier – Paint It Forward
- Raynell George Syrus – Essex Edge Lawncare
- Michail Karpunov – Neighborhood Green Clean
- Cassie King – Cassie’s Captures
- Garrett McPhee – GM Custom Storage Solutions
- Yazareth Meneses Arrieta – Poured from the Heart
- A’mya Norwood – Bonnet Beauties
- Alexandra Orawski – Ahoy Cleaners
- Rose Rashid – The Colorful Rose
- Ryan Salling – Acai Waves
- Nuha Tausif – Inkspired Threads
Additional information on Summer Company and the 2025 participants can be found on the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre website.
Quotes
“My experience in the Summer Company program has been extremely valuable … It’s given me the tools, mentorship and confidence to take my business idea and turn it into something real. I’ve learned how to manage finances, market my services and stay organized while running Essex Edge Lawncare. Most importantly, the program has helped me grow as an entrepreneur and connect with other like-minded individuals who are also driven to succeed.”
— Raynell George Syrus, Owner, Essex Edge Lawncare
“The Summer Company program highlights the incredible potential of the youth in our community and the important role entrepreneurship plays in shaping our local economy. These students have shown dedication, creativity and drive in transforming their ideas into viable businesses. On behalf of Invest WindsorEssex, I congratulate this year’s participants and look forward to seeing how their skills and experiences will continue to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Windsor-Essex.”
— Gordon Orr, CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
“We are so proud of this year’s Summer Company graduates. Their creativity, commitment and willingness to learn are inspiring. This program gives students real-world business experience, positioning them for success as future entrepreneurs and leaders. We’re grateful to our dedicated mentors, community partners and sponsors.”
— Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, a division of Invest WindsorEssex ”
Contacts
Natasha Marar
Manager, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programs
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-995-6780
Phone: 519-997-2922
Email: [email protected]
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Phone: 519-255-9200 Ext. 2228
Email: [email protected]