Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2024
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is excited to announce the return of the 2024 Summer Company student program.
Summer Company is offered in Windsor-Essex in partnership with the Province of Ontario and provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible participants. Completion of the program sets up aspiring entrepreneurs for a lifetime of success.
Students between the ages of 15-29 are invited to apply. No special business education is required. Interested students need only their idea and the drive to work throughout the summer to build on their dream.
Applications are open now until May 10. The application process includes submitting an eligiblity form through the SBEC website, webusinesscentre.com/summercompany. Qualified individuals will be invited to submit an application which includes a simplified business plan as well a participate in an interview. Chosen candidates will be expected to run their summer business full-time between June and August if they are a post-secondary student, or July and August if they are a high school student. Participants must be returning to school in the fall.
Summer Company is a fun and interactive program that gives each student the tools to become their own boss. It’s time well spent leaning, making valuable connections and lasting friendships.
The 2023 cohort participated in group training and mentor sessions with local entrepreneurs and business professionals and hosted vendor booths at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market to grow their customer base.
Recent graduates included:
- Mackenzie Atanasio of Calico Bakery, a home-based bakery specializing in cakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls.
- Usamah Bhutta provided window cleaning services through Usamah’s Shiny Windows.
- Scarlett Ambedian featured whimsical crocheted creations as the owner of SEA’s Crochet.
- Affordable vehicle detailing and seat steaming was made possible through Micah Moore and Glimmer and Shine Car Detailing.
- Tanveer Singh took pride in his work providing landscaping services and pressure washing as the owner of Struced Lawn Care.
- Natalie Dallaire is the face behind Miss Magpie Atelier which features fashion accessories and apparel made from upcycled materials.
- Arcane Landscaping by Michael Hayo proudly set himself apart as an outdoor transformation company.
- Kamryn Couvillon attended many festivals and fairs in the region demonstrating her artistry with henna art through her business, Henna by Kamryn.
- Aisha Bhutta designed custom labels and stickers for special events such as weddings and showers through her business, Luxe Labels.
- Nature’s Complexion by Ashley Easton featured deliciously scented, eco-friendly skin care products.
- Karol Jasniewicz provided his expertise with website creation and upgrades through Jasniewicz Consulting.
- Lastly, Hannah Simons used her skills to create custom portraits of pets and made them available as art prints or on personalized mugs through her venture, Hannah’s Pawfect Portraits.
It’s not too early to plan for the summer months. Students who aspire to be an entrepreneur are encouraged to consider the Summer Company program. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre’s team of advisors are available to assist students with their applications.
Learn and grow with the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre! Receive support in launching or expanding your small business, contact us for more information.
