MEDIA RELEASE
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Aug. 27, 2024) — Young entrepreneurs were recognized for launching small businesses in Windsor-Essex.
Today, 15 student entrepreneurs, their families, program facilitators and mentors gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the 2024 Summer Company program at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre in Windsor.
Full-time students, aged 15-29, received hands-on business education, advice and mentorship from local business leaders and a grant of up to $3,000. Summer Company is administered in Windsor and Essex County by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) at Invest WindsorEssex in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Students received a certificate of program completion, proudly pitched their businesses and shared their experiences with Summer Company. They also showcased their products and services. Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, participated in the event and presented the students with congratulatory certificates on behalf of the Province of Ontario.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is excited to announce the following 2024 participants and their businesses:
- Allen AlkisButrus – Double AA Detailing
- Dea Baggio – Swim Lessons with Dea
- Grant Belanger – Redeemed Threads
- Mahidhar Bollu – MX Soap Emporium
- Emma Colenutt – Emma Faith Collections
- Omar Ghalion – Paradise Photography Studio
- Melody Hearn – Hooray Crochet
- Habibullah Hussaini – You_nique Auto Detailing
- Sarim Ishtiaq – Kterings Inc.
- Afiya Islam – Party Crashers Rental
- Abulfath Nabizada – Imran Art
- Nathaniel Prange – Wounded Axolotl Games
- Ryan Reid – Crystal Clean Windows
- Amisha Suresh – Luminique Naturra
- Abanoub Yousif – AB’s Cleaning Services
Emma Colenutt, owner of Emma Faith Collections said, “The Summer Company program and SBEC has helped me through my entrepreneurial journey so much! Being able to ask any questions I may have about entrepreneurship and get an answer within minutes has been so beneficial. The in-person mentors that I have had the pleasure of learning from have taught me so much on how to start a successful business … Without this program, I would have had no idea where to even begin with starting my dream of my sewing business.”
Sabrina DeMarco, executive director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, said, “We are so proud of the achievements of this year’s summer student entrepreneurs. The passion and commitment these students have for entrepreneurship is impressive. The Summer Company program gives these young people hands-on experience and sets them up for future careers in entrepreneurship. We are so grateful as well for the dedication and support from our team of professional mentors and small business owners that advised the students through their business journey this summer.”
Additional information on Summer Company and the 2024 participants can be found on the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre website.
Contacts
Natasha Marar
Manager, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programs
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-995-6780
Phone: 519-997-2922
Email: nmarar@webusinesscentre.com
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Phone: 519-255-9200 Ext. 2228
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com
