SARNIA, ON: Students in the Sarnia-Lambton area have the great opportunity to apply for $3,000 grants to start and run their own business this summer through the Ontario Summer Company Program.
The Summer Company Program is a competitive program working with limited spaces, which accepts and considers applications as they are submitted, and provides approved participants with a $1,500 grant to launch a business as well as mentoring and training in various aspects of entrepreneurship over the course of the summer. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to receive another $1,500 for a $3,000 total.
This program is a joint initiative between the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. This program has been providing students in Ontario with entrepreneurial experience for 23 consecutive years.
“The Summer Company Program is an incredibly unique opportunity that gives students the chance to follow their passion and make a positive contribution to their community, while earning money and gaining experience that sets them apart from other students and job seekers. Over the years this initiative has impacted the lives of many local youth and has created small businesses that continue to thrive and contribute to our local economy long after the program ends.” said Judith Morris, interim CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.
“The goal of Summer Company is to create an experiential learning opportunity, meaning students learn by doing. By starting and operating a small business, students experience the benefits and challenges associated with entrepreneurship. The students develop the confidence and a resourcefulness that gives them a unique mindset as an employee, but most importantly, gives them confidence to pursue an entrepreneurial idea in the future” Morris added.
The 2020 and 2021 Summer Company students demonstrated their adaptability and understanding of digital technology to provide safe socially distanced interactions with their customers. We’re looking forward to hearing new and innovative ideas from students again this spring as we begin the competitive intake process for what we expect will be a time of revitalization for small businesses.
The program is open to students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in the fall and have not received a Summer Company Grant in the past. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Interested students are encouraged to visit www.sarnialambton.on.ca/summercompany for more information and to contact Chantelle at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca to discuss the application process.
ABOUT Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia- Lambton area. Visit sarnialambton.on.ca to learn more.
Program Contact:
Chantelle Core
Development Coordinator
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
Posted in: Media Releases, SLEP News