The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) celebrated the completion of the 2018 Summer Company Program on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
A joint initiative between the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Summer Company Program provided the six 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 program. Upon successful completion of the program, the students were also eligible to receive another $1,500 for a total of $3,000.
On hand to celebrate the achievements of the students were County of Lambton Warden, Bill Weber, and Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO, Stephen Thompson, who presented the students with certificates of completion at the ceremony.
Open to students in high school, college, or university, between the ages of 15 and 29, the 2018 Summer Company Program marked the 19th consecutive year that the program was offered by SLEP and was participated in by six Sarnia-Lambton area high school students who operated businesses in Brooke-Alvinston, Plympton-Wyoming, and Sarnia.
This summer’s six businesses included a 3D printing specialist, custom made beehives, a multimedia and live event production company, a snack canteen at the Alvinston ballpark, and produce stands in Plympton-Wyoming, and in Brooke-Alvinston.
Warden Weber said that the life lessons learned by the six participants will help them greatly as they work towards careers, whether that be in their own business or another field.
“I think this will be valuable for these students as they go forward in life,” he said.
“Having the experience of operating their own business will help them in so many facets,” Weber added.
Guided through the program by Student Entrepreneurship Coach, Storm Astolfi, the six students learned business planning, bookkeeping, and marketing, and approached the summer with a willingness to learn and desire to take full advantage of what they were being taught.
“These students were highly motivated and eager to soak up all the information that we could give them to make their businesses a success,” Astolfi said.
“We’re proud of what they were able to achieve and can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
With the wide range in businesses and locations of those businesses spread across the County of Lambton, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO, Stephen Thompson, said that not only does the program provide excellent learning opportunities for the participants, but it also helps foster business throughout the Sarnia-Lambton area.
“With the goal of making the Sarnia-Lambton area recognized as a premier place to live and work, these students and everyone they come in contact with are able to see the opportunities available here, and we encourage all students to keep the Summer Company in mind for next year and moving forward,” he added.
A full list of 2018 Summer Company participants and their businesses can be found below, while applicants interested in the 2019 Program can find out more at https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-summer-company-students or by contacting Chantelle Core at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca.
BUSINESSES
Do-Beehive – Aidan Meilleur
Robinson Multimedia – Austin Robinson
Cole’s Canteen – Cole Douglass
Green Ridge Corn – Collin Boyd
Radiant 3D Printing – Jared Waller
Hayter Produce – Matt Hayter
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