SARNIA, ON: The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is pleased to announce four young entrepreneurs who will be taking part in the 2020 Summer Company Program.
Operating for the 21st year in Sarnia-Lambton, the joint initiative between the Economic Partnership and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade has provided four local students with a $1,500 grant to launch their business, along with mentoring and training over 12 weeks this summer.
Upon successful completion of the Summer Company Program, the four students are eligible to receive an additional $1,500 in funding for a grand total of $3,000 to invest in their business ventures.
Open to high school and post-secondary students between the ages of 15 and 29, the 2020 Summer Company Program recruited participants through social media advertising, radio advertising and visits to Lambton County high schools.
Businesses operating in the 2020 Summer Company Program are a lawn care company, a monthly local product “goody box” business, a clean cosmetics brand, and a handcrafted sustainable craft business.
“The Summer Company Program provides an excellent opportunity for young entrepreneurs to receive training and an entrepreneurship experience that will benefit them for years to come,” said Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO, Stephen Thompson. “These young entrepreneurs demonstrate the creativity and innovation that will be of great value to our local economy and we are proud to provide this program to help start them off on the right foot.”
“There was record interest in the program this year,” Thompson added. “We encourage interested students to reach out and utilize the free business counselling services available through our Business Enterprise Centre and to consider submitting a Summer Company application at the end of January/early February for Summer Company 2021.”
A full list and description of the 2020 Summer Company Program businesses can be found below.
To inquire about the services of one of the four businesses listed and for more information about the program, please contact Chantelle Core at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca or by calling 519-332-1820.
Blue Coast Bundles by Kirsten Vandenhouvel
With social isolation affecting sales for small businesses in Sarnia-Lambton, Kirsten has introduced Blue Coast Bundles to help support local artisans throughout the County. Blue Coast Bundles are goody boxes that contain a variety of products made in Sarnia-Lambton by artists, artisans and small businesses in an effort to promote their businesses throughout the community. Each themed bundle has about ten items ranging from handcrafted art to delicious food products and are available for purchase through her online Shopify store. Kirsten markets her business as a subscription box without the commitment and as a result she has successfully developed a strong social media following for the in demand bundles she creates each month (and extras for special occasions such as Fathers Day). Kristen has enjoyed creating the Blue Coast Bundles and looks forward to assembling new goody boxes for the upcoming months.
Kaely’s Crafts by Kaely Kraeft
Kaely has used her passion for sustainability and educational outreach to create her unique business, Kaely’s Crafts. Kaely’s business recycles materials that have been discarded or forgotten and transforms them into beautiful handcrafted home and garden décor. Kaely’s designs are influenced by her passion for the environment and she hopes to encourage sustainable lifestyle choices through her products. Not only does she wish to promote environmental stewardship, but Kaely hopes her handcrafted products inspire youth to be eco-friendly in a fun and creative way.
Zach’s Yard Services by Zach Snider
Zach has created a lawn care, gardening, and landscaping business to ensure the outsides of Sarnia’s homes look pristine this summer. Zach’s Yard Services has been rapidly growing since he began his business in April. Zach currently has over seventeen lawn clients and six landscaping jobs. He takes pride in offering high quality service at an affordable rate for his customers. With new equipment and relevant experience, Zach’s Yard Services can provide customers with a cost-effective service and ensure his client’s lawns are well-maintained and healthy.
Sunrei Cosmetics and Personal Care by Sierra Boudreau
With her interest in beauty and cosmetics, Sierra is providing a vegan makeup line through her business, Sunrei Cosmetics. All products will be made with locally and naturally sourced ingredients, so her products are not only ethically made, but allow her customers to feel good wearing them too. Sierra believes in inclusivity and offers her cosmetics in a range of shades to ensure everyone can use her makeup line. Sierra has designed a top-notch formula for her makeup products and is excited to provide the community with a natural, vegan cosmetic brand.
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