Ontario is now accepting applications for the Summer Company program, which helps youth start their own business and gain the skills they need to succeed.
Summer Company offers mentorship, training and awards of up to $3,000 to students aged 15 to 29. Students can apply online until May 6.
Last year, 865 students launched their own summer companies, including Eric Dolan. Eric developed Neutun — an app that works with smart watches and wearable devices that warns the wearer when an epileptic seizure is imminent. Dolan’s innovation led to securing new business partnerships, developing a user base, and expanding into his latest wearable technology endeavour to monitor a range of chronic conditions in addition to epilepsy.
Helping young entrepreneurs succeed is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Summer Company Launch in Thunder Bay 2015
QUICK FACTS
- Almost 7,000 students across the province have launched a summer business through Summer Company since 2001.
- Summer Company is part of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy.
- In 2015, Ontario renewed investment of $250 million over two years for the Youth Jobs Strategy. This additional funding will bring the total four-year investment to more than $565 million, providing employment and skills development opportunities for up to 150,000 youth.
- Through the Self-Employed Summer Co-operative Education Pilot, high school students enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program can earn up to two co-op education credits while participating in the Summer Company program. The pilot application deadline is April 29.
