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Annual program helps student entrepreneurs access funding, mentorship
Entrepreneurial students interested in being their own boss this summer can apply to receive support to launch their business.
The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre is now accepting applications for the 2023 Summer Company Program. Made possible through funding by the Province of Ontario, the program is designed to help students aged 15 to 29 start their own businesses. Successful applicants can receive a $3,000 grant ($1,500 to help with start-up costs and an additional $1,500 when the program requirements have been completed successfully), and dozens of hours of business training and mentorship with the support of the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre.
Students can choose to start almost any type of business, as long as it is a sole proprietorship or corporation and an independent business venture - not part of an existing or family business. The business would launch between May and July 2023, with the program ending on Sept. 5, 2023.
“This is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to learn what it takes to manage a business, while realizing their entrepreneurial dreams,” said Rob Belchior, Small Business Consultant with the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre. “This is about more than funding to support the start up – it’s about helping them develop different skills and experience that will serve as a base for their future endeavours and provide a mentor to connect with to share their experiences.”
Program details, including funding and eligibility, can be found at www.stcatharines.ca/summercompany. The site includes a link to an eligibility questionnaire, which if applicants meet the requirements will then lead to a detailed application. Once the application is fully completed, those wishing to be considered will need to select St. Catharines Enterprise Centre when prompted to choose a program provider. The centre will then contact the applicants and send additional information, a program schedule and document templates to complete their application package – including a business plan and cash flow. An interview process will follow for those who meet all of the program requirements prior to any approval to participate.
“The Summer Company program is an opportunity to improve the economic landscape in St. Catharines, and across Niagara, by investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Brian York, the City’s director of Economic Development and Government Relations. “It’s inspiring to meet young students who have found success starting up their own summer businesses, including some who have continued on past the summer, operating for years to come.”
For more information, or if you require assistance applying to Summer Company, call 905.688.5601 ext. 1767 or email enterprisecentre@stcatharines.ca.
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