Summer Company Program

Funding:

• Up to $3000
  • first payment of $1500 for start-up costs
  • second payment of $1500 when program is complete
• Hands-on coaching
• Mentorship from business leaders in the community & program providers
• Also get to keep any profits generated during the operation of the business

Eligibility:

• For participants:
  • a student between 15 and 29 years old as of April 30, 2026 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
  • starting a new business
  • attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
  • a resident of Ontario
  • a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • not working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the duration of the program
  • following the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
  • able to work over the summer program period:
    • a minimum of 280 hours if you’re a high school student
    • a minimum of 420 hours if you’re a post-secondary student
• For the business:
  • is a sole proprietorship or a corporation where you (the applicant) will be the majority shareholder
  • is an independent business venture
  • is a new business, not previously registered or operated on an on-going basis
  • operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
  • operates in Ontario
  • operates full-time as defined in the business plan
  • follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

Application:

• The program is delivered by Small Business Enterprise Centres in communities across Ontario