Ontario Summer Company Program

How does a student turn the summer into a meaningful (and profitable) venture?

The Ontario Summer Company Program is an important initiative developed by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to support the development of students and young entrepreneurs. It is an exciting opportunity for enterprising students, 15 to 29 years old, to start and run their own summer businesses with funding from the Ontario government and with mentoring from members of the local business community.

As a Summer Company Entrepreneur, students and young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 can receive a grant for as much as $3000 to start their business in summer. Students who meet the criteria for funding also receive hands-on business coaching and mentoring from experienced community business leaders to help make their Summer Company a success. Who knows? Any one of them could be the start of something big!

Amanda Collucci, founder and CEO of the cleaning service company Clean4Me Inc. is one of four mentors supporting youth entrepreneurs participating in the Ontario Summer Company Program in Markham. Having launched and grown a successful cleaning service company with over 18 employees offering a broad range of residential cleaning and commercial cleaning services Amanda can appreciate the challenges of starting a business.

Starting a business can be scary,” shares Amanda, recalling her own start up several years ago. “Having experienced business mentors beside you to support you during your start up stage is like having a compass in the middle of a rainforest. With a reliable compass and map, you can be sure to have a fun and enjoyable journey in the rainforest.”

For more information about Amanda Collucci and Clean4Me’s role in the Markham community you can visit www.clean4me.ca.

For more information about the Ontario Summer Company Entrepreneurs Program you can visit the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade Web site.