Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre is announcing the official launch of the 2019 Summer Company program.
Students between the ages of 15 and 29 years old can apply to the program to start their own business and become their own boss for the summer.
All that’s required is a business idea, commitment, and hard work.
In return, students receive hands-on business training from successful business leaders, and financial support with awards of up to $3,000 to assist with start-up costs and working capital over the course of the summer.
There are a limited number of spaces available and spots do fill up quickly, so students are reminded to register as soon as possible.
“I’ve worked closely with the program over the past several years and it is always amazing to me to see the breadth and depth of business ideas that the students bring forward,” said Rosemarie Montgomery, Economic Development Officer with Economic Development.
“There are some criteria as to the type of business that the program will accept, but really as long as it’s owned by the student and not a part of an existing business, the sky is pretty much the limit.”
As part of the training, students will gain skills in sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management, and networking.
The program is designed for those who are dedicated and able to put in a full work week on their business in order to meet the 280 hours required for high school students and 420 hours required for post-secondary students.
This is the 18th year for the successful program and in that time it has played an important role for many students across Chatham-Kent.
“Some students just run their business for the summer and take the skills they have learned with them for other scholastic endeavors,” said Montgomery.
“Others discover that their business is a passion that they continue it on after the programs ends. Some even return as Small Business Centre clients where we can help them grow and accelerate their business development.”
The deadline for applications is May 19, 2019, but students are urged to apply soon so they can complete their business plans.
For more information and to apply to the Summer Company program, visit the Small Business Centre website at www.cksmallbusiness.com.
Additional Details:
You could be eligible, if you:
– Go to high school, college or university
– Live in Ontario
– Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
– Are between 15-29 years old (if under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant)
– Are not already running a business
– Are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
– Are returning to school after the program ends
– You cannot apply again, if you have received a Summer Company grant in the past.
– If you are on social assistance (Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program) you can still apply to Summer Company. Payments from the program may be exempt as income and assets under social assistance, so your monthly social assistance payment may not be affected.
– Call your local Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program office for more information.
Learn more about Chatham-Kent Economic Development on their website: https://www.chatham-kent.ca/business/economic-development
– This story is sponsored content
Â
