Summer Company logo

The Summer Company program helps students start a summer business and gain valuable experience as an entrepreneur. Offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, this program provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.

How to apply

To apply for the Summer Company program, you must first submit an eligibility form. Eligible candidates will be invited to submit a business plan with a start-up budget and cash flow projections. This information along with an interview will be used as part of the selection criteria for the program. 

Eligibility and participation requirements for candidates

Please complete the eligibility inquiry to see if you qualify for the program. You’re eligible to participate if you’re: 

  • Attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes high school, college or university)
  • A resident of Ontario
  • A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • Between the ages of 15 and 29 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
  • Starting a new business 
  • 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

Eligibility requirements for businesses 

Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:

  •  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

Businesses must meet all of the above requirements. Visit the Province of Ontario’s Summer Company website for information about the types of businesses not eligible for funding. 

Program guidelines and benefits

Review the Province of Ontario’s program guidelines to find out about the different funding opportunities, participation requirements, program term and taxes.

Through the Summer Company program, you can be your own boss and learn what it takes to manage a business. You’ll gain experience in a variety of areas, including:

  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Invoicing
  • Bookkeeping
  • Customer relations

Current participants

Check out our 2023 program participants from the Windsor-Essex area.

Mackenzie Atanasio, Calico Bakery

Calico Bakery is a home-based bakery that sells delicious cakes, cinnamon buns, custards, cookies, and more.

Usamah Bhutta, Usamah's Shiny Windows

Usamah’s Shiny Windows is a window and siding cleaning company servicing the Windsor-Essex region.

Scarlett Ambedian, SEA's Crochet

SEA’s Crochet creates handmade crochet hats, bags, and more. Custom orders are available.

Micah Moore, Glimmer and Shine Car Detailing

Glimmer and Shine Car Detailing provides affordable vehicle detailing and seat steaming services.

Arcane Landscaping is an outdoor transformation company proudly serving the Windsor-Essex region. Their mission is to bring your dreams to life through the art of landscaping, ensuring unparalleled quality and satisfaction for all their valued customers.

Natalie Dallaire, Miss Magpie Atelier

Miss Magpie Atelier is a fashion accessory and apparel design company. Using upcycled materials to create looks and accessories that blend functional femme style with fantasy flair. Classy but quirky, well-made statement pieces that shout to the world what makes you unique.

Kamryn Couvillon, Henna Hand and Body Art

Henna Hand and Body Art pops up at local fairs, events, and festivals across Essex County to create custom, beautiful, henna body art.  Personal bookings for parties and gatherings are also available.

Hannah Simons, Hannah's Pawfect Portrait

Hannah’s Pawfect Portraits sells a variety of custom pet portraits and personalized mugs crafted with the clients pets image.

Ashley Easton, Nature's Complexion

Natures Complexion manufactures all natural, eco-friendly skin care products. They currently sell lip scrub and body scrub in a variety of different scents.

Luxe Labels designs and prints customized labels and stickers for events such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, or any reason you can think of.

Karol Jasniewicz, Jasniewicz Consulting

Jasniewicz Consulting is a technology consulting company that specializes in creating, updating and modernizing websites, hosting potential clients websites and mail servers, and creating modern software applications.