Summer Company

Q: How much funding can be received?

Summer Company Funds up to 3000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Summer Company a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Summer Company is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Summer Company?

Summer Company is funded by Government of Ontario

Q: Who is eligible for the Summer Company program?

To be eligible for the Summer Company program, you must: • You must be between 15-29 years old and a student at a high school, college, or university in Ontario. • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. • You must not be running an existing business or working more than 12 hours a week elsewhere during the program, and must return to school after it ends.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Summer Company?

You can contact Government of Ontario.

Q: Where is the Summer Company available?

The Summer Company program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Summer Company program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Summer Company program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Summer Company program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Summer Company program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Money for Ontario students to start a summer business

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $3,000

Timeline

Open Date : January 16, 2024
Closing date : May 17, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

Get a grant of up to $3,000 and mentorship from local business leaders to help you start and learn how to run your own student business.

Activities funded

This grant is specifically available to students who are planning to run their summer business within Ontario, Canada. The focus is on supporting local entrepreneurship in this region.

Businesses that operate in Ontario, Canada.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 3,000

Initiating an urban farming project to supply local restaurants and markets

$ 3,000

Starting a coffee shop specializing in artisanal drinks and pastries

$ 3,000

Setting up an artisan bakery focused on gluten-free and vegan products

$ 3,000

Launching a mobile app for language learning tailored to bilingual communities

$ 3,000

Establishing an eco-friendly cleaning services company focusing on sustainability

$ 3,000

Opening a handmade jewelry store that supports local artisans

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed business operations.

The applicant must be a student attending high school, college, or university.
The applicant must live in Ontario.
The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The applicant must be between 15-29 years old. If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement.
The applicant must not currently be running a business.
The applicant must not work at another job or attend school for more than 12 hours a week during the program.
The applicant must be returning to school after the program ends.
If the applicant has received a Summer Company grant in the past, they cannot apply again.
The applicant can still apply if on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, as payments may be exempt as income and assets under social assistance.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Summer Company grant in Ontario include students who are between the ages of 15-29, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, attending high school, college, or university, and available to dedicate the required hours during the program period without committing to another job or school for more than 12 hours a week during the program. Additionally, applicants must plan to return to school after the summer program concludes and must not currently own an active business or have received the program grant in the past. Those on social assistance may also apply, as potential payments may not affect their assistance benefits.

Eligible expenses

The grant is intended for students in Ontario to start and run their own summer business projects. The initiative encourages entrepreneurship by enabling various types of independent business ventures with financial and mentorship support.

Starting a new summer business as a sole proprietorship or corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder.
Running an independent business venture not associated with a current or family business.
Operating a business that qualifies as self-employed for tax purposes.
Maintaining operations full-time in Ontario during the program duration.

Eligible geographic areas

The grant provides funding to cover specific start-up costs associated with launching a new summer business.

Initial expenses to help with business start-up.

Selection criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

Meeting program eligibility requirements
Submission of a business plan and cash flow
Participation in an interview

How to apply

Contact Local Program Provider (Initial Contact)

Identify your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Contact the centre to express your interest in applying for the Summer Company program.

Prepare Application (Documentation)

Work with your program provider to understand the application requirements.
Prepare a business plan outlining your summer business idea.
Develop a cash flow statement as part of your application.

Submit Application (Submission)

Submit your completed application, including the business plan and cash flow statement, to your program provider by May 17, 2024.
Ensure all required documentation is included with the application.

Application Review (Review Process)

Your program provider will review your application for completeness and compliance with program requirements.

Interview (Evaluation)

If your application meets initial requirements, attend an interview with your program provider.
Discuss your business plan and answer any questions the provider may have.

Approval Notification (Decision)

Receive notification from your program provider regarding the approval of your application.

Complete Enrollment (Post Acceptance)

Sign an agreement with the program provider.
Adhere to program guidelines throughout the duration of the program.
Register your business name and provide necessary licensing documents.
Set up a business bank account.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum award available is $3,000, divided into two payments: up to $1,500 for start-up costs and another $1,500 upon successful completion of program requirements.
The business must qualify as "self-employed" for income tax purposes, and it's important to learn more about self-employed worker criteria from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Participants must commit at least 280 hours for high school students and 420 hours for post-secondary students over the program period.
Participants may opt to continue running their summer business while returning to school.
Once accepted, participants are required to have a business bank account and attend a minimum of four mentorship meetings.

Documents and links

Summer Company

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Summer Company Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Summer Company. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.