Summer Company
ON, Canada
Money for Ontario students to start a summer business
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 11, 2021
- grant_single|closingDateMay 17, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
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Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
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- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
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grant_card_status|closed
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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.
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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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
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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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Summer Company grant:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: Application Review (Review Process)
- Your program provider will review your application for completeness and compliance with program requirements.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: Approval Notification (Decision)
- Receive notification from your program provider regarding the approval of your application.
- Step 7: 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Kickstart Your Summer Business with Summer Company
The Summer Company program in Ontario provides students with the opportunity to launch their own business during the summer months, offering both financial support and mentorship to guide their entrepreneurial journey. With funding up to $3,000 and the invaluable experience of managing a business, participants gain critical skills that can influence their academic and professional future.
Details of the Summer Company Program in Ontario
Summer Company is a unique initiative aimed at empowering young individuals, aged 15-29, with an enterprising spirit to start their own businesses over the summer. The program not only delivers financial assistance but also pairs students with local business advisors, offering mentorship that is invaluable for budding entrepreneurs. Through a combination of funding and guidance, participants learn the ins and outs of business management, equipping them with skills that go beyond the classroom and into the real world.
Eligible candidates can receive up to $1,500 in startup capital to get their business going, with an additional $1,500 available upon successful completion of the program requirements. This financial backing can be the crucial difference in transitioning a business idea from concept to reality, covering essential startup costs like marketing, supplies, or operational expenses. The structure of the grant allows students to focus on building and managing their businesses directly, offering a hands-on approach to learning valuable skills such as sales, bookkeeping, and customer relationship management.
Summer Company requires commitment, with high school students expected to dedicate at least 280 hours and post-secondary students 420 hours to their business during the program, which typically runs from May through Labour Day. This time investment ensures that students are fully immersed in their entrepreneurial role, gaining firsthand experience in setting objectives, managing finances, and deploying marketing strategies.
The businesses that applicants may start are versatile, provided they meet several requirements, ensuring they are wholly separate from existing or familial ventures, operate full-time in Ontario, and qualify as independent for income tax purposes. This encourages creativity and innovation, allowing for diverse business ideas ranging from digital startups to local service-oriented ventures.
Application to Summer Company is straightforward, requiring candidates to coordinate with a Small Business Enterprise Centre to submit a comprehensive business plan and cash flow projection. This part of the process is both instructional and evaluative, ensuring that applicants have thoroughly considered their business feasibility. Moreover, the subsequent interviews and evaluations by the program provider confirm that only committed and prepared individuals are accepted into the program.
The program doesn't just end with financial aid; it facilitates continuous learning and adaptation through a structured engagement with both the program provider and a business mentor. This includes multiple meetings and at least one on-site business review, which promotes accountability and provides additional learning opportunities.
Participation in the Summer Company program does not only benefit the students; it has a broader economic impact by promoting youth entrepreneurship and business growth in Ontario. By investing in young entrepreneurs, the program helps nurture a new generation capable of leading with innovation and adaptability in various market environments.
This educational experience is complemented by accessibility to various resources and guides that help in establishing a business, such as the Summer Company yearbook and comprehensive program guidelines. Students also find value in connecting with other young entrepreneurs through the program's online communities.
In conclusion, the Summer Company program offers a well-rounded platform for young Ontarians to translate their business dreams into reality. By providing crucial startup funds and mentorship, the program steers participants toward business proficiency and self-reliance, paving the way for tomorrow's leaders and innovators.
