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Summer Company
Last Update: March 21, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Money for Ontario students to start a summer business
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop an online presence
- Develop employee skills
- Marketing a product
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : January 16, 2024
- Closing date : May 17, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
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
Launching a mobile app for language learning tailored to bilingual communities
$ 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
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
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.
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.
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.
4
Application Review (Review Process)
Your program provider will review your application for completeness and compliance with program requirements.
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.
6
Approval Notification (Decision)
Receive notification from your program provider regarding the approval of your application.
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.
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.
