RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — Enterprise Renfrew County (ERC) said they are recruiting student entrepreneurs who are smart, ambitious and eager to explore the world of entrepreneurship in the Summer Company Program (SCP).
The SCP is a unique opportunity, it enables students 15 to 29 years old to create their own job and learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur. The hands-on learning teaches the students all aspects of running a business. SCP business owners learn that operating a successful business is more than selling a service or product; they learn how to manage their business finances, building and controlling inventory, marketing, customer service, and the entire behind the scenes work that is required to operate a successful business including the dreaded paperwork.
SCP is funded by the Government of Ontario to enable young people to start a business by creating their own summer job and making their entrepreneurial dreams a reality, with funding support of up to $3,000. The program is available to Ontario students between the ages of 15 and 29, to start and operate their own business. Successful applicants will receive up to $1,500 to kick-start their business to help cover start-up costs and, upon successful completion; they will receive an additional award of up to $1,500.
“Summer Company is a portal to the entrepreneurial lifestyle,” said Colleen Sadler, business consultant for ERC. “The program is the ideal opportunity for students to learn, network and create and launch their own unique business.” ERC administers the program on behalf of the Province of Ontario. In 2019, ERC handed out financial awards totalling $21,000 to local youth that completed the SCP.
In an effort to support the community with physical distancing and isolation, ERC has pivoted the way they typically administer their programming due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Summer Company program will be delivered virtually, via tele/video conferencing until further notice.
SCP celebrates 20 years of developing student entrepreneurs in Renfrew County this year. It has guided and supported 144 young entrepreneurs to business success. This is a highly competitive program with only seven spaces available, therefore students are encouraged to apply at the earliest opportunity.
