Monday, January 25, 2016
Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
Applications Open for Summer Company Program
Province Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Ontario is now accepting applications for the Summer Company program, which helps youth start their own business and gain the skills they need to succeed.
Summer Company offers mentorship, training and awards of up to $3,000 to students aged 15 to 29. Students can apply online until May 6.
Last year, 865 students launched their own companies, including Eric Dolan. Eric developed Neutun — an app that works with smart watches and wearable devices that warns the wearer when an epileptic seizure is imminent. Dolan's innovation led to securing new business partnerships, developing a user base, and expanding into his latest wearable technology endeavour to monitor a range of chronic conditions in addition to epilepsy.
Helping young entrepreneurs succeed is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Almost 7,000 students across the province have launched a summer business through Summer Company since 2001.
- Summer Company is part of Ontario’s Youth Jobs Strategy.
- In 2015, Ontario renewed investment of $250 million over two years for the Youth Jobs Strategy. This additional funding will bring the total four-year investment to more than $565 million, providing employment and skills development opportunities for up to 150,000 youth.
- Through the Self-Employed Summer Co-operative Education Pilot, high school students enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program can earn up to two co-op education credits while participating in the Summer Company program. The pilot application deadline is April 29.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Providing opportunities for young people to start and grow a business is crucial to accelerating Ontario’s economic growth. Summer Company is a great way for students to meet mentors, build strong links and discover opportunities available while continuing their studies. Our support is a vital investment that will go a long way toward setting young Ontarians up for success for years to come."
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
"Entrepreneurship is an important driver of economic growth and job creation. Through the Summer Company program, we want to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs so they can develop the knowledge, connections and confidence they need to pursue their dreams – all while in school."
— Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
"This program offers a great opportunity for young Ontarians to gain invaluable real-world experience. Preparing young entrepreneurs is of key importance to ensuring the strong economic future of the province. ?I look forward to seeing the ideas and innovations these young entrepreneurs come up with and I also look forward to their success, now and in the future."
— Han Dong, MPP for Trinity-Spadina
"Neutun is inspired by my mother who suffers from epileptic seizures, but Summer Company is the catalyst that helped turn my ideas into reality. The program created an environment where I could think about how to expand and grow, like the idea of partnering with local hospitals. I gained priceless experience and can’t wait to push forward, bringing innovative ideas to marketplace."
— Eric Dolan, 2015 Summer Company participant and CEO of Neutun
Media Contacts:
Jessica Hume
Minister’s Office
416-325-7569
jessica.hume@ontario.ca
Brigitte Marleau
Communications Branch
416-325-2479
brigitte.marleau@ontario.ca
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