Start a Summer Company Program: Students (Canada)

Through a program called Summer Company, you can get:

• start-up money to kick-off a new summer business
• advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running

Learning how to run your own student business is one of the best summer jobs you can have. You get to be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills you’ll develop.

Funding Information

• Maximum award: $3,000
• Successful Summer Company applicants get:
  • up to $1,500 up front to help with start-up costs
  • up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• You could be eligible, if you:
  • go to high school, college or university
  • live in Ontario
  • are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • are between 15-29 years old (if under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant)
  • are not already running a business
  • are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
  • are returning to school after the program ends

Ineligibility Criteria

• You cannot apply again, if you have received a Summer Company grant in the past.

What kind of business?

• You can choose to start almost any type of business, as long as it:
  • is a sole proprietorship or corporation (where you are the majority shareholder)
  • is an independent business venture (not a part of an existing or family business)
  • qualifies as “self-employed” for income tax purposes
  • operates in Ontario on a full-time basis
  • follows government rules for operating a business

For more information, visit Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.