Applications now open for Summer Company Program (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.

Benefits

• If you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive:
  • an award of up to $3,000
  • a first payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs
  • a second payment of up to $1,500 once you’ve successfully completed the program
  • hands-on coaching
  • mentoring from business leaders in your community and from your program provider
• You also get to keep any profits generated through the operation of your business.

Eligibiliy Criteria

• You’re eligible to participate if you’re:
  • a student between 15 and 29 years old as of April 30, 2024 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
  • starting a new business (if you’re unsure, contact your program provider)
  • attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
  • a resident of Ontario
  • a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • not working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the duration of the program
  • following the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
  • able to work over the summer program period:
    • a minimum of 280 hours if you’re a high school student
    • a minimum of 420 hours if you’re a post-secondary student
  • We may approve exceptions.
  • You must meet all of the above requirements.
• Eligibility requirements for businesses
  • Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:
    • is a sole proprietorship or a corporation where you (the applicant) will be the majority shareholder
    • is an independent business venture
    • is a new business, not previously registered or operated on an on-going basis
    • operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
    • operates in Ontario
    • operates full-time as defined in the business plan
    • follows government rules and regulations for operating a business
    • Businesses must meet all of the above requirements.

Ineligibiliy Criteria

• These types of businesses are not eligible for funding:
  • partnerships/co-operatives
  • franchises
  • distributorships
  • incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Summer Company award
  • business ventures that are subsidiaries or divisions of an existing business
  • business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
  • commissioned sales
  • multi-level marketing ventures
  • single events such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, etc.
  • businesses that are strictly pay per click
  • 1-900 businesses
• You’re not eligible if you’ve received funding from Summer Company in the past.

For more information, visit Government of Ontario.