Open Call: Summer Company Program (Canada)

The Summer Company program is an entrepreneurship program for students ages 15 to 29 that provides funding as well as hands-on training and mentoring to start and run a company over the summer.

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

• 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

Eligibility Criteria

• You’re eligible to participate if you’re:
  • a student between 15 and 29 years old as of April 30, 2025 (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
• They may approve exceptions.
• You must meet all of the above requirements.
• You’re not eligible if you’ve received funding from Summer Company in the past.

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.

For more information, visit The Corporation of the City of Markham.