Students have the chance to be their own bosses
Jan 25, 2010 - 04:30 AM
By Melissa Mancini
DURHAM -- The Ontario government is looking for youth who want to be their own boss this summer.
Summer Company is currently accepting applications for 2010.
Summer Company provides students ages 15 to 29 with cash and training to help them launch their own summer businesses. It's is a provincial government initiative which is run locally by the Business Advisory Centre Durham.
"It is a really great testing ground to see if you've got what it takes to be an entrepreneur," BACD executive director Carol Ann Walker said.
Those who are approved for the program are eligible for up to $3,000 in funding to start their ventures. They are given mentors to help with aspects of running a business and attend classes to help with things like marketing and bookkeeping.
The mentoring is an essential part of the program and past participants really appreciated the advice, Ms. Walker said.
"The one-on-one mentoring is invaluable to them."
The BACD is also looking for mentors to be that support in the program.
"We are always looking for high quality business professionals," Ms. Walker said.
Last year, there were 20 Durham participants, the biggest group of young entrepreneurs hosted by the business centre for the summer program. In 2008, there were 13 start-ups. This year, Ms. Walker is hoping the centre will get approval to have 25 to 30 new business owners, she said.
The 2009 companies were very diverse, offering a variety of services and products from music lessons to landscaping to handmade jewelry.
After the program was over last year, 42 per cent of participants said they planned to keep their businesses running throughout the year and 68 per cent planned to re-open the following summer.
The BACD is looking for serious applicants only, Ms. Walker said.
"There is a fairly serious level of commitment required."
For more information on Summer Company:
Website:
www.ontario.ca/summercompany If you would like to become a mentor contact the BACD:
Website:
www.bacd.ca Phone: 905-668-4949
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