Six students from across Grey Bruce are going to spend the summer being their own boss.
They’ve been selected to start their own businesses as part of the Summer Company program run by the Business Enterprise Centre of Owen Sound and Area.
Coordinator Rebecca Ford says the students receive 15 hundred dollars in start up money, as well as hands on training and mentoring throughout the summer.
Ford says the students range in age from 15 to 24.
They’ll be running lawn maintenance and handy man businesses, one will offer harp lessons and performances, another will produce muskoka chairs, and another will sell honey and beeswax products.
Ford says some of the funding they receive will be used to market their businesses and she hopes as the public begins to hear about them they will support them.
Ford says at the end of the summer the students will be evaluated and could receive another 15 hundred dollars.
She adds many of their past students have had great success and it’s always amazing to see what they accomplish even if they have no previous experience.
Ford says Summer Company is a great way to learn about entrepreneurship and the business world and also helps ease the tough competition for summer jobs.
She says interest in the program doubled this year with over 50 applications.
Applications for next year open in January and Ford says the earlier you get started putting together a business plan the better your chances are.
A launch celebration with cheque presentations is being held at the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library today at 5:30 PM.
