Cornwall.ca — The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC) is now accepting applications for Summer Company 2014.

The program is open to students between the ages of 15 and 29 who will be returning to school in the fall and who live in Cornwall, SD&G and Akwesasne.

Summer Company is a program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment (MEDTE) and administered by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, which assists students in starting and running their own business through the summer months.

Participants receive hands on business training and are matched to mentors who help guide them through the business stages, and assist with questions they may have. Each Summer Company participant can receive up to $3,000 to start their own business.

“Summer Company is an exciting opportunity for students to do something they love, and learn about the business world first hand,” said Business Consultant Candy Pollard. “Not only does the student get to be their own boss, and receive start-up funding, they also gain valuable entrepreneurial skills as they turn their business idea into a reality.”

The Summer Company Program has seen a great deal of success in the region. In the past 7 years, 42 students have opened and successfully run their own businesses, and each has received the maximum grant of $3,000.

Spaces for Summer Company 2014 have been increased with funding for almost 200 additional participants province wide. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Enterprise Centre for more information regarding eligibility and program requirements. Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre staff are available for assistance in completing applications and answering enquiries. You can contact the Centre by calling 613-930-2787 ext. 2277.