Take something you have a passion for and create an idea for a business, obtain a $3,000 grant and be your own boss for the summer. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? That is exactly what “Summer Company” is all about.

The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC) is now accepting applications for Summer Company 2015.

Any student who lives in Cornwall, S.D. & G. or Akwesasne is eligible, provided that you are between the ages of 15 and 29, and will be returning to school in the fall.

Summer Company is a program sponsored by the Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) and administered by the CBEC, which assists students in starting and running your own business through the summer months. Participants receive hands on business training and are matched to mentors who help guide you through the business stages, and assist with questions you may have. Each Summer Company participant can receive up to $3,000 to start your own business.

“Summer Company is an exciting opportunity for students to do something they love, learn about the business world first hand, and make money,” 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 Cornwall and S.D. & G. In the past 7 years, 50 students have opened and successfully run their own businesses, and each has received the maximum grant of $3,000.

Summer Company 2015 has capacity for approximately 10 participants, therefore interested students are encouraged to visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany for more information regarding eligibility and program requirements and/or to fill out an initial application. Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre staff are available to assist in completing applications and answering questions. Contact the Centre by calling 613-930-2787 ext. #2276 or email knurse@cornwall.ca

Students are encouraged to act now. The deadline for applications is early May or when capacity is reached.