Five students from Cornwall and SD&G are turning their business ideas into reality this summer through the Summer Company program.

All five businesses were officially launched today via a Zoom Meeting. The official launch event featured a short video on each of the students to profile their businesses.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, and administered by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, Summer Company encourages students to start and run their own business. In return, participants will receive $3,000 in start-up funding assistance along with hands-on coaching and mentoring from local business leaders. These young adults were selected to participate in the program after completing detailed business plans, including marketing and financial projections.

“This program provides a great opportunity for our participants to develop entrepreneurial skills while making money at the same time,” said Candy Pollard, Business Consultant with the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. “Through Summer Company, we are helping to train the business leaders of tomorrow.”

This year’s Summer Company participants will provide services such as outdoor maintenance in gardens and painting, computer assembly, branded clothing sales, thrifted and updated clothing sales and tombstone cleaning and tombstone flower arrangements.

All five Summer Company entrepreneurs will be profiled on the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre website.

It is interesting to note that many Summer Company students continue their businesses through their high school and post secondary years. Additionally, several past Summer Company participants who have finished their educational pursuits are now operating successful, full time businesses right here in our area. Most notably are Essential Esthetics, Crystal’s Beautique Spa and Beauty Lounge.