High school and post-secondary students who are looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey are invited to apply for the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) Summer Company Program. This annual program provides students, ages 15 to 29, with free professional business coaching, skill-building resources, training opportunities, networking and selling opportunities, and a grant of up to $3,000 to help them launch a business during their summer break.
Participants in the program will gain valuable, hands-on experience to put on their resume and scholarship applications, including building a small business from initial concept development to successful operation. The program offers the unique opportunity for students to explore their creative passions, transforming their skills and interests into a money-making venture with support and ongoing guidance. Participants will leave the program with lifelong entrepreneurial skills that can help them independently manage their future goals, projects, and business ventures.
“The BECN Summer Company Program helped me turn my passion for drone videography into a business,” states Mathew, Owner of Astraview – Aerial Videography. “Their guidance gave me the skills to develop a website, create a portfolio, and make professional sales. Thanks to their support, I’ve been able to secure clients and grow my business, and I’m excited to continue it.”
Since 2001, the Summer Company Program has assisted over 150 students, with approximately $474,000 in micro grants. To apply, applicants must work with BECN staff to develop and submit a business plan that includes details on their business concept, marketing strategy, operational needs, start-up costs, and a risk analysis.
The Summer Company Program is a program of the Province of Ontario and is one of many free business supports offered by the BECN. In addition to this program for high school and post-secondary students, the BECN offers a similar youth entrepreneurship program for kids ages 8 to 14, which will launch applications in the spring. They also offer many programs, workshops and services for local small business owners looking to launch or grow their business in Northumberland.
Students interested in participating in the Summer Company Program are encouraged to contact the BECN as soon as possible to start developing their business plan—which is due by May 23, 2025—in order to complete their application. For more details, visit Northumberland.ca/ SummerCompany.
– 30 –
For more information: