Four young entrepreneurs are launching businesses across Lanark County this summer through Ontario’s Summer Company program, with support from the Small Business Advisory Centre Smiths Falls/Lanark County.
The program provides students between the ages of 15 and 29 with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and up to $3,000 in provincial funding to help start and operate a summer business.
This year’s local participants represent a range of industries, from music education and home maintenance to heritage carpentry and cognitive programming for seniors.
Esther Braden, owner of Esther Braden Piano Studio in Beckwith Township, offers piano and music theory lessons for students from beginners to Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7. She said her lessons are tailored to each student’s age, interests and learning goals.
Henry van der Meer has launched Checkmate Cognition in Beckwith Township, using chess-based activities to provide cognitive stimulation for seniors living with dementia and other cognitive challenges. The program offers both group and individual sessions focused on social interaction and enjoyment. Van der Meer will begin studying biomedical science at the University of Ottawa this fall.
Alejandro Ponce, owner of Handy Carp, is offering woodworking, household repair and heritage carpentry services in the Perth area. He studied heritage carpentry at Algonquin College and plans to continue his education in Ottawa this fall.
Andrew Dowdall has launched Done by Dowdall, providing lawn care and yard maintenance services for homeowners in the Perth area, including mowing, trimming, raking and property cleanup.
According to the Small Business Advisory Centre, participants receive an initial grant of up to $1,500 to cover startup costs and may qualify for a second payment of up to $1,500 upon successfully completing the program.
The Summer Company program is funded by the Ontario government and delivered locally by the Small Business Advisory Centre Smiths Falls/Lanark County. The centre is funded by the Government of Ontario, Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls and supports entrepreneurs starting or growing businesses throughout the region.
For more information about the program and this year’s participants, visit smallbizcentre.ca/summer-company.
SOURCE: Small Business Advisory Centre.
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