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SUMMER COMPANY


We are now accepting applications for Summer Company 2008.

Early Bird Contest!

Apply early to Summer Company and you could win one of two prize packages. Each package includes an HP Pavilion laptop and an HP DeskJet printer All-In-One Multifunction Centre donated by CIBC Business Banking.

First draw deadline - February 29, 2008, 11:59PM EST.
Second draw deadline - March 31, 2008, 11:59PM EST.

Click here for Contest Rules.

 

 

Create your own summer job, get hands-on business training, and up to $3,000 in awards!

If you're between 15 and 29 years old, you can apply to Summer Company, a program designed to help enterprising young people start up and run their own summer business.

If you are accepted into the program, you get:

  • Up to $1,500 to help with your business start-up costs
  • An additional $1,500 in the fall after you successfully complete the Summer Company program
  • At least 12 hours of business training to get you started
  • An opportunity to meet every two weeks with a business mentoring group

Summer Company is coordinated through our Small Business Enterprise Centres and other program providers who provide training, mentoring, and support for the program.

Eligibility

You are eligible for Summer Company if you are:

  • Between 15 and 29 years old as of April 30th, 2008
  • Currently a student and are returning to school in the fall
  • Proposing a new sole proprietorship or corporation in Ontario that you plan to operate independently from relatives
  • Prepared to make a commitment of at least 35 hours a week for a minimum of 8 weeks
  • Not working for more than 12 hours at another job
  • A Canadian citizen or landed immigrant residing in Ontario
  • New to Summer Company - you can't be a previous recipient of a Summer Company award or have an outstanding My Company loan

Computer access

While it's not an eligibility requirement, you should also have regular access to a computer with Internet connection. If you are accepted into the Summer Company program, you will need to regularly update your cash flow and business journal throughout the summer, and you need a computer to do this.

Ineligible businesses

The following businesses are NOT eligible:

  • Partnerships
  • Franchises
  • Distributorships/commissioned sales organizations
  • Incorporated businesses for which the applicant is not the majority shareholder or not eligible for Summer Company
  • Multi-level marketing organizations
  • Musical ventures such as bands, DJs, dance-party events
  • 1-900 businesses

Note: The Ministry may, at its sole discretion, determine a particular business is inappropriate for the Summer Company Program.

How to apply

You must complete your application online; the program does not accept paper applications. To get started, download the guidelines, available in PDF.

Read on to learn about:

Application process


Here's an overview of how the application process works:

  • You check your eligibility online, and if you're eligible you are taken to an Application Inquiry form
  • Fill out the form, then proceed to select a program provider
  • A program provider is either a Small Business Enterprise Centre or a non-profit organization delivering the Summer Company program in your area
  • Once you select a program provider, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to the address you entered in the Application Inquiry form
  • Start working on your application.

Submitting your application

Before you submit:

  • Complete the on-line application
  • Fill out the start-up budget and cash flow calculator
  • Attach your business plan. You have to prepare the business plan yourself. It is a good idea to get help from your program provider

Click the submit button to send your application. The system will validate your application and make sure you have included all the necessary documents.

 

Application deadline

Currently, the application deadline date is April 30 th, 2008. Summer Company is competitive and there are limited spaces available. Apply early as the program fills up quickly.

What happens next

You will hear from your program provider either by phone or email after your application inquiry is received. Feel free to contact the program provider at any time.

Getting help with your application

If you need help preparing your application and business plan contact your local program provider.

If you are having technical difficulties send an e-mail to summercompany-techsupport@ontario.ca

For all Summer Company related questions contact your program provider or call the Employment hotline at 1-800-387-5656, open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.

Learn more

To learn more about the program: