Ontario students, who hope to find a summer job they love, will have a chance to be their own boss this summer. Summer Company is a unique program, which assists young entrepreneurs with starting and running their own eight to 12-week business over the summer.
Summer Company provides practical hands-on business training, mentoring and essential business skills they need to thrive.

If you are a student between the ages of 15 and 29 you are qualified to apply. If you are accepted into the program you will receive an award of up to $1,500 at the start of the program to help with start-up costs.

In the fall after you have successfully completed the Summer Company program you may qualify to receive an additional award of up to $1,500.

Eligibility

• Between the ages of 15-29 as of April 30, 2012. If under 18 you must have a parent or guardian sign the application
• Must be a student returning to school in the fall of 2012, includes college and university
• Must be a new start-up business
• Resident of Ontario
• A Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
• Not operating an existing business or employed for more than 12 hours per week over the course of the Summer Company Program
• Prepared to commit a minimum of 35 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks as defined in your business plan

What Kind of Business Can I Start?

Almost any type ---As long as it is:

• A sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder
• An independent business venture
• Fits the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
• Operates at arm’s length from family business venture
• Operates in Ontario
• Operates full time as defined in the business plan
• Maintains its own books and records
• Maintains a separate bank account
• Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business
• A new business, not previously registered or operated on an ongoing basis

Businesses NOT Eligible for Summer Company

• Partnerships
• Franchises
• Distributorships
• Incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Summer Company Award
• Business ventures that are subsidiaries or divisions of an existing business
• Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
• Commissioned sales
• Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing venture
• Musical venture: Single event such as musical ventures bans, DJs or dance/party event organizations
• Businesses that are strictly pay per click
• A 1-900 business
• a past recipient of a Summer Company Award

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

How to Apply

• Applications are only accepted electronically
• Go to http://ontario.ca/summercompany to ensure that you are eligible for the Summer Company Program
• Fill out the form, then proceed to select a program provider
• Once you have selected a program provider, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address you entered in the Application Inquiry form
• Start working on your application

What Happens Next?

• Enterprise Renfrew County will contact you either by phone or email
• You must submit your business plan if you have not done so. Feel free to contact Enterprise Renfrew County for assistance 

Selection Process

• Students are selected through a competitive process. Applications are reviewed by the program provider
• If the business plan is sound you maybe invited for an interview with staff from Enterprise Renfrew County
• If you are successful and have been selected for the Summer Company program you will have to abide by all of the rules and regulations as set out in the Summer Company Guidelines 2009. Please read the guide carefully for all of the requirements
• You will sign an agreement with the Ministry that outlines each party’s rights and obligations
• You must fulfill all of the requirements of the Summer Company program to qualify for the final cash award of up to $1,500

Read the Summer Company Guidelines 2012 for all requirements and regulations of the program.

Enterprise Renfrew County delivers the Summer Company program in partnership with the Government of Ontario.