Get started now on Summer Company Youth Program plans

BECN logo. Courtesy of The Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland Facebook Page.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County

Students aged 15 to 29 who want to start their own businesses can get a head start on that dream through the Summer Company Youth Program.

If you are a student aged 15 to 29 hoping to start your own business, the Summer Company Youth Program could help get you going.

The Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland is welcoming expressions of interest from this age group to help them prepare to apply for a $3,000 microgrant to start the business, receive mentorship and guidance, and expand business opportunities.

There will also be the opportunity to participate in the annual Youth Entrepreneur Showcase, where participants can set up displays for their individual businesses and meet with members of the community to network and promote. The 2024 showcase hit a record high, with 20 young entrepreneurs earning $1,100 in sales.

More than $27,000 in grants was awarded last year to help these dreams grow, and the BECN invites aspiring young entrepreneurs to work with them to begin the planning process and be ready to submit your plan by the May 24 deadline.

Eligibility criteria include being an Ontario resident, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and a student within the 15-29 age range returning to school in the fall – but not employed or attending school for more than 12 hours a week during the summer run of the program. And for the duration of the program, applicants must be able to work a minimum number of hours (280 for a high-school student and 420 for a post-secondary student).

More information is available at https://www.northumberland.ca/en/becn/summer-company.aspx

To begin working with BECN on the planning process, e-mail bizhelp@northumberland.ca