The Summer Company program is offered by the government of Ontario and run through local Small Business Enterprise Centres. The program has given many students the opportunity to see what it is like to run a business. Entrepreneurial youth across the province are given resources, including some start-up funding and mentorship from local business leaders, and get to be their own boss for the summer.
As the summer of 2022 nears a close, we thought it would be nice to check in with the students who participated in this year’s Summer Company program. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:
Connor McDougall, Branch Campfire Kits
Connor McDougall came up with an ingenious, eco-friendly business idea: campfire kits that are 100% burnable and long lasting.
“I’m glad I got the opportunity to do this program. I learned how hard it is to own a business,” McDougall said about his summer, “It’s very hard to motivate yourself every day.”
When asked if he had any advice for other students wanting to start a business, he shared, “I think just get your name out on social media, especially Facebook.”
Going into grade 12 this year at Holy Trinity, Connor plans on pursuing college studies in business and entrepreneurship after graduating.
Read more here.
Coralie Adams, Qu’Aura’s Crystals
Coralie Adams is described as passionate and determined, especially when something interests her. This summer she combined her interests in entrepreneurship and crystals to sell mystery crystal boxes.
“I’ve just really loved stones and crystals my whole life and I wanted to share my knowledge and passion for them with as many people as I could,” Adams shared when asked what inspired her to start her business.
Regarding what she learned during the program, Coralie stated, “Really everything. I learned how to be patient, I learned how to handle money, how to talk to customers and clients.”
Coralie said that she plans on keeping her business open for a while.
Read more here.
Hannah Lavictoire, Visual Artist
Hannah Lavictoire is a visual artist that has been creating art for more than ten years. She uses inks, acrylics, and other mediums in her art and has also started selling handmade bracelets.
“The Summer Company program is coming to an end soon, but I had a really great experience this summer. The program coordinator, Sydney Smith, was really helpful as were all the other mentors,” shared Lavictoire.
“I learned a lot about what it takes to run a business and experienced it firsthand. I was able to participate in a few markets over the summer and sold a few of my paintings online. Overall, it was a great experience.”
Hannah has been inspired by a lot of artists in SDG over the years and plans to continue making and sharing her art.
Read more here.
Connor Armstrong, Armstrong Stump Grinding
This summer, Connor Armstrong started a stump grinding business to help make people’s lawns easier and faster to mow.
“It was pretty good. I learned quite a bit about how to properly run a business,” he shared of his experience, “Marketing was one of the things that I didn’t realize was so important, and customer relationships.”
Connor, a high school student at Tagwi Secondary School, plans to continue this seasonal business in the future.
Read more here.
Bobby Robinson, Baler Bob Custom Work
Bobby Robinson grew up on a dairy farm. He noticed there was a need for hay balers in the area and started a business renting out his family’s machine this summer. To make his business appealing to farmers on a tight schedule, Robinson made himself available any time of day.
“Hard work pays off. Never stop going, just keep pushing through,” were his words of advice to future entrepreneurs. He said the latest he pulled up to wrap bales was at midnight, “It was a lot of hard work and a lot of Red Bull.”
Like most of the students in this year’s summer company program, Bobby plans to continue with his baler business.
Read more here.
Thomas LeGallais, Swish School
Thomas LeGallais chose to take his passion for basketball and grow his existing business this summer.
“My summer company experience has been great. Swish School expanded itself this year by doing its first annual basketball camp and it was a huge success,” he shared, “I am so grateful for the continuous support Cornwall has given my business and I look forward to seeing how it can continue to grow in the future!”
Legallais is a former Cornwall Lions basketball player who went on to play at the collegiate level for two years. He is currently completing his master’s degree in Education at the University of New Brunswick.
Read more here.
Click here to learn more about the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre.
