Media Release - Innovative student entrepreneurs showcase their creative ventures at Staples Cobourg

Media Release

Innovative student entrepreneurs showcase their creative ventures at Staples Cobourg

Cobourg, ON – August 15, 2024 –  Yesterday, young entrepreneurs from across Northumberland gathered at Staples in Cobourg to showcase their unique products and services at the annual Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN)’s Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase.

This trade-show style event provides a platform for young business owners, that have participated in the BECN’s youth entrepreneurship programs in recent years, to showcase and grow their business in the community. This year’s event featured students from the BECN’s Summer Company program, for ages 15 to 29, and their My Future My Career Program, for ages 8 to 14. The event achieved its highest turnout to date, with 20 young entrepreneurs in attendance, earning a total of approximately $1,100 in product sales and driving 36 inquiries or quote requests for service-based businesses.

“Each year, we are truly amazed by the passion, creativity and ambition of the student entrepreneurs in our youth entrepreneurship programs,” states County Business Development Coordinator Kailyn Coupland. “These programs are designed to offer students free access to mentorship, business coaching, and micro grants, helping them bring their ideas to life. With these resources, and a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, our program participants have gone on to build thriving businesses in the community. As we celebrate the conclusion of this year’s programs, we would like to congratulate our participants on their hard work. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Staples Cobourg for continuing to collaborate with us to host this event each year, giving these young entrepreneurs a space to showcase their work.”

Some of the products featured at today’s event included:

· Homemade dog treats and accessories

· Mental health workbook journal

· Beaded jewelry

· Handyman and home assistance services

· Dog walking

· Drone and business technology services

· Soy wax candles

· Baked goods

· Lawn and garden care maintenance

· Freezies and cold treats

· Homemade baked goods

· Stickers, keychains and buttons

· Crochet and felted buddies

· Watercolour artwork and cards

“On behalf of County Council, I would like to congratulate these young entrepreneurs for their outstanding dedication and achievements in launching and growing their businesses this summer,” states County Warden Brian Ostrander. “Supporting young entrepreneurs is crucial, as they are the future leaders who will drive innovation and economic growth in our community. Programs like these are important spaces to allow these talented individuals to explore their ideas, further develop their skills and showcase their work, with the support of the community and local experts. We look forward to seeing how these young entrepreneurs will continue to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.”

For community members who were unable to attend today’s event, some young entrepreneurs from the BECN My Future My Career and Summer Company programs will also be showcasing their products at the Cobourg Farmer’s Market Youth Day on Saturday, August 24th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

More about the Summer Company Program

The Summer Company program is funded with support from the Government of Ontario and is available to students aged 15 to 29 who are looking for support navigating entrepreneurship. Successful applicants from this program can receive $3,000 in micro grants to help fund start up costs of operating a business.

More about the My Future My Career program

This free youth entrepreneurship program helps kids, ages 8 to 14, start or grow their own business during the summer break. The program offers business guidance and provides them with a small micro grant of up to $500 to help fund business expenses such as marketing, supplies and equipment.

For information about the BECN

For more information about BECN and their programs, visit BECN.ca.

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My Future My Career and Summer Company Program participants gather with County staff, County Warden Brian Ostrander, Deputy Warden Olena Hankivsky, Councillor Bob Crate and Councillor John Logel at Staples in Cobourg for the BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase.

For more information:

Kate Campbell
Director of Communications
Northumberland County
Phone: 905-372-3329  x2335

Email: campbellk@northumberland.ca

Web: Northumberland.ca 

About  BECN

The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (BECN) is the leading source for business information, strategy, resources, and education for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northumberland. A service delivered by Northumberland County in partnership with the Province of Ontario, the BECN offers micro grants, free consultations, training, information and resources, and workshops and seminars for community members thinking of starting or expanding a small business in Northumberland.

About Northumberland County

Located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga, Northumberland County is a thriving community just one hour east of Toronto along Highway 401, with easy access to urban centres to the north, east and west. As the upper tier level of municipal government for the region, Northumberland County’s vision is to bring together people, partnerships and possibilities for a strong and vibrant Northumberland. Our community includes seven distinct yet complementary municipalities, with County Council comprised of the Mayors of each of these member municipalities:

• Township of Alnwick/Haldimand

• Municipality of Brighton

• Town of Cobourg

• Township of Cramahe

• Township of Hamilton

• Municipality of Port Hope

• Municipality of Trent Hills