Media Release - Students can make money launching their own business this summer
Cobourg, ON – January 28, 2025 – High school and post-secondary students who are looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey are invited to apply for the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) Summer Company Program. This annual program provides students, ages 15 to 29, with free professional business coaching, skill-building resources, training opportunities, networking and selling opportunities, and a grant of up to $3,000 to help them launch a business during their summer break.
Participants in the program will gain valuable, hands-on experience to put on their resume and scholarship applications, including building a small business from initial concept development to successful operation. The program offers the unique opportunity for students to explore their creative passions, transforming their skills and interests into a money-making venture with support and ongoing guidance. Participants will leave the program with lifelong entrepreneurial skills that can help them independently manage their future goals, projects, and business ventures.
“The BECN Summer Company Program helped me turn my passion for drone videography into a business,” states Mathew, Owner of Astraview – Aerial Videography. “Their guidance gave me the skills to develop a website, create a portfolio, and make professional sales. Thanks to their support, I’ve been able to secure clients and grow my business, and I’m excited to continue it.”
Since 2001, the Summer Company Program has assisted over 150 students, with approximately $474,000 in micro grants. To apply, applicants must work with BECN staff to develop and submit a business plan that includes details on their business concept, marketing strategy, operational needs, start-up costs, and a risk analysis.
The Summer Company Program is a program of the Province of Ontario and is one of many free business supports offered by the BECN. In addition to this program for high school and post-secondary students, the BECN offers a similar youth entrepreneurship program for kids ages 8 to 14, which will launch applications in the spring. They also offer many programs, workshops and services for local small business owners looking to launch or grow their business in Northumberland.
Students interested in participating in the Summer Company Program are encouraged to contact the BECN as soon as possible to start developing their business plan—which is due by May 23, 2025—in order to complete their application. For more details, visit Northumberland.ca/ SummerCompany.
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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
