Students set up in business
Eleven students in the Algoma District are operating businesses this year through the Summer Company project. The young entrepreneur program is administered in the region by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.
Funded by the Province of Ontario, Summer Company provides grants and mentoring to assist high school and post-secondary students in starting a seasonal business. With 11 program spaces allocated to the district, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation was successful at filling all the spots.
“Business ownership isn’t for everyone, which is why Summer Company is such a useful program. It allows youth to try their hand at entrepreneurship, and it’s done in a low-risk environment,” said Megan Marotta, small business program coordinator for the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. “In some cases, participants decide to turn their companies into full-time, year-round operations. This speaks to the success and value of the program.”
The companies are:
- BUZZ (Mitchell Hammond)
Description: All Natural Chocolate Syrup
Contact: [email protected]
- Cloud Images (Charles Elder)
Description: Drone Photography
Contact: [email protected]
- GRL PWR Summer Training (Karissa Kajorinne)
Description: Girls Basketball Training Camps
Contact: [email protected]
- Malcolm’s CompuClinic (Malcolm Mason)
Description: Computer and Cell Phone Repairs
Contact: [email protected]
- MAP’s Lawn Care (Mateo Perri)
Description: Lawn Care and Property Maintenance
Contact: [email protected]
- Miscellaneous Boutique (Josh Mannarino)
Description: Jerseys and Consignment Goods
Contact: [email protected]
- Proper Lawn Care (Kieran Jalak)
Description: Lawn Care and Property Maintenance
Contact: [email protected]
- Quality Control Landscaping & Lawn Care (Evan Bodnar)
Description: Lawn Care and Property Maintenance
Contact: [email protected]
- Ruscio Lawn Care (David Ruscio)
Description: Lawn Care and Property Maintenance
Contact: [email protected] or 705-255-3065
- Simplicity Inclusive Clothing (Braydon Grbich)
Description: Clothing Brand
Contact: [email protected]
- Tony Trozzo Financial (Tony Trozzo)
Description: Bookkeeping, Payroll and Investment Guidance
Contact: [email protected]
Since 2010, a total of 131 businesses in the Sault Ste. Marie area were started through Summer Company.
The young entrepreneur program is delivered at the Millworks – Centre for Entrepreneurship. Operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation at the Machine Shop, the facility houses the organization’s enterprise services staff and programs, along with a small business incubator.
For more information visit www.themillworks.ca. To learn more about the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, including its programs, activity and results, visit www.sault-canada.com.