Publication Details

Summer job prospects looking grim?

Here's a chance to get up to $3,000 to create your own summer job.

With the economy in a bit of a slump, Durham students could be facing dim prospects for summer employment this year.

There is some good news for enterprising young people, however. This summer, a group of students between the ages of 15 and 29 won't be looking for summer employment; they'll be creating their own.

They'll be participating in the Summer Company Program, a youth entrepreneurship program that awards up to $3,000 to students to start and operate a small business during the summer months.

Wenda Abel, Young Entrepreneur Program Manager with the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), has been talking to students in area high schools, Durham College and UOIT about the Summer Company Program since early October. She finds students are interested in the program because they like the idea of being their own boss. When they see they have help, advice and guidance in setting up and operating their business, they begin to see the possibilities. Of course, the $3,000 is a big motivator. But what really gets them excited about the program are the stories of the students who participated last year.

Meaghan, 15,from Orono, was one of 13 students who participated in the program last summer. She turned her talent for sewing into a healthy paycheque, teaching children the basics of sewing in the basement of her parents' home.

BACD has been providing the Summer Company Program in Durham Region for eight years now. Students can learn more about the program and application process by visiting www.bossmaker.ca -- the brand new BACD website just for young entrepreneurs.

Get started in three easy steps...

1) Go to www.sbe.gov.on.ca/summercompany to get program details and start the application process.

2) Write a business plan for your business idea. This is easier than you think. The Summer Company website has a business plan template to provide a guideline for the format and the information you should include in your business plan. BACD has a host of print and online resources to help young entrepreneurs research and develop their business plans. BACD staff is here to answer any questions and provide additional support and direction as you develop your plan and proceed through the application process.

3) Upload your business plan and complete the cash flow calculator online.

BACD will call you, conduct an interview and select successful candidates. We provide resources, business training and you are matched with your own mentor suited to your needs. Ms. Abel acknowledges that writing a business plan takes some research, time and effort. But then again, so does finding a job.

Ms. Abel also points out that all 13 students participating in last year's Summer Company Program were success stories in the end. You can find their stories at bossmaker.ca.

The Summer Company 2009 application process is now open until April 30. Ms. Abel urges interested students (or prospective mentors) to apply early. For more information on the Summer Company Program for student entrepreneurs, call BACD at 905-438-4008 ext. 226 or e-mail youth@bacd.ca.