Fom face-painting to holistic lawn care and bath bombs, young entrepreneurs previewed their businesses Wednesday at Staples Stores in Barrie for the Summer Company program.
Evelyn Colbeck is a face painter whose company is called Play Faces.
The 15-year-old is among 18 young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 who are part of the Summer Company program this year in Barrie.
Considered by the province to be Ontario's 'flagship entrepreneurial program,' Summer Company gives students grants of up to $3,000 to turn their ideas into a business.
The program also offers hands-on training, advice and mentorship through local business leaders.
Colbeck calls it an amazing opportunity.
"It's really good for kids my age to be able to get this experience, especially going into the workforce. It's good for us to get an idea as to what goes into owning and operating a business so we can get a little more appreciation for all the hard work that goes into it," she said.
The 18 young business owners were at Barrie's two Staples for the fourth annual Summer Company-Staples Youth Entrepreneurship Day.
Since 2001, over 7,800 students in Ontario have launched a business through Summer Company.
Almost 500 province-wide will be enrolled this summer.
"I applaud your efforts to be your own boss by starting your own business, having the courage to believe in yourself, and the foresight to see where your business dreams can take you," MPP Ann Hoggarth told the students.
"Entrepreneurship is the spark for prosperity. It means becoming a job creator, instead of a job seeker."
For the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the province has committed $2.1 million for Summer Company.
The program is organized by Staples Canada in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development.
"Staples Canada is proud to support these young entrepreneurs who represent the business men and women of tomorrow," said Denise Leach, manager of the Barrie View Dr. Staples.
"Entrepreneurship is at the core of our business and where we started 25 years ago."
Sabasian Buffone's business is called Goodfellas Lawnmowing.
The 15-year-old has carved out a territory close to home in the south end of Barrie because he doesn't drive yet.
"I mow the lawn. I trim the grass and then I use the leaf blower to make sure there's no leftover grass in the driveway or walkway."
The Summer Company Program is helping Sebastian get to network and make connections.
"It's good for me because it gives me experience," he explained. "We have to make a business plan to apply for this so I learned to do all that stuff. How to start up a business. Money-managing."
Colbeck says she's already experienced some of the challenges of being your own boss.
"Marketing is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I figured that would be the easiest part. Just go out and do my thing and it would be like hey, come hire me. But it's not that easy."
