​BRAMPTON, ON – A group of local students are trying their hand at entrepreneurship this summer, thanks to their hard work and the support of the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre and the Summer Company program. 
 
The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre’s Summer Company program will work with 15 students to turn their business ideas into a reality. Summer Company is an Ontario government program for students between ages 15 and 29 that helps them to start their own summer business. The program provides hands-on training, mentorship and financial grants of up to $3000.
 
Supporting new opportunities for youth employment and youth entrepreneurship is an action identified in the City’s Economic Development Master Plan. The Plan is a roadmap for the City to attract jobs, talent and investment over the next 20 years. Helping youth gain practical experience in business has direct connections to future economic growth.
 
Student businesses for this year’s program include photography, clothing design and retail, arts-based businesses, and graphic design. Along with mentoring and training sessions that are part of the Summer Company program, the students-turned-entrepreneurs are juggling their time meeting client needs and generating some initial business income. 
 
This year’s participants were selected from more than 120 applicants from Brampton and Caledon.  For information about the Summer Company program and for updates to apply for summer 2019, visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany.

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre runs events throughout the year to support business and connect entrepreneurs. It also offers individual consultations and advice, and is the access point for funding and programs to support start-up and established businesses.

Quotes
“We love the passion, dedication and professionalism these young people bring to their businesses. Innovation and youth entrepreneurship are important and we want to support our youth by giving them opportunities and the support they deserve to succeed and this program helps achieve that.”
- Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey

“We will be watching the Summer Company students with great interest over the summer. Among these young entrepreneurs is the next generation of business leaders who will drive economic growth, jobs and investment in Brampton.”
- Councillor Jeff Bowman, Chair of Economic Development

“The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre is an important component to how the City serves and supports the business community in Brampton. We’re focused on jobs and investment, and the programming, like Summer Company, that is offered through the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre builds a strong foundation for growth.”
- Bob Darling, Director, Economic Development and Culture, City of Brampton

 

Summer Company 2018 participants at Brampton City Hall's West Tower Conservatory

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​Brampton is thinking bigger. We are a future ready organization with a sharp focus. We know our community’s growth, youth and diversity set us apart. We sit at the centre of Canada’s innovation super corridor, encouraging investment and growing our global success. We are building vibrant urban centres that ignite opportunity and instill pride in the people who live and work here. We are moving Brampton forward to be a connected city that is innovative, inclusive and bold. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.