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Summer Company Program for Young Entrepreneurs

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The application link is live, and we're excited to see your ideas come together!
Apply here -> https://bramptonbec.smapply.ca/prog/2026summercompany/

Please carefully review the three required steps below:

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Pre-Screening
You must complete the eligibility questions to determine program eligibility.
If you do not pass the pre-screening, you will be unable to create an application in the system.

Step 2: Application Form

The Summer Company application is where we gather important information about you and your business idea to determine your eligibility and learn more about your plans for the summer.​

Step 3: Complete Your Business Plan & Cash Flow & Upload
You are required to build your business plan and cash flow projections using the templates provided in application.

We will not accept applications that use any business plan or cash flow template other than the ones provided.

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​​Important Dates:

  • March 2nd, 12:00 PM - Applications open
  • April 7th, 9:00 AM - Application deadline (business plan and cash flow forecast due). No extensions will be granted.
  • Week of April 7th - Application review period
  • April 10th - Interview notifications sent to all applicants
  • April 13th - 17th - Interviews conducted
  • April 20th - Final decisions announced

The Summer Company program can help you launch and operate a business this summer.

The program provides:

  • Business training and mentorship to help you get your business up and running.
  • Opportunity for a grant up to $3,000 to help you launch your summer business.

Summer Company Recipients

Get to know our previous year's recipients

2025 Summer C​ompany Re​cipients

Summer Company Program Guidelines

Detailed guidelines on how to apply for money to start your own student business this summer.

Program Information

Summer Company is a program of the government of Ontario that helps young people between 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer business by providing funding, advice and services. The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre delivers Summer Company for Brampton/Caledon students.

If you're accepted into the program, you'll receive:

  • an award of up to $3,000
    • a first payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs
    • a second payment of up to $1,500 once you've successfully completed the program
  • hands-on coaching
  • mentoring from business leaders in your community and from your program provider

You also get to keep any profits generated through the operation of your business.

Démarrer une entreprise d'été : étudiants; L'information est disponible en français

Visit the Program GuidelinesConsultez les Lignes directrices du programme

You're eligible to participate if you're:

  • a student between 15 and 29 years old as of April 30, 2026 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
  • starting a new business (if you're unsure​, contact your program provider)
  • attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
  • a resident of Ontario
  • a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • not working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the duration of the program
  • following the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
  • able to work over the summer program period:
    • a minimum of 280 hours if you're a high school student
    • a minimum of 420 hours if you're a post-secondary student

We may approve exceptions.

You must meet all of the above requirements.

You're not eligible if you've received funding from Summer Company in the past.

Summer Company is designed to support early-stage student entrepreneurs who are in the idea or start-up phase of their business journey. The program provides funding, but more importantly, it offers training, mentoring, and support to help students learn how to successfully launch and operate a small business.

To ensure the program supports those who will benefit most, please note the following:

  • Early-stage businesses only: Applicants whose businesses are already operational and actively acquiring customers/clients may not be a fit for the program. This includes ventures that are already registered, generating revenue, or significantly active online.Any business that shows demonstrated ac​tivity through social media or a website—even if it is not formally registered, will not be considered.
  • Training and mentorship are core: Priority is given to students who demonstrate a clear need for guidance and support in starting their business. If you are already running a business with little need for support, this program may not be suitable.
  • Funding need is a factor: Students who have already secured external funding or have access to other resources may be considered lower priority. We aim to support those who truly need the grant to launch their venture.
  • Brampton-based businesses only: We prioritize applicants who are proud to operate and promote their business as being based in Brampton. If your application references another city, or lacks clarity about your business location, it may not be considered.
  • Deadlines are final: Late applications will not be considered. No exceptions will be made.
  • Decisions are final: Program decisions are made carefully and are not subject to appeal.

Please review the eligibility carefully before applying. If you're unsure whether your business qualifies, reach out to our team before submitting an application.

Summer Company is a unique program where we're asking students to start and run a business in a short window of time. Businesses that typically do well in the program are those that operate well over the summer months and can generate revenue quickly.

Examples of successful Summer Company businesses include:

  • Outdoor Services: Landscaping, lawn care, gardening, pressure washing, window cleaning
  • Automotive: Car detailing, mobile car wash services
  • Education & Youth Services: Tutoring, swimming lessons, summer camp programs, music lessons, sports coaching
  • Events & Entertainment: Event planning, party entertainment, photography
  • Pet Services: Dog walking, pet sitting, mobile pet grooming
  • Creative Services: Graphic design, custom crafts
  • Tech Services: Website design, computer repair, tech support
  • Home Services: House sitting, moving assistance, organization services, home cleaning

The key is choosing a business that:

  • Has strong demand during summer months
  • Can start generating revenue quickly
  • Requires minimal upfront investment
  • Fits your skills and interests
  • Can operate on a full-time basis over the summer

Important Note About Licensing: Some businesses require additional licensing or permits to operate legally. Please use https://bizpal.ca/ to determine what kinds of licenses you may need to start your business. Approvals into the Summer Company program are not provided until you can verify that you have the ability to access these required licenses.​​​

Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:

  • is a sole proprietorship or a corporation where you (the applicant) will be the majority shareholder
  • is an independent business venture
  • is a new business, not previously registered or operated on an on-going basis
  • operates at arm's length from family business ventures
  • operates in Ontario
  • operates full-time as defined in the business plan
  • follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

Businesses must mee​t all of the above requirements.

Businesses not eligible for funding

These types of businesses are not eligible for funding:

  • partnerships/co-operatives
  • franchises
  • distributorship
  • businesses already in operation​​
  • incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Summer Company award
  • business ventures that are subsidiaries or divisions of an existing business
  • business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
  • commissioned sales
  • multi-level marketing ventures
  • single events such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, etc.
  • businesses that are strictly pay-per-click
  • 1-900 businesses
  • businesses that primarily import finished products for resale.
    • However, businesses that import raw materials as part of a manufacturing or pro​d​uct creation proce​ss ​are e​ligible.

The program gives students the full experience of running their own business. Note that:

  • the program provider may, at its discretion, determine that a particular business is ineligible for the Summer Company program
  • online businesses are acceptable, but there must be face-to-face opportunities to market and sell your product
  • app and tech businesses must be market-ready and must generate sales by the end of the summer
  • if you plan to run a business that requires certif​ication, you'll need to show proof to your program provider. If you're unsure about certification obligations, ask your program provider. Certification examples include:
    • Food handling certification for businesses that produce and/or sell food - home-based food production is not permitted
    • National Life Saving certification for businesses that offer swimming lessons
    • Canada Professional Fitness Certification (CanFitPro) for businesses that offer personal fitness training
    • Licences for businesses that specialize in drone photography through Transport Canada

How does the application system work?

We use a two-part application system through SurveyMonkey Apply:

  1. Eligibility Checklist: You'll first complete an eligibility screening to determine if you meet the program requirements. If you do not pass the eligibility screening, the system will not allow you to proceed with the application.
  2. Full Application: Once you pass the eligibility screening and create your account in SurveyMonkey Apply, you'll be required to prepare and upload a detailed business plan and cash flow forecast. Both documents must be submitted to be considered for the program.​

Applications for the Summer Company grant will be evaluated by City staff based on the following selection criteria:

  • Meet all eligibility requirements stated above.
  • Submitted application contains all required information (including contact information, upload of business plan template, startup budget and revenue forecasting).
  • Business plan must propose a business idea that is feasible to fulfill within the allotted Summer Company timeframe of eight to 12 continuous weeks (June to August).
    • Post-secondary students are expected to fulfill the 12-week requirement.
    • Secondary students are expected to fulfill the eight-week requirement.
  • Applicant must demonstr​​ate the capacity to meet time and reporting requirements for program (e.g. operating the business minimum 35 hours per week, attending mentoring and training sessions, providing proof of grant expenditures, revenue statements and student status, etc.)

Select applicants will continue to the interview stage of the application process. 

Once approved, you'll be required to:

  • sign a Letter of Agreement with the City of Brampton describing each party's rights and responsibilities (a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for applicants under 18)
  • sign a Release and Consent form (a parent or guardian must sign the form for participants under 18)
  • show your business name registration a​nd any required licensing documents to the City of Brampton for verification
  • open and operate a bank account for the business
  • spend your first payment within the first 30 days
  • operate your business over the summer program period, according to your business plan and cash flow, for:
    • a minimum of 280 hours if you are a high school student
    • a minimum of 420 hours if you are a post-secondary student
  • meet with your Summer Company Advisor and mentors for a minimum of four meetings to review and track your progress
  • agree to one site visit by the City of Brampton
  • maintain appropriate business records of income and expenditures including receipts
  • participate in business training

​Our team will review all completed applications during the week of April 7th. On Friday, April 10th, all applicants will be notified whether their application has been selected to move forward to the interview round.​

​Interviews will be scheduled during the week of April 13th - 17th. You'll receive details about your interview time and format in your notification email.​

​Final decisions will be announced on Monday, April 20th. All applicants will be notified of their status.​

All decisions are final.​

​No, extensions will not be granted. All materials must be submitted by April 7th at 9:00 AM.​

You may decide to start and/or continue your business ​while you're in school, but for the purpose of the program's administration, business operations can start no earlier than April 1 and must end by Labour Day.

To receive the second payment (up to $1,500), you need to:

  • meet your requirements to participate (listed above)
  • participate in an exit interview at the end of the summer
  • provide the following to your program provider for re​view, in a professional and business-like format:
    • a cash flow record of your business operations
    • copies of all your bank statements
    • copies of all business receipts and invoices organized to show that you used the first payment for start-up costs
  • submit a signed confirmation that you're returning to school
  • complete the anonymous online participant survey

If you don't successfully complete the program, you will not receive the second payment and you may be asked to reimburse the first payment.

If you met all the requirements to complete the program but did not spend the full first payment within 30 days, the difference will be deducted from your second payment.

The award is taxable under the Canada and Ontario Income Tax Acts. A T4A​ slip will be issued to the recipient of the award.