Biz centre plans new approach to summer company program

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After more demand last year, a long-running grant program in Sarnia-Lambton helping students run summer companies is taking a slightly different approach.

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So says Alison Minato, manager of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Business Enterprise Centre.

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Where last year’s six provincially funded grants of up to $3,000 each, training and mentorship, went to 15- to 29-year-old applicants “based on who came through the door first,” plans this year are to evaluate submitted business plans before selecting grant recipients, Minato said.

After a March 23 early bird deadline, submissions will be evaluated together, “and we’ll take the strongest applications,” she said.

If spots are still open after that, grants will be awarded “on a rolling basis,” she said.

The exact number of applicants isn’t typically disclosed, “so it doesn’t deter anybody from applying,” Minato said.

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“It usually is a relatively small number, like less than 25,” she added. “So the odds are very good. If someone applies, they have a very good chance of getting it.”

Ontario hasn’t announced how many spots will be up for grabs in the 27-year-old summer company program yet, she said.

There were four Sarnia-Lambton grants in 2024.

“We’ll find out in the next couple of months how many grants we have available, but we fully expect for the funding to continue,” Minato said.

Applications opened Feb. 2, and there’s a one-hour online information session Monday at noon for people wanting to learn more.

For more details, visit sarnialambton.on.ca/summercompany or contact Minato directly at 519-332-1821 or [email protected].

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“They can just reach out to the Business Enterprise Centre . . . any time to book time to meet with me and learn more about the program and see if it’s a good fit,” she said.

Applicants must submit a business plan outline and a budget, and the Business Enterprise Centre can help with that, Minato said.

The program gives students living in Lambton County and returning to school in the fall “a practical introduction to entrepreneurship,” Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership chief executive Matthew Slotwinski said in a release.

“It helps young people have the confidence to start their business idea, build real skills, and understand what it takes to operate responsibly and sustainably.”

Funding, structured support, and one-on-one advice “creates a powerful catalyst for student entrepreneurs,” Minato said.

Several of the businesses have continued for years, making an impact on the local economy, she said.

“It’s great for building businesses in the community, great for building skills, and great for building confidence.”

[email protected]

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