(Barrie, ON) – Local students with an entrepreneurial spirit are invited to apply for this year’s Summer Company Program for the opportunity to turn their passion into a real business venture and a summer job. The program is available to students in Barrie, Simcoe County, and Orillia who are between the ages of 15 and 29 and who are returning to school in the fall.
Summer Company empowers young entrepreneurs with resources and support to start and run their own summer businesses. Participants receive up to $3,000 in a micro-grant, mentorship from experienced business professionals, and access to valuable training and networking opportunities through support and funding from the Province of Ontario (Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade). Students also keep any profits generated through the operation of their business.
Eligibility requirements include the following:
- between 15–29 years old and a student who is returning to high school, college, or university in fall 2026
- live in Ontario and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- not already running a business, have another job, or attending summer school
- have not received a Summer Company grant in the past
Interested applicants should be prepared to commit a minimum of 280 hours (for high school students) or a minimum of 420 hours (for post-secondary students) to their business over the summer.
Local Summer Company applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026.
Learn more about applying for this year’s program at investbarrie.ca/SmallBusinessCentre.
