Four student entrepreneurs will be working on outdoor-based businesses this summer as part of an annual program, provided through the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s (SLEP) Business Enterprise Centre.
The students were selected to participate in the 24th annual Summer Company Program, a joint initiative between SLEP and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.
Through the program, students receive $3,000 to launch a business and 12 weeks of training or mentoring.
The successful applicants this year include JJ Fogarty, Ian Wallace, Jake Maclean, and Kaden Burnham. Their businesses focus on landscaping, a bike and sports equipment rental company, and two lawn care companies.
“The Summer Company Program provides a unique learning experience for young entrepreneurs, providing them with exposure to entrepreneurial and professional skills along with mentorship, which can be leveraged for years to come,” said SLEP CEO Dan Taylor. “These student entrepreneurs demonstrate the passion, innovation, and drive that will serve our local economy, and we are proud to take part in such an important, foundational, initiative.”
Young entrepreneurs are asked to consider applying to the Summer Company Program at the end of January or early February. The program is open to high school and post-secondary students between the ages of 15 and 29.
“A key component during the evaluation of applicants for the program was to ensure the businesses were viable, because most students rely on the summer income, but also that the idea would provide the students with a well-rounded experience as entrepreneurs given this opportunity provides long term benefits,” said Program Coordinator and Business Enterprise Centre Manager Chantelle Core.
Brock Barber, a third-year Finance and Business student at King’s University College at Western; and Brianna Sharpe, a third-year Business and Accounting student will assist during this year's summer program.
Detailed descriptions of this year's businesses supported through the Summer Company Program can be found below.
JJ’s Landscape, launched by JJ Fogarty
Residential services will consist of three categories: garden maintenance, landscape installation, and pressure washing. The mechanical engineering student from Western University has landscaping experience. Fogarty can be contacted via email at Jjfogarty9@gmail.com.
Lakeside Trails, launched by Ian Wallace
Wallace is renting out a bicycle and sports equipment, while also offering dog walking services in the Point Edward area. The high school student can be reached via email at wallaceian888@gmail.com.
Lambton Lawns, launched by Jake Maclean
The high school student is offering services such as grass cutting, trimming, mulching, and general landscaping in the Corunna area. Maclean can be reached via email at Jake.macleann@gmail.com.
Riverside Lawncare, launched by Kaden Burnham
Burnham is aiming to expand Riverside Lawncare, which already services 17 clients on a weekly basis. The high school student is offering grass cutting, lawn care, and yard work services in the Sombra and Port Lambton areas. With help from his brother and friends, Burnham hopes to take on new customers. He can be reached at (519) 918-8354.