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Summer Company

Are you a student enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution and thought about launching your own business over the summer?

Each summer, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the York Small Business Enterprise Centre administers its Summer Company program. Summer Company helps support young entrepreneurs in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Whitchurch-Stouffville start or grow their business and develop skills. Students in MarkhamRichmond Hill, and Vaughan, please apply directly through their Small Business Enterprise centre webpage.

The program is designed to foster and develop the entrepreneurial spirit in students between the ages of 15 to 29, and who are registered to return to school in September 2025. All that’s required is a good idea, commitment and hard work. In return, students receive:

  • Receive financial support of up to $3,000
  • Hands-on training and skills development
  • Coaching and guidance
  • Mentorship to help develop and launch a business over the summer

Learn more about the program at ontario.ca/summercompany.

Eligibility Requirements

To start the application process, check to see if you’re eligible by reviewing the Summer Company program checklist. You should also read about the program guidelines on the Summer Company webpage. Basic eligibility criteria include:

  • York Region resident residing in one of the northern six communities
  • Between the age of 15 to 29 as of April 30, 2025
  • Must be a student returning to school in the fall of the same calendar year (full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
  • Plan to start a new summer business
  • Have not received a previous Summer Company grant

APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 ARE CLOSED.

For more information, please reach out to us at ysbec@york.ca or sign up to the 2026 waitlist to be notified when applications open next year.

2026 Waitlist Registration

YSBEC | Summer Company Waitlist

Summer Company Testimonials

Check out this special testimonial from Maggie McColl of Maggie’s Swim Academy, one of our talented participants. Hear about her journey, challenges, and the invaluable experience gained through the Summer Company program.

Santhosh Rajmohan, founder and director of AET Basketball, is passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play sports. Located in Aurora, Ontario, this non-profit basketball association was brought to life with the help of the Summer Company program.

MEET OUR 2025 SUMMER COMPANY PARTICIPANTS
  • Headshot of Ana Demkovic

    Ana Demkovic | LexAna Academy of Advanced Writing

    LexAna Academy of Advanced Writing, is a fully online tutoring service dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized reading and writing support for students from elementary school through post-secondary levels. With over 10 years of experience in academic writing and a strong foundation in research and analysis through her writing-intensive university majors, Ana is uniquely positioned to help students achieve their writing goals.

    Operating virtually, LexAna Academy allows for flexible scheduling and supports students across and beyond the GTA, offering accessible support regardless of location. Committed to equity in education, Ana also plans to provide discounted sessions for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

  • Headshot of Andrew Brown

    Andrew Brown | Summer Swim Club

    Welcome to Summer Swim Club — Newmarket’s private lifeguarding and swim instruction service that puts your schedule first. We bring certified swim lessons right to your backyard, offering flexible two-week sessions designed to fit seamlessly into busy summer plans. Whether you’re looking for safety, convenience, or high-quality instruction, Summer Swim Club delivers it all—on your terms.

  • Headshot of Gloria Liu

    Gloria Liu | Peace Echo

    Gloria Liu is a student, storyteller, and passionate advocate for peace and community voices. She is the founder of Peace Echo, a youth-led initiative that collects and shares real-life stories from individuals affected by war and conflict. She believes storytelling has the power to build empathy, spark conversation, and inspire action. Through radio interviews, creative workshops, and collaborative projects, Peace Echo helps preserve powerful memories and turn them into meaningful learning for future generations.

    This summer, she is working on publishing a Peace Echo book, featuring a collection of voices that speak to both the pain of war and the hope for peace. She is incredibly excited to keep growing this project with the support of the community, peers, and organizations that believe in youth-led change. For Gloria, peace starts with listening, and she hopes her stories echo far and wide.

    Website: peaceecho.org

  • Headshot of Jack Cordingley

    Jack Cordingley | Atlas Watches

    Jack Cordingley is the founder of Atlas Watches, a custom timepiece brand specializing in private-label designs for businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals. Each dial is laser-engraved with a unique custom design and each watch is hand-assembled using a variety of high-quality cases paired with Japanese automatic movements.

    Atlas pieces are lasting mementos created to commemorate achievement, identity, or shared purpose. Whether it’s a branded corporate gift, a school tradition, a team milestone, or a personal tribute, Atlas transforms your vision into a wearable, mechanical keepsake. No two watches are exactly alike—each is designed with intention, crafted with care, and made to stand the test of time. Your Brand. Our Craftsmanship.

  • Headshot of Julia Jones

    Julia Jones | Framed By Her

    Framed By Her provides accessory eyewear and sunglasses designed perfectly for all the fashion girlies. We believe every occasion is an opportunity to dress up and feel your best! Each frame is carefully curated to elevate your look, spark confidence, and turn everyday moments into statements.

  • Headshot of Michael Horvath

    Michael Horvath | Stouffville Car Detailing

    Michael is a grade 12 student heading to TMU for engineering in the fall. Alongside school, he runs a car detailing and window washing business. A special benefit of his car detailing service, putting him ahead of the competition, is that he does the job right in the customer’s driveway.

  • Headshot of Nadia Tahir

    Nadia Tahir | Math and Melodies

    Nafia Tahir is a grade 12 student heading to Laurier for business in September. Her business is called Math and Melodies in which she gives singing lessons as well as teach young kids mental math. This is good for stretching both the left side and right side of your brain.

  • Headshot of Nicholas Fryer

    Nicholas Fryer | Boats & Autos

    Nicholas Fryer, a student at Aurora High School, is the founder of Boats & Autos.

  • Headshot of Samreen Khurram

    Samreen Khurram | Nova Events Photography

    Samreen Khurram, a student at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newmarket, is the founder of Nova Events Photography, a photography and content creation business. Specializing in capturing life’s special moments, she offers tailored services for small to medium-sized events such as birthday parties, graduations, baby showers, gender reveals, and engagement celebrations.

    Based in Newmarket and serving the Greater Toronto Area, Samreen combines creativity with professionalism to deliver high-quality, memorable visuals. Alleviating the burden on event hosts, she expertly captures memories, allowing them to fully engage in the occasion. With a passion for storytelling through the lens, she aims to help clients preserve their most cherished memories with style and authenticity.

  • Headshot of Sarah Crone

    Sarah Crone | Diamond Cleaning Services

    Diamond Cleaning Services is a trusted residential cleaning company dedicated to delivering exceptional results with every visit. Specializing in standard cleaning, deep cleaning, and move-in/move-out services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each home and client. Whether you’re looking for a weekly refresh, bi-weekly upkeep, monthly maintenance, or a one-time thorough cleanse, our team brings professionalism, attention to detail, and care into every space we clean.

    At Diamond Cleaning Services, we believe a clean home is a happy home, and we pride ourselves on creating sparkling, stress-free environments that our clients can relax in and enjoy. With flexible scheduling and customizable service options, we work around your lifestyle and priorities, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience. From everyday tidying to heavy-duty deep cleans, you can count on us to leave your home looking and feeling its best. Your satisfaction is our top priority, let your home shine with Diamond Cleaning Services!

  • Headshot of Steve Wong

    Steve Wong | PUREFLOW

    PUREFLOW is a men’s hair product brand focused on effortless, natural styling.

    PUREFLOW offers sea salt spray, texture powder, matte finish clay and a wet finish pomade designed for Gen Z and young professionals who want premium styling without overcomplication. Steve started the brand after struggling to find products that worked for his hair without damaging it.