Five young entrepreneurs are hitting the ground running thanks to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business Summer Company program.
The five were celebrated at an event in Maitland on Thursday night with officials including Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark in attendance.
Through the program, local youth are given the opportunity to start and operate their own businesses over the summer break and receive funding and support from mentors.
Leeds Grenville Small Business Development Officer Carol Hardy tells the Vista Radio Newsroom that the relationship between the participants and their mentors is invaluable to their success.
“Wonderful mentors that volunteer their time to the program. So we really try to match the right mentor to the student based on their expertise and type of business they run as well.”
A full list of the graduates can be found on the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville website.
Leeds Grenville Economic Development Officer Cyndy Bolton tells the Vista Radio Newsroom that the program will help the students find success.
“I think that our region, in particular, is quite resilient. Of course, there are challenges on the landscape right now that I believe every large and small business are faced with.”
The Summer Company program is funded by the Government of Ontario in partnership with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville.
