THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre, which is a branch of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), is inviting people between the ages of 15 and 29 to "be your own boss this summer."
The Summer Company initiative, which is endorsed by the province of Ontario, is offering them the chance to establish and operate their own seasonal businesses.
Jamie Taylor, chief executive officer of the CEDC, said the Summer Company program has been offered for more than 10 years.
Participants accepted into the program are eligible for a grant of up to $3,000, which provides "seed funding" for their business ventures.
They will also benefit from business coaching and mentoring.
"The Entrepreneur Centre provides workshops using local businesses and experts to provide information varying on topics such as marketing, bookkeeping and business planning," Taylor said.
"The mentors are past successful participants in the program, or other local business owners, and economic development advisors."
Taylor added they have partnered in the past with Thunder Bay Ventures in support of their Enter the Den program to help continue to drive student entrepreneurship.
The majority of the program is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, with a portion coming from the CEDC.
Taylor said many participants have come through the program and have gone on to establish their own tangible enterprises.
"A great example of a successful summer business turned full-time business is Cold Slate Creamery," she said. "Timothy Sherlock is the owner, operator and lead ice cream crafter behind Cold Slate Creamery."
Taylor added that Sherlock is a recent graduate of high school and is just starting his entrepreneurial journey. Through the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre's Summer Company program, he was able to start his business in July of 2022.
She said when his business started, he had the goal of being a 100-per cent mobile creamery, operating without a food truck or brick-and-mortar location.
"Since that time, Cold Slate Creamery has pivoted countless times, constantly increasing its capacity to serve more people, expanding to cater private events, and adapting to serve indoors during the winter season," she said.
Applications for the 2024 Summer Company are now open.
Visit gotothunderbay.ca/summer company to apply or learn more about the program.
The Chronicle Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
