THUNDER BAY — Five budding entrepreneurs started and managed their own businesses this summer under the sponsorship of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.
The CEDC's Summer Company program provided each student with a $1,500 grant to cover start-up costs.
Throughout the summer, they worked with a mentor and participated in workshops on customer service, marketing and bookkeeping.
Once all the program requirements were met, each student received another $1,500 to help cover operating costs.
17-year-old Timothy Sherlock launched a mobile rolled ice cream business called Cold Slate Creamery, which quickly became a full-time enterprise.
Sherlock says the Summer Company program was a big part of his success, saying it provided "the perfect amount" of incentive, expertise and assistance that he needed.
Other participants were:
- Ashley Perry - Crafts with Ash
- Brooke Ailey - Dawn and Daisy Designs
- Tyler Blazino - Port Arthur Lawncare and Landscape
- Braeden Duchesne - Duchesne's Services
CEDC Chief Executive Officer Jamie Taylor said the commission plans to continue the program next summer.
It's administered by the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre, and has seen 93 student entrepreneurs go through since 2014.
Taylor said "Many participants continue their businesses after the program has ended and eventually develop into full-time entrepreneurs."
