An upcoming market will feature 13 student-run businesses in Mississauga.
Students have faced challenges finding a summer job in the last few years.
Last week, the CNE said it received nearly 50,000 applications ahead of its job fair. Youth unemployment in the Greater Toronto Area peaked at nearly 17 per cent in April.
But some entrepreneurial students create their own opportunities.
Mississauga’s Summer Company program, which is funded by the Government of Ontario, offers people aged 15 to 29 the opportunity to start their own business, the City of Mississauga said in a press release.
High school students commit to 280 or more hours while post-secondary students commit to 420 or more hours between May and Labour Day to their summer company. Through training, guidance from IDEA and hands-on experience, they build skills and turn their ideas into real businesses.
One example is Jobbli, an online student job board created by a Grade 10 student in Mississauga.
This year, 13 students who are part of the program will showcase their businesses at the IDEA Connect Summer Market at Square One Shopping Centre on Aug. 12.
People can shop for unique products and services, meet the young business owners behind them and support local talent at the market.
“The IDEA Connect Summer Market showcases the creativity, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of students who have spent the summer turning their ideas into businesses,” said Christina Kakaflikas, director, Invest Mississauga.
“These young entrepreneurs represent the next generation of innovators, and their success highlights the strength of Mississauga’s entrepreneurial community. I encourage residents to visit the market, connect with these talented young business owners and support their growing ventures.”
The 13 businesses are:
Hyprboost Tech
Clevoir
EPIC Car Detailing
KDOT
Helios Growth Systems
Glu Nails
Gig Tax Books
Sauga Task Crew
Six Blade Studios
Jobbli
Knot my Hook
Luo Media
Brown Butter Bakehouse
At the market on Aug. 12, visitors can get a passport and collect a stamp as they visit each business. They can enter their stamped passports into a raffle to win an IDEA gift bag.
The market is in IDEA Square One on the second floor of Square One Shopping Centre, beside The Rec Room.
It runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
People can register to attend here.
Lead photo: City of Mississauga
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