‘I am finally getting experience in business, and I think that is going to be really helpful with all my other future careers and anything I do later,’ says Oro-Medonte teen
Simcoe County youth are turning summer ideas into real businesses this year, backed by provincial funding and a program that leaders say is shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Summer Company Program gives young entrepreneurs, aged 15 to 29, the tools they need to launch and run their own summer businesses, offering up to $3,000 in micro‑grant funding, one‑on‑one mentorship from seasoned business professionals, and access to training and networking opportunities through the province’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
This year, participants launched everything from redesigned clothing and handmade key chains to frozen treat carts and car detailing, and officials say programs like Summer Company give young people the chance to explore entrepreneurship, develop practical business skills, and understand what’s possible when they have access to the right support.
“They develop practical skills in the areas of sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer service and networking,” said Crystal Pollard, manager of small business, entrepreneur and innovation for Invest Barrie. “Most importantly, they gain something that we believe can’t be taught in a classroom — the experience of taking an idea, building a business and serving real customers.”
Tristan Gundert, 16, of Oro‑Medonte, launched Koala Charm, a small business creating handmade, custom key chains and bag charms designed to reflect people’s style, hobbies and interests.
She says her hope is to help teens and young adults feel more confident expressing themselves.
Gundert learned about the Summer Company after her mother came across the program.
“She told me about it and I thought I might as well get some experience with entrepreneurship. I thought of something I wanted to do, which was helping people, and combined with key chains because they are cute,” said Gundert, adding she applied and did lots of research on how to launch her own business.
The program has offered her a lot of learning opportunities, she added.
“It’s been really helping. I am finally getting experience in business, and I think that is going to be really helpful with all my other future careers and anything I do later,” Gundert said.
Ruth Adam, 16, of Alliston, launched Sit and Style with Ruth, a business where she redesigns used clothing into pieces she believes today’s teens will want to wear.
She learned about the Summer Company through her school and thought the program was a natural fit.
“I wanted to take my talent and use it, and I got accepted,” Adam said. “I have just been working on my business now and it’s been going good.”
Adam says she has already learned a great deal about how to effectively use social media and how to post in ways that create engagement. She’s also gaining confidence in the financial side of running a business.
“I have learned a lot about all my expenses and costs and how to track all the money,” she added.
The most challenging part of launching the business wasn’t the physical work, but navigating the permits and approvals required to operate legally, said Midhurst teen Anson Reesor, who operates Midhurst Mini‑Cart, a mobile ice‑cream bicycle business selling pre‑packaged frozen treats directly in neighbourhoods throughout the summer.
“It’s honestly been really difficult. It was hundreds of dollars worth of permits, and food-handling certificates … but it has been really worth it,” he said, adding his business has been successful around the village to date.
Reesor learned about the Summer Company through social media and thought it would be a great way to enjoy the outdoors while gaining business experience. Time and money management, along with learning how to build a business from the ground up, have been key lessons so far, he added.
“I have been doing a ton of sales and it’s been going really well,” Reesor said.
Jack Maguire, director of the Ministry of Economic Development’s Small Business Branch, said he was “super proud” of the Summer Company program and thanked the supporters and mentors who spent time guiding the students.
He encouraged the young entrepreneurs to acknowledge what they’ve accomplished and to be proud of taking the initiative to launch their own ventures.
“You got up and you did something. That means the world,” Maguire said. “I am getting older and getting gray hairs and when I see all that you’ve done out there it makes me think that we are going to be OK.”
Participants in this year’s Summer Company program were celebrated during an event at The Sandbox Centre in downtown Barrie on Tuesday. The program supports students aged 15 to 29 from Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia who are returning to school in the fall. | Nikki Cole/BarrieToday