Summer Company

Summer Company 2023

Applications are now open. You can apply online- check to se if you are available Summer Company – Eligibility Checklist (ontariocanada.com).

Summer Company provides hands-on business training and mentoring in addition to awards of up to $3,000, to help enterprising students (ages 15-29) start-up and run their own summer businesses. Students gain insight into business creation and risk taking; practical experience in marketing, financial management, sales and customer service; and attitudes and skills essential for personal success, whatever their chosen career paths are.

You can get more information about the program and discuss your ideas by reaching out to the Small Business Advisory Centre by email @ (cjames@smallbizcentre.ca) and view the program information and guidelines on the Summer Company website.

The Summer Company Program will be delivered by the Small Business Advisory Centre for businesses in Smiths Falls, Lanark County and north Leeds Grenville (Merrickville, Rideau Lakes, Westport and upper part of Elizabethtown- Kitley).

Past Summer Company 2022 Participants

Eden Kentfield is the owner of Naturelle Home and Body Care, a small online business out of Almonte, Ontario that focuses on creating all natural home and body care products.

All products are vegan, cruelty free, artificial fragrance free and safe for sensitive skin. The products are made using essential oils, which carry incredible tropical and aromatherapy benefits.

You will see Eden at markets, pop up shops and in some local stores this summer.

Support our young entrepreneurs.

For more information,

Visit https://naturelle.online/

Email naturellehbc@gmail.com

Instagram @naturelle.online

Facebook @naturelle.online

TikToK @naturelle.online

Chris DeAngelis is a musician, instructor and owner of the Ottawa Valley Music Company specializing in Jazz, Blues, Folk, and Rock.

His extensive knowledge and passion for music drives his desire to inspire and empower folks of all ages to have music in their life.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, you’re looking to break a musical plateau, or wanting to strengthen and apply theoretical concepts- Chris is a gifted educator that can assist with any learner’s needs.

Lessons are individualized and engaging, while finding an important balance between fun and informative. For Chris, music is about expression, community and achieving a flow-state. Chris currently resides in the beautiful little town of Almonte, Ontario and is working towards his Bachelor of Music at Carleton University.

Support our young entrepreneurs this summer.

You can reach Chris to book lessons or discuss him playing at your event by emailing ottawavalleymusic2022@gmail.com or by calling 613-314-7250. A website is currently being created.

Summer Company 2021 participants

The Small Business Advisory Centre is pleased to announce that five students from the Lanark County/Smiths Falls/north- Leeds Grenville catchment area have been selected for this year’s Ontario Summer Company Program. Summer Company provides an opportunity for youth between the ages of 15-29 to be their own boss for the summer, developing strong business and leadership skills along the way in financial literacy, business foundation, sales, marketing, social media and customer service. The 2021 Summer Company participants include:

Niklas Altehoefer Hastings – ‘Argentum Attire’

Argentum Attire is a new and emerging streetwear company focused on delivering a variety of high-quality garments with meaningful and appealing designs created in-house from scratch. The garments are high quality materials sourced from Canada and produced (screen printing and embroidery) here in Ontario with reputable companies to ensure professional precision for every product. Buying from Argentum is better than buying from multi-national corporations as it supports the notion of quality over quantity and the fight against fast fashion. Furthermore, buying from Argentum is about buying into a story, joining a movement and spreading a message across the world. All products can be found on their website www.argentumattire.ca. Inquiries can be sent to argentumattire@outlook.com or via their social media; instagram, or facebook: @argentumattire

Hayley Pollock – ‘Hayley’s Clay Creations’

Hayley’s Clay Creations makes unique and customizable clay pieces ranging from plant pots, trinket dishes, jewelry and more. Unlike mass-produced products, these one-of-a-kind clay products are made locally by Hayley Pollock, a dedicated young artist and entrepreneur. Orders can be customized to your personal preference and may also contain meaningful messages and pictures. For more information, email hayleypollock2004@gmail.com or visit Instagram @hayleysclaycreations

Cole Braden – ‘Movable Makerspace’

Movable Makerspace provides STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) educational training services to youth throughout Lanark County, including classes/camps based on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing. The classes/camps are geared towards youth aged 9 to 14. In addition, Movable Makerspace provides 3D printer setup and maintenance for libraries and community centers. For more details, contact Cole Braden at colbournebraden@gmail.com or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steampunkroboticsottawa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steampunkrobotics/

Clare S. – ‘CS25art’

CS25art, owned and operated by Clare S., creates watercolour originals and prints of popular Canadian landmarks and architectural masterpieces. With over 5 years experience creating stunning works of art, this young entrepreneur can create one-of-a-kind prints for all your décor needs. For more information, feel free to email cs25art@gmail.com or check out Instagram @CS25art and Facebook: CS25architectureArt

Abe Pepper – ‘Clean and Green Mosquito Treatment’

Clean and Green Mosquito Treatment provides mosquito repellant services through a non-chemical, environmentally friendly product which is safe with bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. The businesses owner, Abraham Pepper, hopes to provide peace of mind for homeowners while allowing them to enjoy their outdoors spaces throughout the summer. For more information, email cleanandgreen014@gmail.com or contact Abe at 613-485-4388.

2019 Summer Company Participants

Brooklyn Kentfield- Appaloosa Artist

Appaloosa Artist will create and sell high-quality, handmade, cards and painting. The business will operate from Almonte, ON and will be for sale a various shows and stores in the Almonte area… Contact Brooklyn by email at appaloosa.artist@rogers.com or on Facebook: Appaloosa Artist or Instagram appaloosa_artist

Kacey Caines – Belle’s Favourites- Horse Treats

Belle’s Favourites is a packaged homemade horse treat company, owned and operated by Kacey Caines of Merrickville. You can find this fabulous product at local horse shows and various pet stores. To contact Kacey, please email bellesfavourite@gmail.com or look her up on Instagram @bellesfavourites and on Facebook @Belle’s Favourites-homemade horse treats

Steven Galazzo- Galazzo Woodworking

Steven will be based in Smiths Falls and will be handmaking and selling high quality Adirondack chairs made from local cedar lumber along with other handmade wooden products at 613-485-5325, email him at galazzowoodworking@gmail.com or check out his Facebook page at GalazzoWoodworking

Emily Garvin – E. Garvin Crafts

E. Garvin Crafts is an artistic business that creates original handmade painting and stained-glass pieces. This business is operated by Emily Garvin, located in Toledo, ON. You can check out her products at local craft fairs/events or contact Emily at (613)697-2844, by email emilygarvin2004@yahoo.com, through her website E.Garvincrafts.com or on Facebook @Emily’sCreations

Past 2018 Summer Company Participants

Maddy Martin – ‘The Boxed Riddle’

Need some extra entertainment for a party, special event, or just the everyday? Sounds like you need to check out The Boxed Riddle! The Boxed Riddle is a collection of themed rental escape boxes created by Maddy Martin, an innovative Grade 11 student from Carleton Place, Ontario. These rental boxes are based off the framework of an escape room, which means it’s up to you and your team to solve puzzles and crack mind-teasing riddles. To get your hands on one of these interactive escape boxes, visit The Boxed Riddle website.

At heart, Maddy is an entertainer, and she’s using her passion for entertainment to bring people together in a fun and engaging way. The Boxed Riddle is completely unique because it provides an easy, portable, and inexpensive alternative to conventional escape rooms. Designs for The Boxed Riddle are constantly being updated and improved, and there may even be some Virtual Reality escape boxes in the future of Maddy’s business! Maddy hopes that her escape boxes will teach her customers to learn from mishaps, work together as a team, and think outside the box!

The Boxed Riddle was created by Maddy Martin and brought to fruition through The Summer Company, an Ontario Government program, run locally by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County).

Liam Nesbitt – ‘Life Changing Training’

Want to work on your summer body, explore nutritious meal options, or just feel healthier and happier? Life Changing Training has you covered! Life Changing Training is a summer business created by Liam Nesbitt, a senior Sports Psychology student at Laurentian University. Liam’s personal motto is “get fit, be happy”, and he’s helping people in the Smiths Falls area do just that.

Liam’s long-time experience in competitive sports has given him the knowledge and insight into the training world. Liam creates customized exercise and meal plans based on his clients’ needs, in order to help them reach their fitness goals. As a psychology student, Liam truly believes in the mental health benefits that can be associated with regular exercise, and wants his clients to know that the path to happiness can be found through a healthy lifestyle. Liam is excited to bring his personal training business to the Smiths Falls community, and he can work with a variety of people at different levels of fitness. He hopes that starting his own personal training business with the Summer Company will allow him to pursue a future as a Sports Psychologist. Visit Life Changing Training’s website to get started on a healthier, happier you.

Levi Albert – ‘Greystone Designs’

Handmade jewelry…with a twist! Meet Levi Albert, a senior student at Almonte District High School who’s putting his passion into action through launching his own business, Greystone Designs. Levi makes handmade jewelry from wood and dyed epoxy, creating unique and creative accessories that suit people of all different styles. Levi has always been passionate about creating his own unique designs, and now he’s putting his creations into the world for people of the Almonte area to wear on a daily basis. How’s that for high fashion? Each piece created by Greystone Designs is completely unique and carefully crafted by hand, allowing you to own an original piece of artwork! After graduating from Almonte District High School, Levi hopes to continue developing his creative side at Ryerson University where he’ll be studying New Media. Levi is thrilled to be bringing his creativity and passion for design to the people of Almonte, and he hopes that with the proper dedication and support, he’ll be able to continue providing his services and growing his business in the years to come.