RICHMOND HILL – With just an idea and some hard work, seven young entrepreneurs were able to start up their dream business this past summer thanks to the Summer Company Program hosted by the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC).

“I think the Summer Company Program is a great way to inspire and motivate young students to start their own business,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Young people can be very creative and this program gives them the opportunity to do something special by developing and managing their own business.”

The Summer Company Program provides hands-on business training and mentoring – together with awards of up to $3,000 – to help enterprising young people start and run their own summer business. The Program, now in its third year, has graduated over 30 young entrepreneurs. It inspires many young, creative minds to explore entrepreneurship as a career option and to obtain hands-on skills that are necessary for lifelong success. From window washing to a swim school to graphic design to exotic fruit importing – this summer’s student businesses were indeed quite unique and varied.

“The SBEC helped me get off the ground and get set up easier than I could have done on my own,” said Tom Brown, who recently acquired the William F. Bell – Young Entrepreneur Award for being this summer’s top student in the program with his business Platinum Lawn Care & Landscape.

Participating students receive 15 hours of business training and work with community business leaders to help further enhance their business knowledge and experience. The free program runs from June 1until August 31, designed for students between the ages of 15-29 who are returning to school in the fall.

“The Summer Company Program provides a great opportunity for students to take the initiative and show off their creativity,” said Daniela Conte, Small Business Consultant. “The Summer Company Program assists young entrepreneurs with funding to cover the business start-up costs and training needed to run their own small business over the summer.”

For more information about the Summer Company Program or SBEC, call Daniela Conte at (905) 771-3831 or visit www.richmondhill.ca.