‘Be your own boss’: Markham Summer Company program opens for applications

Program aims to foster and develop entrepreneurial spirit of students

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 16, 2022
Scarlett Liu

Are you enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution as a full-time student but thought about launching your own business?

Each summer, the city of Markham launches an entrepreneurship program called Summer Company to encourage, train and help young people who are interested in starting their own businesses.

The program is for students aged 15 to 29 and will provide funding up to $3,000 as well as hands-on training and mentoring.

Eligibility for this program is based on the following conditions, such as attending high school, college or university and currently residing in Markham. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For students under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for them.

“You need to fill in the online application and upload your business plan and cash flow statement first,” explains Alan Ho, councillor of Markham, “The staff will then review your application and work with you on your business plan and cash flow to ensure your success. And finally, qualified applicants will be invited for a final stage interview.”

Through this program, many students not only realized their entrepreneurial dreams, but also passed on their values through their businesses.

Ashley Man and her partner are participants from Summer Company 2021, whose mission is to empower young people and push the boundaries within the fashion industry through their Trophy Wives line of sustainable and ethical clothing. They aim to reclaim the term “trophy wife” by using it to highlight accomplishments of individuals and empower them by making them feel comfortable in their own skin.

"After being in the Summer Company program, we definitely see entrepreneurship as a career choice,” said Ashley, adding that the program has truly shown them that with such supports, anything is possible.

For high school students, the deadline to apply for this year’s Summer Company is May 22; while for university and college students, the deadline is April 1. More information can be found at www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/business/msbc/youth-programs/summer-company-program/01-summer-company-program.