Take your summer job to the next level and transform your skills and passion into a thriving business! Summer Company is an Ontario government program facilitated by the Regional Business Centre and offered to students in Greater Sudbury and the surrounding areas.
Applications Open: February 26, 2026
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Students aged 15 to 29 who are returning to school in September can receive a grant of up to $3,000 to start and manage their own business over the summer.
Successful applicants to the Summer Company Program will be paired with a coach from the Regional Business Centre and receive personalized business training, guidance, and support every step of the way.
WHO CAN APPLY TO SUMMER COMPANY?
You could be eligible, if you:
- attend high school, college or university
- live in Ontario
- are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- are between 15-29 years old (if under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant)
- are not already running a business
- are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
- are returning to school after the program ends
- are operating your business in Greater Sudbury, Manitoulin Island and surrounding area
SUMMER COMPANY GRANT UP TO $3,000!
Successful Summer Company applicants receive:
up to $1,500 up front to help with approved start-up costs
up to $1,500 upon successful completion of program requirements
ELIGIBLE AND INELIGIBLE BUSINESSES
We welcome a wide range of business ideas and encourage applicants to follow their interests and passions. The lists below outline examples of businesses that are eligible and not eligible for the Summer Company Program.
Examples of eligible businesses:
- Lawn Care/Services
- Car Detailing
- Swimming Lessons
- Tutoring
- Makers / Creating a product
- Photography
- Dog Walking or kennelling
- Window Washing
- Food services
- Professional services
- And much more…
Businesses NOT eligible:
- Businesses that cannot generate sales revenue during the July–August program period.
- Businesses that operate exclusively online and do not engage in in-person sales activities
- Businesses that do not require active in-person sales or customer engagement (ex. vending machines)
- Not-for-profit or charity
- Property investment and/or short-term rental investments
- Real estate agents
- Partnerships/co-operatives
- Franchises
- Distributorships
- Incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Summer Company award
- Businesses that are subsidiaries or divisions of an existing business
- Businesses that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
- Businesses that do not operate at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Commissioned sales
- Multi-level marketing ventures
- Single events, such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, a market, etc.
- Businesses that are strictly pay per click
- 1-900 businesses
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Space in the program is limited and may fill before the deadline. To avoid missing out, we strongly encourage you to apply and complete your business plan as early as possible.
Please note: Participation in the Summer Company Program includes mandatory training sessions, which are a key component of the program, and businesses must be actively operated during the summer months.
Program Dates:
- Training Start Date: June 5, 2026
- Business Start Date: June 1, 2026 (post-secondary students); June 29, 2026 (high school students)
- Business End Date: August 31, 2026
REQUIREMENTS
Over the summer program period, you must commit to:
- work a minimum of 280 hours over 8 weeks if you’re in high school; 420 hours over 12 weeks if you’re in college or university
- spend an average of 35 hours per week on running your business and training
- attend mandatory training sessions and workshops – approximately 3-4 sessions
- meet with program coordinator bi-weekly – virtually or in-person
- schedule two site visits to your business with the program coordinator
SUMMER COMPANY TIMELINE & APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1 – APPLICATION
Complete the online application form by Thursday, April 30, 2026.
STEP 2 – INTRO CALL
A short introductory call must be scheduled within one week to confirm your eligibility for the program and address any questions that you may have.
STEP 3 – BUSINESS PLAN
The next step in the application process is to complete your business plan, including a startup budget and summer cash flow projections. After you submit your first draft, our Program Coordinator will provide feedback to help strengthen your plan. You may be asked to make a few revisions before a final version is approved to move forward in the application process, so it’s important to review feedback carefully and make edits promptly—but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
STEP 4 – INTERVIEW
Step 4 is a short interview to review your business idea and confirm your readiness to participate in the program.
STEP 5 – APPLICATION REVIEW & DECISION
To be considered for the program, applicants must have completed Steps 1–4, including the submission of a finalized business plan, by May 15, 2026. Completed business plans and interviews will be reviewed and evaluated based on the quality of the plan and the viability of the business. All applicants will receive a response, which may include acceptance into the program, placement on a waitlist if spaces become available, or notification that they are not moving forward. Before being officially admitted, you (and your legal guardian, if under 18) will be required to sign a participant agreement and provide personal identification documents.
Please note: The Summer Company Program is competitive, with a rigorous selection process and a limited number of spots available, which may fill before the application deadline. Spots are offered to applicants who submit high-quality business plans and make any suggested revisions in a timely manner. Participation in the application process, including submitting a business plan, implementing feedback, and participating in an interview, does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
STEP 6 – START OF THE PROGRAM
Training begins on June 5, 2026.
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Summer Company Program Funders:
