The Kingston Economic Development Corporation’s (KEDCO) Small Business Development Centre launched 25 new businesses through the Summer Company program at the meeting of the Kingston Rotary Club on Thursday, July 9.
The 2015 businesses provide services including: firewood cutting and delivery, BBQ cleaning, photography, boat washing, smartphone repair services, pet sitting, tutoring, clothing and accessories design and also includes a handyman and a magician.
Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Summer Company program supports selected students with grants of up to $3,000 towards owning, operating and managing their own business. The program provides students with hands on business experience while providing an invaluable opportunity to network with local business professionals as well as builds a variety of skills including creating a business plan and marketing plan and financial tracking including, budgets, sales and revenues. KEDCO’s Small Business Development Centre is the local service delivery agent for the program and has overseen Kingston’s Summer Company program since 2001.
“This year we have an extraordinary group of students excited to be in business. We encourage everyone to meet these young entrepreneurs and hear firsthand how they plan to grow their business. A high percentage of businesses continue operating their company throughout their education years,” says Rebecca Darling, Senior Business Advisor at KEDCO’s Small Business Development Centre. “Small business owners are key drivers of job creation here in Kingston and these students contribute to this. The Summer Company experience can be an amazing launching point for university acceptance and future business success.”
KEDCO’s Small Business Development Centre offers a broad range of services from consultations to referrals that support small business growth in Kingston.
For more information on programs available for entrepreneurs of all ages, visit kingstonsmallbusiness.ca.
Release source: KEDCO
