Mentors available for students looking to start their own business

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KINGSTON — Students looking for the opportunity to start their own business throughout the summer months can now apply to Kingston Economic Development Corporation for Summer Company 2022 until May 23.

Summer Company 2022 has 10 spots available for students living in Kingston and the surrounding area and is funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Kingston Economic Development Corporation. Students accepted into the program will receive hands-on business training with local business leaders and up to $3,000 in funding to make their business idea a reality in Kingston.

“We’re pleased to be launching the Summer Company program to encourage students who have new creative ideas to join Kingston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Norman Musengimana, business development manager of startups and entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “It will be great to have our business bootcamp in person again, where we can work together and build new relationships as we take these early-stage entrepreneurs through the business planning and execution process. I am both excited and looking forward to meeting the 2022 Summer Company entrepreneurs.”

Eligible students must be able to dedicate at least 35 hours per week towards developing and running their business and between the ages of 15 and 29, enrolled in school for the fall of 2022. Summer Company assists students with gaining valuable business skills as well as developing their network of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals.

“The Summer Company program was great. It is more than simply a grant. The startup funding is certainly a welcomed boost for the business, but much of the value is found in the training, mentorship and relationships that come along with the program. It helps new business owners develop a strong foundation,” Jaz Perry, who launched Jaz Perry Home Service during the 2021 Summer Company cohort, said.

Young entrepreneurs that do not qualify to participate in Summer Company are welcome to contact Kingston Economic Development Corporation for business training and support.

To learn more about Summer Company and how to apply, visit KingstonEcDev.com/SummerCompany.