Enterprising Halton youth can be their own boss this summer with the Summer Company program

Halton Region is proud to announce that 11 new student entrepreneurs in Halton are now open for business as part of Halton Region’s 2009 Summer Company program. This year’s participants provide a range of services and products from at-home expert swim instruction to hair accessories that complement school uniforms.

“Entrepreneurs are the heart of Halton Region’s economy with 88 per cent of private sector enterprises having fewer than 10 employees,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Summer Company program is a tremendous initiative that provides Halton Region with an opportunity to support the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Through the Summer Company program, secondary and post-secondary school students between the ages of 15 and 29 are eligible to receive $1,500 to help them start and run their own summer businesses, and another $1,500 at the end of the summer for those that successfully complete the program and return to school. Each participating student receives guidance from local business professionals who volunteer as mentors and provide training on marketing, bookkeeping, and how to run a successful business.

Halton’s newest entrepreneurs include:

• Chris Bethlehem (Burlington), owner of DC Property Care – expert landscaping and landscape construction
• Graeme Cote (Oakville), owner of Essential Gardening and Yard Maintenance – specializing in landscaping and garden design
• Rachel De Marchi (Oakville), owner of Pampered Pets – pet sitting, dog walking and homemade holistic pet treats
• Nick Hnatiw (Oakville), owner of Student Lawn Care – quality lawn care services
• Marcin Kloc (Oakville), owner of Glossix Construction – home renovations, iron work, and landscaping
• Amanda Mason-espin (Burlington), owner of Great Gardens – garden maintenance that let’s you enjoy your garden
• Michael Palmer (Oakville), owner of Stroke of Genius – expert swim instruction in the comfort of your backyard pool
• Veronica Scarpati (Oakville), owner of La Dauphine – offers an extensive line of hair accessories to complement school uniforms
• Elyse Simpson (Oakville), owner of Jangle Records – independent record label focusing on folk/rock alternative artists
• Will Simpson (Oakville), owner of Outdoor Odd Jobs – residential and commercial property maintenance
• Kevin Wright (Burlington), owner of BEYONDesign Expressions – custom photo books help preserve memories for a lifetime

“I congratulate each of these 11 young people who have shown the enthusiasm and drive needed to carve out their own path this summer and to find out what it’s like to be their own boss,” added Chair Carr. “They will learn skills that will be valuable to them no matter what career they decide to pursue.”

Halton Region would also like to acknowledge the local Halton business professionals who are participating as mentors in the 2009 Summer Company program, including:

• Michael el Annis Direct Response Media Group Inc.
• Ryan Carson Haber & Associates
• Paul de Burger Halton Region Business Development
• Michael Dolan 2003 Summer Company participant, North Oakville Lawn Care
• Ed Foster The Incorporators
• Margaret Gaskell Halton Region Business Development
• Liz Kush RBC Royal Bank
• Sherril Wright RBC Royal Bank

Summer Company is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services, delivered in Halton by the Region’s Business Development Centre. To learn more about the students participating in the 2009 Summer Company and what their businesses have to offer the community, or for more details on youth entrepreneurship programs, visit www.halton.ca/business, or contact Halton Region’s Business Development Centre by dialing 311, or 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-825-9833.

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