Summer Company Program

Applicant Requirements

Applications open on February 2, 2026, with an early bird deadline of March 23, 2026. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until all available funding has been allocated.

• Carefully review the complete Summer Company Eligibility and Program Guidelines to confirm your eligibility here.
• Click on the “Book a Free Consultation” button above to submit your eligibility inquiry.
• Eligible inquiries will receive instructions to complete a business plan and cash flow by your program manager
• If your application meets the program’s requirements, your program manager will invite you for an interview to discuss your business idea
• After the interview, your program manager will let you know if you’ve been approved to participate in the program
• If you have any questions, call the Business Enterprise  Centre at 519-332-1820 or email smallbusiness@sarnialambton.on.ca

Eligibility

Eligible candidates must be:

• between the ages of 15 and 29 (if under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant)
• attending school and returning to school in the fall of 2025
• a resident of Lambton County
• a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
• starting a new business
• not working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the duration of the program
• prepared to commit a minimum of 8-12 consecutive weeks for 35 hours per week to the experience
• able to work over the summer program period: a minimum of 280 hours if you’re a high school student. a minimum of 420 hours if you’re a post-secondary student
• Carefully review the complete Summer Company Eligibility and Program Guidelines to confirm your eligibility here

Examples of Eligible Businesses

You can choose to start almost any type of business, as long as it:

• Is a sole proprietorship or corporation (where you are the majority shareholder)
• Is an independent business venture (not a part of an existing or family business)
• Qualifies as “self-employed” for income tax purposes
• Operates in Ontario on a full-time basis
• Follows government rules for operating a business

Other Helpful Resources

• Summer Company Program Guidelines
• Summer Company Yearbook
• Summer Company Presentation