Summer Company
Summer Company gives Ontario students aged 15-29 up to $3,000 to start and run a real summer business: up to $1,500 up front for start-up costs and up to $1,500 on completing the program, plus hands-on coaching and mentoring. You must be returning to school in the fall, run the business between April 1 and Labour Day (280-420 minimum hours), and apply early through your local Small Business Enterprise Centre, spots fill quickly.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $3,000
ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Next intake not announced watch this page or subscribe to the calendar
- Who qualifies
- Individual
- Student aged 15-29 as of April 30, 2026
- Attending school and returning to school in the fall
- Ontario resident; Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- May not work another job or attend school more than 12 hours/week during the program
- Minimum business hours: 280 (high school students) / 420 (post-secondary students)
- Not eligible if you've received Summer Company funding before
ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Application process
Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.
- Apply through your local Small Business Enterprise Centre (apply early, space is limited and the program reaches capacity quickly)
- Provider review and interview
- Approval and first payment (up to $1,500)
- Run the business with training, coaching and mentoring
- Complete program requirements for the final payment (up to $1,500)
ontario.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
How much do I get and when?
Up to $3,000 total: a first payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs after acceptance, and a second payment of up to $1,500 once you successfully complete the program requirements.
Can I have a part-time job too?
Only barely, you cannot work another job or attend school more than 12 hours per week during the program. The business is meant to be your summer job.
How many hours must the business run?
High school students must put in at least 280 hours; post-secondary students at least 420 hours, between April 1 and Labour Day.
Can I do it twice?
No, past Summer Company recipients are not eligible to receive funding again.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: