Tara Jeffrey
Four passionate student entrepreneurs have been selected to the 24th annual Summer Company Program, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s (SLEP) announced this month.
The initiative involves the SLEP Business Enterprise Centre and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade — providing local students with a $3,000 grant to launch their business, along with mentoring and training over 12 weeks this summer.
“The Summer Company Program provides a unique learning experience for young entrepreneurs, providing them with exposure to entrepreneurial and professional skills along with mentorship, which can be leveraged for years to come,” said SLEP CEO, Dan Taylor.
“These student entrepreneurs demonstrate the passion, innovation, and drive that will serve our local economy, and we are proud to take part in such an important, foundational, initiative.”
The four businesses selected include a landscaping company, two lawn care companies, and a bike and sports equipment rental company. The initiative is open to high school and post-secondary students between the ages of 15 and 29.
“A key component during the evaluation of applicants for the program was to ensure the businesses were viable, because most students rely on the summer income,” said Chantelle Core, program coordinator and manager of the Business Enterprise Centre. “But also that the idea would provide the students with a well-rounded experience as entrepreneurs given this opportunity provides long term benefits.”
Here’s more on the four Summer Company Program businesses:
Lambton Lawns
Jake Maclean has just launched Lambton Lawns. Lambton Lawns will supply grass cutting, trimming, mulching, and general landscaping services within the Corunna area. Jake is committed to providing high quality work at an affordable price and is excited to leave his customers feeling satisfied with their lawns. Jake is currently a high school student at Great Lakes Secondary School and is eager to demonstrate his lawncare skills. ([email protected])
JJ’s Landscape
JJ Fogarty started JJ’s Landscape and is offering 3 categories of residential services to his
customers: garden maintenance, landscape installation, and pressure washing. With landscaping experience, JJ is well positioned to provide weeding, pruning, landscape designs, soft scaping, hardscaping, retaining walls, and much more. JJ is excited to provide his landscaping services before returning to his 2nd year of studies at Western University, where he is currently studying Mechanical Engineering. ([email protected])
Lakeside Trails
Ian Wallace started his business, Lakeside Trails. His business will primarily focus on renting bicycles and sports/recreational equipment. While his equipment is rented out, Ian will also provide dog walking services within the Point Edward area. Ian is inspired to promote tourism in Sarnia and Point Edward and looks to provide a fun way for tourists (and dogs) to enjoy the beautiful trails, parks, and waterways within the region. Ian looks forward to working on his venture before resuming his high school studies at Franco Jeunesse. ([email protected])
Riverside Lawncare
Kaden Burnham, operating in the Sombra and Port Lambton area, is the founder of Riverside Lawncare. With the help of his brother and his friends, Kaden aims to provide excellent grass cutting, lawncare, and yardwork services. Riverside Lawncare is currently servicing 17 clients weekly and is optimistic about expanding their services to new clients. With energetic, consistent, and reliable services, Kaden looks to build lasting relationships with customers before returning to Great Lakes Secondary School in the fall. Riverside Lawncare: 519-918-8354