The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership's Small Business Enterprise Centre has announced the launch of five new businesses in the region, thanks to the Summer Company Program and the initiative of five young entrepreneurs.
The program, designed to foster entrepreneurial skills and business acumen among youth, invites students to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses.
The Summer Company Program is helping to kickstart a diverse array of businesses this year, including two lawn care services, a content creation venture for the tabletop role-playing game community, a digital platform connecting skilled freelancers with homeowners and businesses, and a fungi cultivation enterprise.
“The Summer Company Program is a cornerstone of our efforts to support young entrepreneurs in Sarnia-Lambton,” said Alison Minato, Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager. “This program not only provides financial assistance but also mentorship and training, to build participant skills and confidence to help them succeed in their businesses. We are incredibly proud of this year’s cohort and excited to see the positive impact their business ventures will have on their personal growth, as well as on our community.”
Here’s a full list and description of the 2024 Summer Company Participants:
1. Mow and Grow Designs – Sarnia (Bright’s Grove)
Mow and Grow Designs, founded by Dax Watson, aims to offer lawn care services within the Bright’s Grove and Camlachie areas. Specializing in lawn mowing and weed whacking, Dax is committed to delivering exceptional service and making a positive impression on his customers. “The grant will be used for new lawn equipment and to cover fuel costs,” said Dax. He plans to enhance his business presence through the skills gained in the Sales and Digital Marketing Workshop.
2. XX Games – Sarnia
Maxwell Cabajar, the creative mind behind XX Games, seeks to create, publish, and sell digital content for Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs). XX Games is set to address common user complaints about official and independent content by offering high-quality, user-friendly gaming materials.
3. Max’s Mowing – St. Clair Township (Corunna)
• Facebook: Max’s Mowing https://www.facebook.com/maxsmowing3821
• Instagram: @maxs.mowing
Max’s Mowing, established by Max Maoirat, offers comprehensive lawn maintenance services including mowing, trimming, and edging. Max's commitment to sustainability is reflected in his decision to invest in emission-free, battery-powered equipment. “The grant will help me reduce my carbon footprint and provide quieter, cleaner services,” said Max. He emphasizes the importance of quality and reliability in his offerings.
4. Forest Fungi – Lambton Shores (Forest)
• Available in Grand Bend and Forest Markets
Sami Moussa of Forest Fungi is channelling his passion and expertise into a mushroom farming business.
Operating in a controlled indoor environment, Sami cultivates gourmet mushrooms, meeting the rising demand for healthy and vegan food options. He is currently selling both his mushrooms as well as his DIY grow kits at local markets and has sold out at every market he has attended thus far. Sami will also be experimenting with distributing his gourmet growing to local restaurants.
5. Handi Bid – Sarnia
Handi Bid, led by Mavi Deol, is a digital platform designed to connect homeowners and businesses with skilled freelancers. The new Handi Bid website is in development and will be ready to launch this summer.
“The Summer Company Grant has given me the tools to launch and grow Handi Bid effectively,” said Mavi. “The grant will enhance our platform’s user experience and expand our marketing efforts.” Handi Bid aims to streamline the process of finding reliable help for various tasks, benefiting both homeowners and freelancers.