Students are you ready to unlock your entrepreneurial potential?

RELEASE DATE:

January 21, 2026

Summer Company intake now open

Pembroke, (ON): Enterprise Renfrew County (ERC) is calling on ambitious students who are ready to step into entrepreneurship and ignite their own businesses.

The Summer Company program offers a unique opportunity for students aged 15 to 29 who are returning to school to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience. Participants learn what it means to be their own boss while receiving guidance on business planning, marketing, financial management, and operations through structured training and one-on-one mentorship.

Successful applicants are eligible to receive up to $3,000 in financial support, including an initial grant of $1,500 to support business start-up costs and an additional grant of up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

Over the years, Summer Company entrepreneurs in Renfrew County have launched businesses across a wide range of industries, including creative, retail, service, and skilled trade sectors. Many participants continue to run their businesses year-round; however, students are only eligible to participate in the program once.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing production with marketing,” said Paige Hodgson of Paige’s Projex, a past Summer Company participant. “I overcame this by creating a schedule that prioritized both and learning to pace myself. The Summer Company experience showed me that I’m capable of managing a business and adapting when challenges come up.”

Enterprise Renfrew County encourages eligible students interested in entrepreneurship to explore the Summer Company program and take the first step toward building their own business.

The Summer Company program is delivered by Enterprise Renfrew County on behalf of the Province of Ontario. It is a highly sought-after initiative; therefore, interested students are strongly urged to submit their application at their earliest convenience. The application deadline is midnight on May 15, 2026.

For more information visit www.enterpriserenfrewcounty.com/summer-company or email.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Hillary Panke                                   Program Coordinator                   613-735-8224

Tina Peplinskie                                Media Relations Coordinator     613-735-7288