Summer Company wrap-up event celebrates seven young entrepreneurs

Summer Company wrap-up event celebrates young entrepreneurs

The County of Renfrew is celebrating the success of seven young entrepreneurs who completed the 2026 Summer Company Program, launching and growing their own businesses with support from Enterprise Renfrew County.

On August 26, participants showcased their businesses during a special event held at the County Administration Building during the Renfrew County Council meeting. Joined by MPP Billy Denault, members of County Council, and County staff, the students displayed their products and services while sharing their entrepreneurial experiences.

The diverse group of businesses reflected the creativity and innovation of young entrepreneurs across Renfrew County, ranging from professional golf club detailing and landscaping services to custom pottery, handcrafted wood products, artisan creations, and sports coaching.

Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy welcomed the participants and recognized the dedication, initiative, and determination they demonstrated in transforming their ideas into successful ventures throughout the summer. She highlighted the importance of programs such as Summer Company in providing young people with valuable hands-on business experience while helping them develop confidence, leadership skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

“Congratulations to each of you on everything you have accomplished through the Summer Company program,” said Warden Murphy. “Today is about celebrating not only the businesses you have built and the successes you have achieved, but also the initiative, commitment, and courage it took to take an idea, believe in it, and bring it to life. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished, and we look forward to seeing where your entrepreneurial journeys take you from here.”

Elected officials from the participants' home municipalities joined MPP Denault, Warden Murphy, Development and Property Committee Chair James Brose, and Program Coordinator Hillary Panke in presenting certificates of completion to the young entrepreneurs. Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais also attended to recognize the achievements of students from the City of Pembroke.

Chair Brose spoke to the lasting impact of the program and the valuable experience gained by participants.

“The Summer Company Program gives young people the opportunity to discover what they are capable of while gaining practical skills and experiences that extend far beyond one summer,” said Chair Brose. “Whether they continue operating these businesses, pursue new entrepreneurial ventures, further their education, or follow a completely different path, the lessons they have learned through this experience will continue to serve them well.”

The County of Renfrew congratulates the following students on successfully completing the 2026 Summer Company Program:

• Nadia DeCarle – Riverscout Clay (handcrafted custom pottery)
• Hudson Warner – Shine My Clubs (professional golf club detailing)
• Bronwynn Dick – Green Thumb (landscaping and outdoor maintenance)
• Rusty Stuart – RedPine Woodworks (handcrafted custom wood products)
• Adelaide Lomore-Beaupré – Addie Made (custom yarn creations and crochet pieces)
• Evelyn Finan – Garden Palette Goods (hand-painted garden décor and organic dog treats)
• Kelsea Moore – Moore Volleyball (volleyball coaching and skill development)

Delivered by Enterprise Renfrew County on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the Summer Company Program provides aspiring entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 with startup funding, training, mentorship, and hands-on experience operating their own businesses. The program helps participants develop valuable entrepreneurial, financial, and leadership skills while building confidence and real-world experience.

The next application deadline for the Summer Company Program is May 21, 2027. For more information, visit www.EnterpriseRenfrewCounty.com.

Enterprise Renfrew County is a non-profit government organization funded by the Government of Ontario, County of Renfrew, Town of Renfrew and the City of Pembroke. Its mandate is to encourage and contribute to the enterprising spirit and economic development of Renfrew County by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing companies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Hillary Panke                           Program Coordinator, ERC                613-735-7288

Tina Peplinskie                        Media Relations Coordinator             613-735-7288 

At the August 26 meeting of Renfrew County Council, the Summer Company Program participants received their certificates of completion and had an opportunity to showcase their products and services. Taking part in the certificate presentations (from left) were Warden Jennifer Murphy, Rusty Stuart, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Deanult, Hudson Warner, Councillor Michael Donohue, Bronwynn Dick, Evelyn Finan, Councillor James Brose, Nadia DeCarle, Councillor Neil Nicholson, Adelaide Lomore-Beaupré, Councillor Keith Watt and Hillary Panke, Program Coordinator with Enterprise Renfrew County.