Deadline: 08-May-2026
The Summer Company Program 2026 is now open for applications and supports students in Ontario aged 15 to 29 who want to start and run a small business during the summer. Eligible participants can receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with business training, mentorship, and hands-on entrepreneurial experience.
What is the Summer Company Program?
The Summer Company Program is an entrepreneurship support initiative for young students in Ontario, Canada who want to launch and operate a small business during the summer.
The program helps student entrepreneurs turn business ideas into real ventures by offering:
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Business training
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Group and one-to-one mentorship
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Guidance from trained business professionals
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Grant funding of up to $3,000
It is designed to give young people practical experience in starting, managing, and growing a business while building essential entrepreneurial skills.
What Does the Program Offer?
The Summer Company Program combines funding, mentorship, and business development support.
Key benefits include:
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Grant funding of up to $3,000
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Business fundamentals training
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Group mentoring sessions
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One-to-one mentorship from trained professionals
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Hands-on experience running a business
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Practical learning in business planning, operations, and self-employment
This makes it a strong opportunity for students who want to test a business idea in a structured and supportive environment.
Funding Available
Successful participants may receive up to $3,000 in grant support.
Grant structure:
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First installment: Up to $1,500 for start-up costs
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Second installment: Up to $1,500 after successful completion of the program
This two-part funding model helps participants cover initial business expenses and rewards successful participation and program completion.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to apply.
You may be eligible if you:
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Are 15 to 29 years old as of April 30, 2026
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Are starting a new business
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Are attending school and returning in the fall through a formal or alternative learning pathway
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Reside in Ontario
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Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Are not working another job during the program
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Are not attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the program
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Meet the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) definition of being self-employed
Additional requirement for minors:
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If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application
Why This Program Matters
The Summer Company Program is not just about funding. It gives students a chance to gain real-world entrepreneurial experience while building confidence and practical business skills.
Why it is valuable:
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Helps young people launch a business with lower financial risk
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Provides structured support for first-time entrepreneurs
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Builds experience in self-employment and business management
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Offers mentorship from business professionals
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Strengthens future applications for grants, incubators, or entrepreneurship programs
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Encourages early career exploration and leadership development
For many students, this can be a first step toward long-term entrepreneurship.
How the Summer Company Program Works
Participants start and run a business over the summer while receiving support throughout the process.
Typical program flow:
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Apply and confirm eligibility
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Get approved into the program
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Receive initial training and mentorship
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Access the first grant installment for start-up costs
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Launch and operate the business during the summer
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Complete program requirements
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Receive the second grant installment upon successful completion
This structure allows students to learn by doing while receiving guidance and financial support.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, it is important to prepare carefully.
Step-by-step application process:
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Check your eligibility
Confirm your age, student status, residency, and work/study availability. -
Develop your business idea
Make sure your idea is for a new business that you can realistically run over the summer. -
Prepare your basic business plan
Be ready to explain:-
What your business will offer
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Who your customers are
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How you will make money
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What start-up costs you expect
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Gather required documents
Prepare any personal, school, or residency details required in the application. -
Get parent/guardian consent if needed
Applicants under 18 must have a signed application. -
Submit your application on time
Complete the official application form and review all details before submission.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances, focus on a business idea that is realistic, clear, and manageable within the summer period.
Strong applications usually show:
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A clear and simple business concept
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A realistic target customer
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Practical start-up costs
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A plan to manage the business independently
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Understanding of how the grant will be used
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Commitment to the time requirements of the program
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues when applying:
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Applying without meeting the age or student eligibility rules
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Proposing a business idea that is too broad or unrealistic
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Not showing how the business will make money
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Ignoring time restrictions around work or school
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Forgetting the parent/guardian signature if under 18
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Submitting incomplete information or weak business planning
FAQs
What is the Summer Company Program?
The Summer Company Program is a student entrepreneurship initiative in Ontario that helps young people start and run a small business during the summer with training, mentorship, and funding.
How much funding is available?
Eligible participants may receive up to $3,000, paid in two installments of up to $1,500 each.
Who can apply?
Students aged 15 to 29 as of April 30, 2026, who live in Ontario, are returning to school in the fall, and meet the other program requirements may apply.
Do applicants need to be Canadian citizens?
Applicants must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
Can I have another job during the program?
No. Applicants must not be working another job during the program.
Can I attend school during the program?
Yes, but you cannot attend school for more than 12 hours per week during the program.
Is parental consent required?
Yes. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
Conclusion
The Summer Company Program 2026 is an excellent opportunity for student entrepreneurs in Ontario to start a new business, gain practical experience, and access up to $3,000 in funding.
With training, mentorship, and hands-on support, the program gives young people a strong foundation to test their ideas, build entrepreneurial confidence, and develop real business skills over the summer.
For more information, visit City of Toronto.