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Northumberland County is celebrating the next generation of business leaders, as local youth launch summer ventures with help from the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN).
The county says 24 participants aged 8 to 14 are taking part in the fifth annual My Future My Career program. Each received a micro grant and business coaching to help launch or grow their summer business. Since the program began, 65 youth have received over $29,000 in funding.
This year’s microgrant recipients include young business owners from Cobourg, Port Hope, Grafton, Castleton, Campbellford, Brighton, Baltimore, Warkworth, and Hastings, with businesses ranging from jewellery and crafts to lawn care and pet services.
Youth aged 15 to 29 are also supported through Ontario’s Summer Company Program, which offers mentorship and micro grants of up to $3,000. Northumberland County reports that since 2001, 162 young entrepreneurs have accessed over $502,000 through the initiative. This year’s participants include Jack (Lawn in Order Northumberland), Jané (Zenith), Jordan (JLove Productions), and Sean (Waardeer).
BECN’s Kailyn Coupland says it’s rewarding to support young entrepreneurs and help them build confidence, skills and business know-how.
Two youth showcases are planned this summer:
Wednesday, August 13 – Staples Cobourg (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, August 23 – Youth Day at Cobourg Farmers’ Market (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
For more on the My Future My Career and Summer Company programs, visit BECN.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
