The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) manages the Summer Company program for the Durham Region area.

This program provides Ontario students ages 15-29 a seed grant of up to $3,000 and hands-on training, coaching and mentoring to help you start and operate your business. The program starts in June/July and finishes by Labour Day. It is available to high school and college/university students that are returning to school the following academic year.

If you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive:

  • Advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running
  • Over 10 hours of business training and workshops
  • Start-up grant money of up to $3000 to kick-off a new summer business ($1,500 up front to help with start-up costs and up to $1,500 is awarded when you successfully complete all the program requirements
  • The program gives students the full experience of running their own business

How the Program Works:

The successful participant shall commit to an average of 35 hours per week to run the business

  • High School Students – Complete a minimum of 8 weeks in a row
  • Post Secondary Students – Complete a minimum of 12 weeks in a row
  • You also get to keep any profits generated through the operation of your business

Program Details:

  • Lawn Care/Services
  • Car Detailing
  • Swimming Lessons
  • Tutoring
  • Makers / Creating a product
  • Photography
  • Dog Walking
  • Window Washing
  • Professional services

You’re eligible to participate if you’re:

  • a student between 15 and 29 years old as of April 30, 2024 (a parent or guardian must sign the application for applicants under 18)
  • starting a new business (if you’re unsure, contact your program provider)
  • attending school and returning to school in the fall (this includes full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
  • a resident of Ontario
  • a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • not working at another job or attending school for more than 12 hours per week during the duration of the program
  • following the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
  • able to work over the summer program period:
    • a minimum of 280 hours if you’re a high school student
    • a minimum of 420 hours if you’re a post-secondary student

We may approve exceptions. You must meet all of the above requirements. You’re not eligible if you’ve received funding from Summer Company in the past.

Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:

  • is a sole proprietorship or a corporation where you (the applicant) will be the majority shareholder
  • is an independent business venture
  • is a new business, not previously registered or operated on an on-going basis
  • operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
  • operates in Ontario
  • operates full-time as defined in the business plan
  • follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

Businesses must meet all of the above requirements.

These types of businesses are not eligible for funding:

  • strictly online businesses
  • Cash only businesses (ex. vending machines)
  • partnerships/co-operatives
  • franchises
  • distributorships
  • incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Summer Company award
  • business ventures that are subsidiaries or divisions of an existing business
  • business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
  • commissioned sales
  • multi-level marketing ventures
  • single events such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, etc.
  • businesses that are strictly pay per click
  • 1-900 businesses

The program gives students the full experience of running their own business. Note that:

  • the program provider may, at its discretion, determine that a particular business is ineligible for the Summer Company program
  • online businesses are acceptable, but there must be face-to-face opportunities to market and sell your product
  • app and tech businesses must be market ready and must generate sales by the end of the summer
  • if you plan to run a business that requires certification, you’ll need to show proof to your program provider. If you’re unsure about certification obligations, ask your program provider. Certification examples include:
    • Food handling certification for businesses that produce and/or sell food
    • National Life Saving certification for businesses that offer swimming lessons
    • Canada Professional Fitness Certification (CanFitPro) for businesses that offer personal fitness training
    • Licences for businesses that specialize in drone photography
Program Application
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program reaches capacity quickly.
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Application Details:

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Application
Step 2: Submit your application, together with your business plan and cashflow forecast to the program provider (online)

The Selection Process
Step 1: The Summer Company Program Coordinator reviews and evaluates the application and business plan
Step 2: Leading candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview conducted by the Program Coordinator
Step 3: Successful applicants will be contacted
Step 4: Participant will receive complete details and dates of mandatory sessions required by student to complete the Program

The Program participant shall ensure that they acquire everything needed to run your business (manufacturers, supplies etc.) based on the municipality, public health and legal industry requirements. Proof will need to be provided to the Program Provider as part of the application process.

Once you’ve submitted your application inquiry:

  • we will contact you and ask you to submit an application, which includes a business plan and cash flow.
  • we will help you with your application, if required and review your application
  • if your application meets the program’s requirements, we will invite you for an interview
  • after the interview, we will let you know if you’ve been approved to participate in the program
  • at this time we will provide payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs

Once approved, you’ll be required to:

  • sign a Letter of Agreement with the BACD describing each party’s rights and responsibilities (a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for applicants under 18)
  • sign a Release and Consent form (a parent or guardian must sign the form for participants under 18)
  • show your business name registration and any required licensing documents to the BACD for verification
  • open and operate a bank account for the business
  • spend your first payment within the first 30 days
  • operate your business over the summer program period, according to your business plan and cash flow, for:
    • a minimum of 280 hours if you are a high school student
    • a minimum of 420 hours if you are a post-secondary student
  • meet with your Summer Company Advisor and mentors for a minimum of four meetings to review and track your progress
  • agree to one site visit by the BACD
  • maintain appropriate business records of income and expenditures including receipts
  • participate in business training with BACD

To receive the second payment (up to $1,500), you need to:

  • meet your requirements to participate (listed above)
  • participate in an exit interview at the end of the summer
  • provide the following to your program provider for review, in a professional and business-like format:
    • a cash flow record of your business operations
    • copies of all your bank statements
    • copies of all business receipts and invoices organized to show that you used the first payment for start-up costs
  • submit a signed confirmation that you’re returning to school
  • complete the anonymous online participant survey

If you don’t successfully complete the program, you will not receive the second payment and you may be asked to reimburse the first payment.

If you met all the requirements to complete the program, but did not spend the full first payment within 30 days, the difference will be deducted from your second payment.

You may decide to start and/or continue your business while you’re in school, but for the purpose of the program’s administration, business operations can start no earlier than April 1 and must end by Labour Day.

The award is taxable under the Canada and Ontario Income Tax Acts.

If you have any questions about your eligibility or program requirements, email us at bacd@durham.ca

Please Note:

  • The Program Provider may, at its discretion, determine that a particular business is ineligible for the Summer Company Program
  • Online businesses are acceptable with face-to-face marketing and selling activity
  • App/tech businesses must be market ready and generate sales by summer’s end
  • If your business requires certification, you’ll need to show proof to your Program Provider. If you’re unsure about certification obligations, ask your Program Provider. Certification examples include:
    • Food handling certification for businesses that produce and/or sell food
    • National Life Saving certification for businesses that offer swimming lessons
    • Canada Professional Fitness Certification (CanFitPro) for businesses that offer personal fitness training
    • Licences for businesses that specialize in drone photography