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.
The Program provides:
- 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
For more information, please contact Ashley McBride, Summer Company Coordinator for any questions, (905) 668-4949 ext 226.
Participant Eligibility – Read Here
The business must have some physical component. It can’t be strictly online.
Example of eligible business:
- Lawn Care/Services
- Car Detailing
- Swimming Lessons
- Tutoring
- Makers / Creating a product
- Photography
- Dog Walking
- Window Washing
- Professional services
These types of businesses are NOT eligible for funding:
- Strictly online businesses
- Cash only businesses (ex. vending machines)
- Partnerships/co-operatives, franchises and 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 or continuations of existing commercial endeavours
- Commissioned sales or 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 or 1-900 businesses

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