ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL JULY 31, 2025
Summer Company
Are you a student enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution and thought about launching your own business over the summer?
Each summer, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the York Small Business Enterprise Centre administers its Summer Company program.
The program is designed to foster and develop the entrepreneurial spirit in students between the ages of 15 to 29, and who are registered to return to school in the following school year. All that’s required is a good idea, commitment and hard work.
What Support You Can Receive
Who Can Apply?
Summer Company helps support young entrepreneurs in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Stouffville start or grow their business and develop skills.
To start the application process, check to see if you’re eligible by reviewing the Summer Company program checklist below. You should also read about the program guidelines.
If you are eligible, next step is to join the waitlist:
Summer Company Eligibility Checklist
Basic eligibility criteria includes:
- Attend high school, college or university
- Live in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket or Stouffville
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Between the age of 15 to 29 as of April 30, 2026
- Are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program period in the summer
- Must be a student returning to school in the fall of the same calendar year (full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
- Plan to start a new business in the summer
- Have not received a previous Summer Company grant
Don’t live in Northern York Region?
Students in Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan, please apply directly through their Small Business Enterprise centre webpage.
How to Apply
Get started by completing the eligibility form. Once submitted, we will contact you to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Applications close on [Insert Date].
Applications for the 2026 Summer Company program open in January. Sign up for the waiting list to be notified when applications open.
2026 Summer Company Program Schedule
(Subject to change)
Preparation Period: Now until December 15, 2025
Book a free consultation to get personalized support to refine your business idea for a stronger application and get answers to any questions you may have.
Application Period: January 5 – April 24, 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Spaces may fill before the official deadline, so we encourage early submission.
Program Period: May 23 to August 21, 2026
Participants can expect 1 to 2 scheduled activities per week, such as workshops, showcases, or mentorship sessions, throughout the program.
- Before summer holidays: Activities typically take place on weekends or weekday evenings.
- During summer holidays: Activities are held during daytime hours.
Outside of these scheduled sessions, you’ll be working full-time on building and running your own business. Please note that you cannot be working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program period in the summer.
Meet Our 2025 Summer Company Participants
Ana Demkovic | LexAna Academy of Advanced Writing
Are you looking to improve your literary skills, structure high-level essays, or get into the university of your dreams? At Lexana Academy of Advanced Writing, our mission is to empower students with the skills and strategies they need to become confident, capable writers!
Our 100% private online tutoring service utilizes a tailored approach that ensures personalized instruction catered to each student’s individual needs. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, personalized reading and writing support for students at all educational levels (K-12, college, university included).
Our services range from helping you with homework and retention strategies, structuring high-level essays, or developing an outstanding CV, to prepping you to getting into the college of your dreams.
Book your free consultation today at lexanaacademy.com. Let’s get started on improving your writing!
Instagram: @lexanaacademy
Andrew Brown | Summer Swim Club
Welcome to Summer Swim Club — Newmarket’s private lifeguarding and swim instruction service that puts your schedule first. We bring certified swim lessons right to your backyard, offering flexible two-week sessions designed to fit seamlessly into busy summer plans. Whether you’re looking for safety, convenience, or high-quality instruction, Summer Swim Club delivers it all—on your terms.
Gloria Liu | Peace Echo
Gloria Liu is a student, storyteller, and passionate advocate for peace and community voices. She is the founder of Peace Echo, a youth-led initiative that collects and shares real-life stories from individuals affected by war and conflict. She believes storytelling has the power to build empathy, spark conversation, and inspire action. Through radio interviews, creative workshops, and collaborative projects, Peace Echo helps preserve powerful memories and turn them into meaningful learning for future generations.
This summer, she is working on publishing a Peace Echo book, featuring a collection of voices that speak to both the pain of war and the hope for peace. She is incredibly excited to keep growing this project with the support of the community, peers, and organizations that believe in youth-led change. For Gloria, peace starts with listening, and she hopes her stories echo far and wide.
Website: peaceecho.org
Instagram: @peace_echo_
Jack Cordingley | Atlas Watches
Jack Cordingley is the founder of Atlas Watches, a custom timepiece brand specializing in private-label designs for businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals. Each dial is laser-engraved with a unique custom design and each watch is hand-assembled using a variety of high-quality cases paired with Japanese automatic movements.
Atlas pieces are lasting mementos created to commemorate achievement, identity, or shared purpose. Whether it’s a branded corporate gift, a school tradition, a team milestone, or a personal tribute, Atlas transforms your vision into a wearable, mechanical keepsake. No two watches are exactly alike—each is designed with intention, crafted with care, and made to stand the test of time.
Your Brand. Our Craftsmanship.
Instagram: @atlaswatchess_
Julia Jones | Framed By Her
Framed By Her provides accessory eyewear and sunglasses designed perfectly for all the fashion girlies. We believe every occasion is an opportunity to dress up and feel your best! Each frame is carefully curated to elevate your look, spark confidence, and turn everyday moments into statements.
Instagram: @framedbyher.ca
TikTok: @framedbyher.ca
Website: framedbyher.ca
Michael Horvath | Stouffville Car Detailing
Michael is a grade 12 student heading to TMU for engineering in the fall. Alongside school, he runs a car detailing and window washing business. A special benefit of his car detailing service, putting him ahead of the competition, is that he does the job right in the customer’s driveway.
Nafia Tahir | Math and Melodies
Nafia Tahir is a grade 12 student heading to Laurier for business in September. Her business is called Math and Melodies in which she gives singing lessons as well as teach young kids mental math. This is good for stretching both the left side and right side of your brain.
Nicholas Fryer | Boats & Autos
Nicholas Fryer, a student at Aurora High School, is the founder of Boats & Autos.
Instagram:: @boatnautomds
Samreen Khurram | Nova Events Photography
Samreen Khurram, a student at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newmarket, is the founder of Nova Events Photography, a photography and content creation business. Specializing in capturing life’s special moments, she offers tailored services for small to medium-sized events such as birthday parties, graduations, baby showers, gender reveals, and engagement celebrations.
Based in Newmarket and serving the Greater Toronto Area, Samreen combines creativity with professionalism to deliver high-quality, memorable visuals. Alleviating the burden on event hosts, she expertly captures memories, allowing them to fully engage in the occasion. With a passion for storytelling through the lens, she aims to help clients preserve their most cherished memories with style and authenticity.
Sarah Crone | Diamond Cleaning Services
Diamond Cleaning Services is a trusted residential cleaning company dedicated to delivering exceptional results with every visit. Specializing in standard cleaning, deep cleaning, and move-in/move-out services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each home and client. Whether you’re looking for a weekly refresh, bi-weekly upkeep, monthly maintenance, or a one-time thorough cleanse, our team brings professionalism, attention to detail, and care into every space we clean.
At Diamond Cleaning Services, we believe a clean home is a happy home, and we pride ourselves on creating sparkling, stress-free environments that our clients can relax in and enjoy. With flexible scheduling and customizable service options, we work around your lifestyle and priorities, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience.
From everyday tidying to heavy-duty deep cleans, you can count on us to leave your home looking and feeling its best. Your satisfaction is our top priority, let your home shine with Diamond Cleaning Services!
Steve Wong | PUREFLOW
PUREFLOW is a men’s hair product brand focused on effortless, natural styling, offering sea salt spray, texture powder, matte finish clay and a wet finish pomade designed for Gen Z and young professionals who want premium styling without overcomplication. Steve started the brand after struggling to find products that worked for his hair without damaging it.
Instagram: @pureflow.hs
Summer Company Testimonials
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