THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW OPEN UNTIL APRIL 30, 2026!
THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR 2026 IS CLOSED!
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
2026 Summer Company Program Schedule
(Subject to change without notice)
Preparation Period: COMPLETE
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: CLOSED
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Spaces may fill before the official deadline, so we encourage early submission. Book a free consultation with us if you need help in refining your business idea.
If you have any questions about the Summer Company program, please contact us at ysbec@york.ca or fill out the general inquiry form.
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.
Who Can Apply?
Summer Company, offered through the York Small Business Enterprise Centre, helps young entrepreneurs in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Stouffville start or grow their businesses and develop essential skills.
If you live in another municipality in Ontario, please contact your local Small Business Enterprise Centre to apply. Click here to find your local centre.
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.
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, 2027
- Are not already running a business
- Plan to start a new business in the summer in Ontario
- Plan to start the business as a sole proprietorship or corporation with you as the major shareholder (not a partnership)
- 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 2027 (full-time, part-time, homeschooling, e-learning, distance learning, apprenticeships, trade schools, etc.)
- 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
If you are eligible, follow these steps to apply:
- Complete the Eligibility Form:
The eligibility form will be available when the application period for 2027 opens next year. Until then please join the Summer Company wait list by clicking the button below and fill out the form. - Check Your Email:
After submitting the form, you should receive an email within a few minutes containing a business plan and cash flow template. If you do not receive this email, please contact: ysbec@york.ca. - Prepare Your Documents:
Fill in the business plan and cash flow templates, then submit them by email to ysbec@york.ca. - Interview Invitation:
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview within two weeks of submitting their completed business plan and cash flow documents.
Applications for 2026 are closed. We recommend applying early, as spots are limited and accepted on a rolling basis. Spaces may fill before the deadline.
Applications for the 2026 Summer Company program open in January. Sign up for the waiting list to be notified when applications open.
Meet Our 2026 Summer Company Participants
Adam Nunvar | Mount Wellness
A specialized fitness program offering strength and mobility classes tailored to older adults in Mount Albert, aimed at reducing stiffness and managing mild osteoarthritis. Operating out of the local Legion, the business combines expert kinesiology knowledge with small-group sessions and personalized support to improve seniors’ overall health and quality of life.
Brooklyn Perrin | Little Flippers
A private swimming lesson service in Aurora offering personalized, one-on-one and small group instruction for children, focused on water safety, skill development, and confidence-building. Delivered in a quiet, heated backyard pool, the business emphasizes consistency, flexibility, and a supportive environment tailored to each child’s needs.
Website: littleflippers.ca
Instagram: @littleflippersYR
Email: littleflippersyr@gmail.com
Chris George | Clear Sky Services
Clear Sky Services offers convenient, eco-friendly window cleaning and car detailing for residential and small commercial clients in York Region. By combining both services into one business with flexible scheduling and bundled packages, it provides a time-saving, high-quality solution for busy customers seeking reliable, trusted, and quality care.
Website: clearsky-shine-pro.base44.app
Instagram: @clear.skyservices
Email: clearskyservices4@gmail.com
Emmanuel Herrada | Balam Shield Systems
Balam Shield Systems provides affordable, subscription-free home security installations, including cameras, doorbells, and basic alarm systems, for homeowners across Ontario. With flexible scheduling and a focus on simplicity and reliability, the business helps clients easily monitor and protect their property without ongoing costs.
Website: balamshieldsystems.com
Instagram: @balamshieldsystems
Jacy Liu | J.C Designer Cake
This home-based cake business creates custom, artistically designed cakes featuring trendy aesthetics and unique Asian-inspired flavours for customers in the Whitchurch-Stouffville area. By offering made-to-order creations at competitive prices, it provides a personalized and visually distinctive option for special occasions and everyday celebrations.
John Wang | Insculpo
Insculpo is an e-commerce jewelry business producing personalized engravings that serve as an extension of yourself and your identity. Insculpo pendants are designed specifically for those who want to wear their story and are unapologetically themselves. By making jewelry more than just a fashion statement and turning meaningful moments into wearable art, Insculpo empowers individuals to express who they are through pieces that are uniquely their own.
Website: insculpo.ca
Instagram: @insculpoengrave
YouTube: @Inscuploengrave
Mykhaylo Kapelyukh | Grown Rental Company
Gown Rental Company offers premium wedding and evening gown rentals, providing clients across the GTA with access to high-quality European-designed dresses for special occasions. With convenient online booking, doorstep delivery, and personalized fitting services, the business delivers a luxury, stress-free alternative to traditional gown shopping.
Instagram: @gownrentalco
Email: gownrentalco@gmail.com
Rachel Arnolds | Puppy Love by Rachel
Puppy Love by Rachel is a community based pet care business, dedicated to helping local families, seniors, and individuals who may need extra support caring for their beloved pets. Dog walking, pet enrichment, wellness checks, at-home pet help, and pet sitting are among the services Rachel offers. As a teacher candidate who is passionate about community service and animal welfare, Rachel strives to make pet care accessible through flexible service options and consideration for those on fixed and limited incomes! In addition, Puppy Love offers ingredient wise, organic dog treats, as well as hand-poured soy candles, crafted with quality ingredients, attention to detail, and lots of love! Through care and community, Puppy Love by Rachel aims to strengthen the bond between pets and the people who love them.
Website: puppylovebyrachel.com
Instagram: @PuppyLoveByRachel
Facebook: @PuppyLoveByRachel
Email: PuppyLoveByRachel26@gmail.com
Ryan Liu | Kit per Kid
Kit per Kid delivers hands-on STEM camps and workshops for children aged 6–10 across York Region, where participants build and take home real projects like circuits, robots, and rockets. Combining affordable pricing, proven demand, and a strong community partnership, the business also reinvests a portion of revenue to provide STEM kits to underprivileged students in Kenya.
Ryker Manherz | Deck Doctors
Deck Doctors is a specialized deck and patio restoration service providing pressure washing and sealing to revive and protect wooden decks and patios for homeowners across Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and King City. With a focus on quality, affordability, and attention to detail, the business helps clients restore their outdoor spaces for enjoyment throughout the summer.
Instagram: @deckdoctorsplus
Email: deckdoctors23@gmail.com
Phone: 647-780-2909
Sarina Tan | Nextstep Learning
Nextstep Learning provides personalized online tutoring for students in Grades 1–10. With a strong understanding of the local education system and a relatable teaching approach, the business delivers affordable, engaging, and tailored academic support for students in York Region.
Website: nextsteplearning.net
Email: nslearning26@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 437-545-6524
Summer Company Testimonials
Ready For The
Next Step?
Let’s Talk.
Fill out the form to book a free one-on-one consultation with one of our knowledgeable business advisors.