This summer, 21 young entrepreneurs from the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN)’s My Future My Career and Summer Company programs were presented with micro grants to help them launch or expand a business.
The My Future My Career program helps kids, ages 8-14, start or grow their own business with free business guidance and a small micro grant of up to $500. The kids’ program is in its fourth year and has delivered approximately $21,260 in grant funds to 45 kids. This year, 13 kids received a micro grant as part of the 2024 program. Participants were presented with their program certificates and micro grants at a ceremony and pizza party celebration in Cobourg on July 10th.
The Summer Company program, supported by the Government of Ontario, provides young adults from ages 15 to 29 with support and micro grants of up to $3,000 to start or expand a summer business. Since 2001, the program has delivered over $495,000 in grant funds to 159 participants in Northumberland.
This year, the program supported eight program participants in achieving their business goals.
“We are so proud of the successful applicants from this year’s youth entrepreneurship programs,” states County Business Development Coordinator Kailyn Coupland. “The recipients of these micro grants worked hard to develop a creative business idea and bring it to life. Each year, we look forward to seeing students from these programs grow and flourish as they develop valuable leadership and entrepreneurial skills, while having the opportunity to transform their idea into tangible products and services for the community.”
This year, the My Future My Career micro grant was awarded to 13 kids’ businesses, including:
· Avalynn’s Beads and Things
· Little Miss Pampered
· Links Campfire Wood
· JK’s Gardening
· Aislynn’s Horse Clipping and Farm Hand Services
· Honest Atomic
· Worry Zapper
· CC’s Freezies
· The Salt Bros
· Ava’s Hen Haven (AHH)
· The Grass Barber
· Bark Buddies
· Sarah’s Dog Treats
The Summer Company micro grant was awarded to eight youth businesses, including:
· Cotton Candy Lane
· Bubl Ear Plugs
· Wheel Wizards Auto Detailing
· SkyScans Drone
· MK Power Washing
· Shine & Seal Window Washing & Odd Jobs
· Fabled Earth Candles
· Reliable Digital Services
Young entrepreneurs from the My Future My Career and Summer Company youth entrepreneurship programs will be showcasing their products and services at the annual BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase at Staples in Cobourg. This year, the showcase takes place on Wednesday, August 14th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features businesses created and operated by students, from ages 8-29.
Community members are invited to stop by to browse the services and products offered, and to show their support for the young entrepreneurs.
The My Future My Career and Summer Company programs are designed to help support the next generation of small business owners with developing strategic business and marketing plans, refining their innovative and creative problem solving skills, and promoting confidence. These programs are just two of the many programs and services offered by the BECN to help equip entrepreneurs with information, guidance, resources, education, networking opportunities, and micro grants to foster their success.
For information about the BECN or more information about BECN and their services, visit BECN.ca.
For details on the BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase event, visit Northumberland.ca/BECNYouthShowcase.
For details on small businesses launched and other ways Northumberland County is igniting economic opportunity, visit our Performance Dashboard at Northumberland.ca/Dashboard
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
