Young entrepreneurs from across Northumberland County showcased their creativity, business skills, and ambition today at the annual BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase at Staples Cobourg.
The trade-show-style event, hosted by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), brought together participants from BECN’s youth entrepreneurship programs, providing an opportunity for young business owners to connect directly with customers, promote their products and services, and gain valuable real-world business experience.
This year’s showcase featured entrepreneurs from two programs: Summer Company for ages 15–29, and the My Future My Career Kids Entrepreneurship Program for ages 8–14. Together, 28 youth-run businesses participated in the event, offering a diverse range of products and services that highlighted the talent and innovation of Northumberland’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
The community came out to show their support for the young business owners, with the showcase generating approximately $1,020 in sales and resulting in 51 inquiries and quote requests.
For those who missed the showcase at Staples Cobourg, there’s another opportunity to support these budding business owners at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market Youth Entrepreneurship Market on Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Select businesses from BECN youth entrepreneurship programs will be selling their products around the oval as part of this special event.
“Each year, our BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase reminds us of the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within our community,” says Kailyn Coupland, Northumberland County’s Business Development Coordinator.
“These programs are designed to help young people explore entrepreneurship by providing free access to training, mentorship, business coaching, and funding opportunities that help turn ideas into action. The businesses featured today reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion our participants have invested throughout the program. We are proud to support their entrepreneurial journeys and excited to see what they accomplish next. We also extend our sincere thanks to Staples Cobourg and the Cobourg Farmers Market for their ongoing partnership and for providing welcoming spaces where these young entrepreneurs can connect with customers, showcase their businesses, and gain valuable real-world experience.”
The vendors featured at today’s event included:
Ava, from Colborne – Fluffy Crew Crafts
Blythe, from Cobourg – BCS Upcycled Clothing and Accessories
Ellie, from Colborne – EllieMade
Ember, from Cobourg – Ember’s Face Painting Club
Ever, from Port Hope – Sugar Rush
Isaac, from Port Hope – Spanish Adventure Club
Jackson, from Colborne – Maple Board Charcuterie
Jasper, from Cobourg – Good Times Cotton Candy
Joshua, from Roseneath – Joshie’s Instant Memory Maker
Kaelyn, from Cobourg – K.M Babysitting Services
Liv, from Port Hope – Sweet x Sour
Madeline, from Cobourg – Walker’s Wicks
Rocco, from Cobourg – 3DB
Ryan, from Grafton – Diamond Shine Washing
Savannah, from Colborne – Sew Savy by Savannah
Shadrach, from Grafton – Shaddy’s Challenge Champions
Sol, from Port Hope – Solful
True, from Port Hope – True Shepherd Coaching
Wolfgang, from Cobourg – The Big Vending Machine
Wyatt, from Cobourg – Prints Charming
Carissa, from Cobourg – Lashed by C
Ella, from Port Hope – Winking Goose
Keira, from Port Hope – Keira Digital Design Services
Kennedy, from Hamilton – Rodeo Rope Co.
Max, from Cobourg – Urban Shine Mobile Detailing
Paige, from Cramahe – Little Miss Pampered
Reed, from Trent Hills – Sideline.Ry
Seth, from Cobourg – Blacktop Kings
“On behalf of County Council, I would like to congratulate each of these young entrepreneurs for the dedication, initiative, and perseverance they have demonstrated in launching and growing their businesses,” says County Warden Bob Crate. “Their success is a testament to the young talent our community is proud to have throughout Northumberland. Programs like the BECN youth entrepreneurship programs provide young people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to turn ideas into opportunities. By investing in these young business owners, we are helping to foster the next generation of business leaders, innovators, and job creators who are already contributing to the strength and vitality of our local economy.”
About the Summer Company Program
The Summer Company program is funded with support from the Government of Ontario and is available to students aged 15 to 29 who are looking for support navigating entrepreneurship. Successful applicants from this program can receive up to $3,000 in microgrants to help fund start-up costs of operating a business.
About the My Future My Career Program
This free youth entrepreneurship program helps kids, ages 8 to 14, start or grow their own business during the summer break. The program offers business guidance and provides them with a small microgrant of up to $500 to help fund business expenses such as marketing, supplies, and equipment.
For more information about the BECN
To learn more about the BECN, their programs, and upcoming events, visit BECN.ca.
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
