Participants pictured alongside Warden Glen McNeil - Credit: Huron County Economic Development, Facebook
Huron County Economic Development’s Summer Company program is all finished up for the year, and this year the young people chosen to participate did not disappoint.
This program offers a unique opportunity to students age 15-29, providing one-on-one business coaching, training, and grants of up to $3,000 to kickstart their business.
This year’s group includes “A&M BBQ Cleaning” from Seaforth, as well as “Brohman Custom Designs,” and “Royce’s Reptiles” from Goderich.
From right here in Exeter, Sara Nogueira sold art pieces through her business “Happy U R Here”. Her products found their way to the Goderich Farmers’ Market, Grand Bend Pinery Market, and were sold online. The good news is that this creative endeavor will continue to thrive online as Sara returns to school.
In addition to the main program, 2023 marked the launch of a youth-driven pilot project in partnership with “Community Futures Huron,” targeting students who fall below the age criteria for the provincial Summer Company program. This initiative aims to provide them with valuable business training, coaching, mentorship, and a $3,000 grant to support their entrepreneurial aspirations.
One standout participant in this youth-driven project is “Lily by Design” from Wingham. Operator Lily Conley specializes in crafting handmade gift items, including candles, lip balm, lip gloss, and lotions – which will continue to be available both online and through local markets.
If you find yourself drawn to the world of entrepreneurship, keep a close watch on the program’s website in the spring for details regarding the 2024 Summer Company enrollment.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
