Most high school students look forward to summer as a time when they can unwind after a long year of school. Maybe hang out by the pool, catch up with friends and generally relax. Not Haley Vanderzwaag.
Haley is looking to make a her mark in the business world with the help of The Enterprise Renfrew County’s “Summer Company” program.
Sponsored by the Township of McNab/Braeside and funded by The Government of Ontario, Summer Company is a training program designed to guide students aged 15-29 in starting their own summer business with grant assistance. Haley reached out last year and was eager to get involved again this summer.
Mental health awareness is always a very important issue and Haley’s business reflects this with a product that is designed to boost the recipient’s overall mood and sense of self worth. What she calls “Subscription Boxes” can be ordered which contain hand made notes and items that are personalized for the buyer to lift spirits and share this positive mood with anyone they choose to.
Business ideas vary from babysitting services to car detailing and a myriad of other ideas young folks have come up with to make a few bucks this summer and have some fun running their own business.
To receive an application, a form that can be found on the website must be completed after which a program officer will make contact after reviewing the submission for the program. If all program requirements are met, the program officer will you provide the next steps for the application process. Up to $3,000 might be available to applicants who qualify.
Haley explains how the selection process works:
If you’re a high school student or a young person out of school and you have an idea for a business, check out the link below and try your hand at running your own business this summer. Good luck!
Summer Company 2025 – County of Renfrew
(Written By: Richard Evans)