With summer jobs for youth few and far between, in 2010, nine young entrepreneurs from Huron County took matters into their own hands and operated their own businesses through the Summer Company Program. 

Emily Bakker operated “Western Ontario PowerSkating School” and provided quality power skating instructional sessions for ringette and hockey players at the St. Mary’s arena.  Emily has a solid reputation in the area for being a skilled skater who gives back. (519.301.7106)

Paige Fleischauer operated “Black Horse Tasty Treats”, planned to offer her customers a variety of healthy and wholesome horse treats.  The treats were to be all natural, free of preservatives, artificial colouring and artificial flavouring, found in tack shops, online, feed shops and at shows. She also designed and built stall signs for her customers. (226.420.1033)

Chelsie Fotheringham operated “Creative Pony” in Seaforth where she will be producing quality bird structures at fair prices.  Her customers had the opportunity to custom-design their own structures ranging from simple economical structures to high-end custom ordered structures. (519.233.3215)

Rosanna Grobbink operated “GroGarden Fresh Fruits and Vegetables”.  She served communities in Huron County by providing both gardening services to those who need assistance with maintaining their own gardens, as well as selling her own fresh produce. (519.441.3793)

Jeff Plaetzer operated “Jeff’s Firewood” cutting and selling firewood from his home in Auburn.  He supplied firewood for home heating and provided a delivery service.  He purchased the wood locally and cut it and sell it. (519.526.7121)

Coralee Ridder operated “Coralee’s Creations”  manufacturing plushies, oat-filled bags, and jewellery for sale at Farmer’s Markets in Exeter and Goderich.  The bags were made into shapes that children would enjoy playing with, such as frogs and owl, but could also be heated up for warmth.  The jewellery included hand-painted, one-of-a-kind pendants. (519.482.9558)

Brendan te Brinke operated “TB’s Lawn Care” providing lawn care and landscaping services in Clinton.  His services included mowing, garden, lawn and laneway cleanup, edging, trimming and pruning.  He was willing to work flexible hours to suit his customers. (519.482.5936)

Stephen Troyer operated “Huron Refurbishing” cleaning, removing rust, repairing damage and repainting rusted or worn fuel tanks.  He would also refinish rusted or worn farm equipment.  He provided these services on farmers’ properties, at cardlocks or at his home in Hensall. (519.868.7169)

Angela Van Bakel operated “Angela’s Home Aesthetics” offering homeowners in the Seaforth area the services of wallpaper removal, priming and painting.  She would travel to her customers’ homes for a free consultation and provided these services to customers who are too busy or were physically unable to do the work themselves. (519.807.2150)

Each student submitted a comprehensive business plan with their application, and participated in an interview process.  Training and mentorship is provided during the summer by a volunteer group of Community Mentors, along with Alison Lobb, Business Consultant for the County of Huron.  Last year’s mentors included John Bezaire, John Feeney, John McNeilly, Rebecca Rathwell, Paul Seebach, Claire Soper, Pamela Stanley, and Donna Taylor.  These individuals worked with the young entrepreneurs on a regular basis during the summer, assisting with the management side of operating a business.  The students also participated in a series of business training workshops. 

For information about past participants, click here

For Eligibility & Guidelines, visit www.summercompany.ca or call the Huron SBEC @ 519-527-0305

If you have specific questions about the program, please contact Alison Lobb @ 519-527-0305 Ext 35 or send an email to alobb@huroncounty.ca .