Summer Company Program
Go beyond the typical summer job—build your own instead.
With the Summer Company program, you can start and run your own business, gain real-world experience, and earn money doing something that’s yours.
If you’re a student (age 15–29) returning to school in the fall and living in Collingwood, Clearview Township, the Town of the Blue Mountains, or Wasaga Beach, this is your chance to try entrepreneurship with support every step of the way.
Applications for Summer Company 2026 are open until May 15, 2026!
Please email sbec@collingwood.ca for more information or scroll down to fill out the ‘Expression of Interest and Eligibility’ form.
Hands-on business training
Up to $3,000 in grant financing
Business mentoring and support
Experience being your own boss
How it works
Through the 2–3 month program, you get:
- start-up money to kick-off a new summer business
- advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running
Learning how to run your own student business is one of the best summer jobs you can have. You get to be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills you’ll develop.
Who is eligible
You could be eligible, if you:
- are a student who is returning to high school, college or university in fall 2026
live in Ontario - are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- are between 15–29 years old (if under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant)
- are not already running a business
- are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program
- have not received a Summer Company grant in the past
Award amount
Maximum award: $3,000
Successful Summer Company applicants get:
- up to $1,500 up front to help with start-up costs
- up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements
Dates and hours
Start date: usually May to July
End date: Labour Day (but you can choose to keep running your summer business while in school)
Over the summer program period, you must be prepared to commit:
- a minimum of 280 hours for high school students
- a minimum of 420 hours for post-secondary students
How to apply
Fill out the expression of interest and eligibility form. Once you’ve completed the form, someone from our office will be in touch to help you with 2026 application process! If you have any questions, please call our team at 705-351-3309.
Summer Company applications are being accepted until May 15, 2026.
(Please note: Please connect with our team before this date. It takes time to craft a compelling idea.)
To learn more about the program’s guidelines and potential post-acceptance process, read the Ontario Government’s Summer Company Program Guidelines.
Meet some of our past Summer Company participants
A Bit of Bytes: Owen Long’s Tech Fix for the Community
Owen Long, founder of A Bit of Bytes and participant in this year’s Summer Company program, is on a mission to keep technology stress-free for his clients. Based in Wasaga Beach and serving the surrounding area, Owen offers diagnostic and repair services for laptops and desktops
A Clear View with Pretty River Window Cleaning
A Clear View with Pretty River Window Cleaning - Summer Company Spotlight - Caidyn Murray Pretty River Window Cleaning is a student-run business committed to delivering sustainable solutions for sparkling clean windows. Specializing in both interior and exterior...
Blending Creativity and Technology: Samindra Piyarathna’s Vision Behind Divignly
Blending Creativity and Technology: The Vision Behind Divignly Meet Samindra Piyarathna, Summer Company participant and the brilliant mind behind Divignly. Known for her sharp intellect and strong communication skills, Samindra took her passion for creating websites...