Summer Company program helps four local young entrepreneurs launch businesses across Lanark County
Four local students and young entrepreneurs are spending their summer turning their business ideas into reality with support from Ontario’s Summer Company Program.
The Summer Company Program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered locally through the Small Business Advisory Centre – Smiths Falls/Lanark County. The program is delivered by Enterprise Renfrew County on behalf of the province and provides aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 with business training, mentorship and up to $3,000 in funding to help start and operate a summer business.
Among this year’s participants is Beckwith Township resident Esther Braden, who has evolved her lifelong passion for music into Esther Braden Piano Studio, where she offers personalized piano and music theory instruction to students ranging from complete beginners to Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7.
With 11 years of piano experience and extensive training, Braden said the Summer Company Program offered the perfect opportunity to pursue her passion while learning how to build a successful business.
“I’ve spent years studying piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music, and I wanted to use that training to help younger students develop a love of music in a structured and encouraging environment,” Braden told Lanarkist. “I hope to develop the skills needed to run a successful small business, especially in areas like marketing, and client communication.”
Braden said she hopes the program will help her strengthen both her business acumen and teaching abilities, adding that every lesson is tailored to each student’s age, learning style, and interests while focusing on making learning enjoyable.
“Every student learns differently, so I’m excited to continue developing my teaching skills while gaining the confidence and experience that come with operating my own business,” she shared.
Also participating this summer is Henry van der Meer, whose business in Beckwith Township uses chess as a tool to promote cognitive stimulation for seniors living with dementia and other cognitive challenges. Through Checkmate Cognition, the local entrepreneur offers both individual and group chess sessions designed to encourage social interaction and enjoyment rather than competition.
“I chose to get involved in the program because I think it’s an incredibly unique opportunity to get mentorship and assistance in running my own business,” van der Meer told Lanarkist. “Entrepreneurship is something that has always interested me but is an intimidating venture to enter by myself, and this program makes it more approachable, while also providing me with the ability to talk to individuals with expertise in various aspects of business.”
van der Meer will begin studying biomedical science at the University of Ottawa this fall.
Alejandro Ponce from Perth has launched Handy Carp, a small business which provides woodworking, household repair services and architectural reproductions. Having studied heritage carpentry at Algonquin College, Ponce plans to continue his education in Ottawa this fall while continuing to serve homeowners throughout the Perth area.
Rounding out this year’s participants is Perth student Andrew Dowdall, owner of Done by Dowdall, which offers lawn mowing, trimming, raking and yard maintenance services to help homeowners keep their properties looking fresh throughout the summer.
Participants receive up to $1,500 in start-up funding, along with training and mentorship, and may qualify for an additional $1,500 upon successfully completing the program, according to a media release.