From dog treats to farm hand services, young entrepreneurs in Northumberland County are receiving a little kick-start for their respective business endeavours with recent grants from the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre of Northumberland (BECN).
The BECN has presented 21 young entrepreneurs from the BECN’s “My Future My Career” and “Summer Company” programs with micro grants to help them launch or expand a business.
The “My Future My Career” program helps kids aged eight to 14 start or grow their own business with free business guidance and a grant of up to $500. The kids’ program is in its fourth year and has provided approximately $21,260 in grant funds to 45 kids.
This year, 13 kids received a micro grant as part of the 2024 program. The BECN presented the young entrepreneurs with their program certificates and micro grants at a recent ceremony and pizza party celebration in Cobourg.
The “Summer Company” program, supported by the Ontario government, provides young adults from ages 15 to 29 with support and micro grants of up to $3,000 to start or expand a summer business. Since 2001, the program has delivered over $495,000 in grant funds to 159 participants in Northumberland. This year, the program supported eight program participants in achieving their business goals.
“We are so proud of the successful applicants from this year’s youth entrepreneurship programs,” said Kailyn Coupland, Northumberland County’s business development coordinator, in a media release.
“The recipients of these micro grants worked hard to develop a creative business idea and bring it to life. Each year, we look forward to seeing students from these programs grow and flourish as they develop valuable leadership and entrepreneurial skills, while having the opportunity to transform their idea into tangible products and services for the community.”
The “My Future My Career” micro grant was awarded to 13 kids’ businesses: Avalynn’s Beads and Things, Little Miss Pampered, Links Campfire Wood, JK’s Gardening, Aislynn’s Horse Clipping and Farm Hand Services, Honest Atomic, Worry Zapper, CC’s Freezies, The Salt Bros, Ava’s Hen Haven (AHH), The Grass Barber, Bark Buddies, and Sarah’s Dog Treats.
Meanwhile, the following eight youth businesses received the “Summer Company” micro grant: Cotton Candy Lane, Bubl Ear Plugs, Wheel Wizards Auto Detailing, SkyScans Drone, MK Power Washing, Shine & Seal Window Washing & Odd Jobs, Fabled Earth Candles, and Reliable Digital Services.
Young business owners from both youth entrepreneurship programs will be showcasing their products and services at the BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase at Staples in Cobourg. The event takes place on Wednesday, August 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1025 Elgin St. W. The annual trade show features a selection of youth entrepreneurs. Community members are invited to shop locally, explore unique offerings from youth entrepreneurs in Northumberland, and meet the young business owners.
“Both programs are designed to help support the next generation of small business owners with developing strategic business and marketing plans, refining their innovative and creative problem-solving skills, and promoting confidence,” the BECN noted. “These programs are just two of the many programs and services offered by the BECN to help equip entrepreneurs with information, guidance, resources, education, networking opportunities, and micro grants to foster their success.”
The BECN aims to be a leading source for business information, strategy, resources, and education for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northumberland. A service delivered by Northumberland County in partnership with the province of Ontario, the BECN offers micro grants, free consultations, training, information and resources, and workshops and seminars for community members thinking of starting or expanding a small business in Northumberland.
For more information about BECN, visit www.northumberland.ca/becn.
