A Northumberland County student recently turned his knack for drone videography into his own gig with the help of a local program for young entrepreneurs.
Northumberland is hoping to provide more high school and post-secondary school pupils with opportunities to make money and learn how to start their own companies with the upcoming installment of the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland’s (BECN) Summer Company Program.
The annual program provides students, aged 15 to 29, with free professional business coaching, skill-building resources, training opportunities, networking and selling opportunities, and a grant of up to $3,000 to help them launch a business during their summer break.
“For this year’s Summer Company Program, we aim to see an increased number of applicants to the program to provide opportunities for students to turn their passions and hobbies into a real, operating business,” Kailyn Coupland, business development coordinator for the BECN, told kawarthaNOW.
“We want to help young entrepreneurs gain the confidence, skills, and experience to bring their ideas to life, risk-free. The program gives young entrepreneurs everything they need to hit the ground running.”
Coupland, who works in economic development for the county, said she’s hoping to expand the opportunities for Summer Company Program participants to sell and promote their businesses. In addition to the annual Staples Youth Showcase in Cobourg, the Summer Company Program is exploring opportunities with the Cobourg Farmers’ Market and other local vendor events.
“These experiences not only help them build real-world business skills but also connect them with their community and future customers. At the end of the summer, we want students to walk away with more than just a business, they’ll have life-long entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and maybe even a vision for their future. If they continue growing their business, use their experience for job and scholarship applications, or start something new down the road, this program is about helping students see what’s possible,” Coupland explained.
Participants in the program gain hands-on experience to list on their resume and scholarship applications, including the task of building a small business from initial concept development to successful operation. The program offers the unique opportunity for students to explore their passions and transform their skills and interests into a money-making venture with support and ongoing guidance, the BECN noted in a media release.
“The BECN Summer Company Program helped me turn my passion for drone videography into a business,” shared a past past participant and owner of Astraview – Aerial Videography. “Their guidance gave me the skills to develop a website, create a portfolio, and make professional sales. Thanks to their support, I’ve been able to secure clients and grow my business, and I’m excited to continue it.”
Since 2001, the Summer Company Program has supported more than 150 students, with approximately $474,000 in micro grants.
To apply, applicants must work with BECN staff to develop and submit a business plan that includes details on their business concept, marketing strategy, operational needs, start-up costs, and a risk analysis.
The Summer Company Program is a program of the Province of Ontario and is one of many free business supports offered by the BECN. The centre also offers a similar youth entrepreneurship program for kids aged eight to 14 and will begin accepting applications in the spring for that initiative.
In addition, the BECN provides many programs, workshops and services for local small business owners looking to launch or grow their business in Northumberland.
Students interested in participating in the Summer Company Program are encouraged to contact the BECN as soon as possible to start developing their business plan, which is due by May 23, in order to complete their application.
For more details, visit northumberland.ca/summercompany.
