Youth Programs
SUMMER COMPANY
Summer Company is a program of the Government of Ontario that helps young people between 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer business by providing funding, advice, and services.
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, invoicing, bookkeeping, customer relations, management — these are just a few of the highly useful skills you will develop.
Accepted Summer Company Applicants Receive:
- An award of up to $3,000
- a first payment of up to $1,500 for start-up costs
- a second payment of up to $1,500 once you’ve successfully completed the program
- Hands-on coaching
- Mentoring from business leaders in your community, and from your program provider
- Profits generated through the operation of your business
Ready to apply? Have questions? Contact Elle at 226.378.0403 or ecrevits@stthomas.ca
SIDE GIG
Side Gig is a program to help people between the ages of 15 and 29 years old start and run their own business by providing training, advice and upto $1000 in grants. This program is for:
- 15 to 29 years old
- Living in St. Thomas or Elgin
- Starting a new business
- Working or in school, part time or full time
The program starts in February 2022, with a series of online training workshops, and runs through to May 2022. Participants will need to commit to:
- Working on their business a minimum of 15 hours per week for duration of program
- Must attend all training sessions (February 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 3-4:30 PM online)
- Meet with business advisor bi-weekly for duration of the program
- Attend 2 mentorship events (dates TBD)
- Provide monthly financial updates for duration of the program
This is a competitive program and space is limited. If you are interested in applying please note the process below. Expressions of interest are due January 2nd at midnight.
Accepted Side Gig Applicants Receive:
- An award of up to $1,000
- Hands-on coaching
- Mentoring from business leaders in your community, and from your program provider
- Profits generated through the operation of your business
Ready to apply?
Application Process:
Step 1:
Check eligibility (above)
Confirm availability for all 4 training Dates in February.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Deadline: January 2nd at 11:59 PM
Step 2:
Finalists will be selected by January 5th and invited to submit a simplified business plan.
Templates will be sent to selected applicants.
You can request support from a business advisor to complete or review the business plan during this stage.
Business Plan Deadline: January 19th
Step 3:
Successful applicants will be notified by January 24th
Program agreements will be signed.
Step 4:
Training February 7, 8, 14 and 15 from 3:00 – 4:30 online
Have questions? Contact Elle at 226.378.0403 or ecrevits@stthomas.ca
STARTER COMPANY PLUS
Starter Company Plus is a program of the Government of Ontario that helps people over the age of 18 to start their own business, buy, or expand an existing business.
Starter Company Plus Provides:
- Training, and coaching through the Small Business Enterprise Centre
- Advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get your business up and running
- The option to apply for start-up money to kick off a new business, or expand your current business*
- Experience of running a successful business that may help you obtain more traditional business financing in the future
* You may be eligible for up to $5,000 in grant funding based on the strength of your business plan, economic impact (jobs created), and long term sustainability.
Interested in this program? Call 519-631-1680 ext 4503, or email smallbiz@stthomas.ca.
GROW ACCELERATOR & ONLINE ART MARKETPLACE
GROW is growing.
This partnership between the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre and Fanshawe College Elgin/ St. Thomas began as a pop up shop in the West End of Downtown St. Thomas. Based on use and feedback we have transformed the program into an accelerator model allowing for a 3 – 6 month term at the location FREE of rent and access to business coaches. The overall goal of an accelerator model is to provide opportunity to scale into a more permanent retail space or model. It helps to fill the in between stage a business may go through during growth.
The accelerator is located in the Caboose at the Jumbo Memorial at 65 Talbot St., St. Thomas.
Small Businesses and Artists are invited to request application information by contacting Sarah at snoble@stthomas.ca.
Through this partnership we have also been able to work with Railway City Tourism to create the Railway City Arts Crawl Shop. This is a commission-free online marketplace for Elgin County and St. Thomas Artists to sell their work. Artists interested in using this tool should visit the Railway City Arts Crawl online. Click on the images below for the “10 Steps” to the Arts Crawl Market Place.
SOCIAL SERVICES SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Are you currently receiving Ontario Works assistance?
Interested in starting your own business?
Do you have the necessary skills & experience?
Then the Social Services Self Employment Program may be for you!
The Elgin-St Thomas Ontario Works office, in conjunction with the Elgin/St Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre, offers a program that assists participants in becoming self-employed.
The program is designed to help clients start and operate their businesses by providing business planning workshops and advisory support.
In the program, you will:
- Create a successful plan to start/grow your business
- Enhance your business skills
- Gain access to helpful resources
- Develop business contacts
Ready to apply? Contact your Ontario Works caseworker for a referral to a Social Services Self Employment Program orientation session.
MENTORSHIP
Offered monthly, group mentoring is an opportunity to connect with local industry leaders as well as other small business owners to learn together. Check out our Events Page for more details. With a network of mentors from a variety of local industries, we would also be happy to make introductions based on your needs.
For more information, email smallbiz@stthomas.ca or call 519-631-1680 ext 4503.
PROGRAMS
RESOURCES
ADDRESS
378 Talbot St.
St. Thomas, ON Canada
N5R 3L7
519-631-1680 ext 4503
St. Thomas, ON Canada
N5R 3L7
519-631-1680 ext 4503
“Creating an ecosystem where small businesses in Elgin County and St. Thomas can connect, learn and grow their business.”
HOURS
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
MON: 8:30A – 4:30P
TUES: 8:30A – 4:30P
WED: 8:30A – 4:30P
THURS: 12P – 8:00P
FRI: 8:30A – 4:30P