PRESS RELEASE

Celebrating Simcoe County’s Young Entrepreneurs

On Tuesday July 6^th, eleven of Simcoe County’s newest and youngest entrepreneurs  showcased their products and services at the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre’s (GBBEC) Maple Ave. location above the bus depot. An Open House was held at the business centre to celebrate the Official Launch of Summer Company 2010.

The public was joined by MPP Aileen Carroll, the City of Barrie’s Department of Economic Strategy and Development, and the Provincial Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) for the launch of this successful youth program that offers successful applicants the opportunity to be their own bosses during the summer.

Summer Company is an initiative of the Provincial Ministry of Economic Development and Trade that provides awards of up to $3000, business training, and mentoring for the successful applicants between the ages of 15 and 29.  Over 89 students in Simcoe County made application inquiries through the Business Centre this year, hoping to be among the candidates chosen to run their own businesses. The successful students were selected based on the viability of their business idea as presented in a business plan, as well as their willingness and enthusiasm to work within the program guidelines as demonstrated in an interview.

“The 2010 Summer Company students have some very creative businesses!” says Centre manager, Terri Plaxton Smith.  “They also have enthusiasm, talent, and the determination necessary to be successful!”

The 2010 Summer Company students include: Michelle Langman - Bonnes Amies, Isaiah Bayley-Hay -  Young Pro Painters, Justin Brokop -  Simple! Landscaping, Emma Hale - Pomme & Granite, Stephanie Kremer -  Stephie's, Andreas Merriott  -  A M Computing, Emily Parker -  Oh Sew Retro Clothing Company,  Fraser Stephenson  -  CTS Tees, Shana Theoret -  TASK Computers, Martin Van Adrichem -  Van A Design Fabricate, and John McMorran -  McMorran’s Fitness Counselling.

This is the 9^th year that the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre (GBBEC) has administered the Summer Company program in Simcoe County.  The GBBEC is one of 57 Enterprise Centres across the Province that is funded by the Entrepreneurship Branch of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Their mandate is to assist entrepreneurs of all ages in starting or growing their businesses through consultations, workshops, information on business plan writing, marketing, financials, government programs and more, as well as all-day educational events such as the annual fall Bridges to Better Business Event and Tradeshow. For more details see www.barriebusinesscentre.ca call 705-720-2445.

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