PRESS RELEASE

From: Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre

Date: March 22, 2012

Contact: Terri Plaxton Smith

For Immediate Release

Phone: 705-720-2445 

No Summer Job, No Problem for These Students

While some students are pounding the pavement, dropping off resumes, and brushing up on their interview skills in anticipation of the summer ahead, others are developing their business plans, creating business cards, and getting ready for an experience they won’t soon forget – starting their own summer business.

It’s not easy to research, launch, market and run a successful business in two to three months for entrepreneurs of any age, but for young entrepreneurs, still in school, with only a dream and a desire to make it happen, the challenges can be plentiful. With help from the Province, however, those challenges can be mitigated and opportunities realized.

Summer Company is a popular provincial program which provides awards of up to $3000, business training, and mentoring for successful applicants. Up to 450 students in Ontario between the ages of 15 and 29 will be accepted based on eligibility, the viability of their business idea as presented in a business plan, and their willingness and enthusiasm to work within the program guidelines as demonstrated in an interview. Application deadline is May 7^th.

In a year when summer jobs may be less plentiful than other years, running their own business may be a terrific option for some students. Administered locally by the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre (GBBEC), manager and business consultant, Terri Plaxton-Smith says, “There’s no time to waste! Entrepreneurial-minded students should get their applications in as early as they can to avoid disappointment.”

For high school students who may not be sure that they are ready to run their own businesses yet, there is another program that might be able to help them prepare to run their own business in the future. Business Plan Challenge 2012 is a business plan writing competition that is open to high school students of all ages, in all areas of study. Students must research and complete a business plan that will be judged by community and business volunteers. 12 lucky finalists will be honored at a gala dinner in June where they will be competing for terrific prizes including: a $1200 scholarship from Georgian College, cash, electronics, and much more! To be eligible, business plans must be received by May 23^rd.

The GBBEC has been delivering these programs for 11 years now with the help of community sponsors, mentors and volunteers. “Encouraging and assisting young entrepreneurs is an important part of our mandate to help small business grow in our community,” states Plaxton-Smith. “If you’re thinking of starting a business, are ready to start that business, or have been running it for years and would like help to expand or grow your business, we can help.”

Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development & Innovation, the GBBEC provides: one-on-one consultations, help with business plan writing, marketing and financials, workshops, business events and mentoring.  For more information on the above youth programs or any services offered by the GBBEC, visit www.barriebusinesscentre.ca or call 705-720-2445 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Additional information on Summer Company can be found online at www.ontario.ca/summercompany