In an effort to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit among youth, the Town of Minto has partnered with Saugeen Connects to foster confidence, connection and community for young business owners.
There are 15 students from Minto taking part in the program, which offers students in Grades 6-12, an opportunity to create their own businesses during the summer holidays.
"This is my pet project that I brought to the Saugeen Connects Group. One of my colleagues had actually introduced the summer student start-up program in Norfolk County. And I just loved the idea," said Belinda Wick-Graham, director of economic and community development for the Town of Minto.
"I saw his passion for the program and how he presented it to students. He was so kind to share all of that information with us."
The Saugeen Connects Partnership, which includes Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, Arran-Elderslie, South Bruce and West Grey, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), launched the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) in 2019.
The mission is to collaborate and positively impact area economic growth, support youth development, support growth and retention of businesses, and integrate efforts to leverage immigrant attraction to the area as residents, workers, entrepreneurs, business owners, operators and investors.
Now in it's fifth year, SSUP has helped over 250 students and businesses with funding and interactive training for their start-up businesses. This summer, 48 businesses and 51 local youth were accepted into the program.
"This really is my favourite program and we've made it our own. Every year, there are tweaks and edits, but basically, it is an amazing opportunity for youth to try entrepreneurship and to get a little start up money to help get them going. They also take part in different training sessions," Wick-Graham said.
Five virtual sessions are offered to students each summer, so transportation isn't an issue.
Past topics have included customer service, financial literacy such as budgeting, and this year students were offered training in AI and it's uses in business.
"We've even had training on the use of TikTok to sell products. We try to keep up with the times," Wick-Graham said.
The Student Start Up Program is made possible thanks to participating member municipalities and private sector funding.
"Being able to support youth in our community does not happen without the sponsors," Wick-Graham said.
"It shows the amazing service clubs and businesses that we have in Minto who want to support our youth."
Some students who have graduated from the program have gone on to expand their businesses.
"Our very first student success story was Garrett Schouten from Clifford. His business is called 'Chuckles'. He was actually only in Grade 5 when he got into the program. He had such a good proposal," Wick-Graham said.
"He makes balloon animals and creatures. We have hired him for our different events. He is now in Grade 11 and continues to run his business. He's not just doing our events, but events all over."
Wick-Graham said another SSUP student, Carter Shannon, began making snow cones and has now expanded to slushies and candy bags. Shannon is often seen at various street events and fall fairs.
Abdul Almohamad from Minto started Abdul's Car Cleaning Car Detailing and offers a full interior vacuum and a Full interior wipe down and cleaning.
Keegan Hill, from KH Carpentry, said he is thankful for the opportunity to participate in the SSUP Program.
"The funding I will receive from SSUP allows me to run my business, and helps me get closer to my dreams of becoming a carpenter. SSUP offers knowledgeable work shops with valuable information to help you to be successful with your business," Hill said.
SSUP makes exceptions to include younger students depending on interest.
"There are so many stories. Sometimes students will start one business one year, and another the next year. We are finding that even though this is for youth in Grades 6 to 12, it does seem to attract younger kids," Wick-Graham said.
"They might stick with their business when they get into high school, or they might get a job. But at least they've had an opportunity to try it out."
At the end of each summer, the Town of Minto hosts a SSUP summer student barbecue.
"We bring our sponsors together with our students and celebrate them. Even if these kids move away, they might come back and start a business here in the future," Wick-Graham said.
"This shows them early on, that their community supports them and invests in them."
