Summer Company Showcase set for July 14

Young entrepreneurs highlight businesses for community

The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre’s Summer Company Showcase will be returning to St. Catharines City Hall on Monday, July 14.

The showcase will be held in the Burgoyne Woods Room, 50 Church St. (third floor), from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature 10 new businesses, launched by entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 as part of the City’s Summer Company Program. The public is welcome to attend.

Services being showcased and available for purchase from this year’s participants will include landscaping or exterior home cleaning services, locally grown poultry, swimming lessons, carpentry and woodworking, live music for events, flower sales, electronics repair and sales, skincare and beauty sales, and customized clothing.

The Summer Company Program is made possible through funding from the Province of Ontario. Successful applicants receive a $3,000 grant (covering $1,500 in start-up costs and an additional $1,500 when the program requirements have been completed successfully). They also receive business training and mentorship through the Enterprise Centre. Participants can start up almost any type of business they wish, as long as it’s an independent business venture and not an extension of an existing or family business.

The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre (SCEC) was created through a partnership between Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the City of St. Catharines’ Economic Development and Tourism Services department. The SCEC provides guidance and support to start-ups and works closely with local entrepreneurs to help them get started and strive for sustained success.