Summer Company Program Recap

The Summer Company program has officially come to a close, and what an incredible summer it has been! Our student entrepreneurs took on the challenge of running their own businesses with passion, creativity, and drive.

We're so proud of their growth in professional knowledge, organization, communication, and leadership skills. A huge thanks to everyone who made this program possible—our amazing mentors, community partners, and the families who supported these young business owners along the way.

Most of all, congratulations to our Summer Company Students for embracing the journey of entrepreneurship and showing what’s possible when you become your own boss. This article will showcase the incredible progress that each student made throughout their time in the Summer Company Program.

Acadia Clarke, Bark Bitez

Acadia Clarke launched Bark Bitez, her specialty dog treat business in Guelph, Ontario, through the Summer Company Program. Her focus was on high-quality, all-natural treats made from locally sourced ingredients. Over the summer, she gained valuable business management experience, learning to adapt to unexpected costs and manage her cash flow.

With mentorship and workshops, Acadia developed skills in customer communication, networking, and marketing, overcoming her shyness to confidently engage with new customers. Furthermore, the Summer Company Open House boosted her confidence and highlighted the benefits of networking for a small business owner.

Reflecting on her journey, Acadia found the mentorship she received invaluable, feeling empowered by her success and grateful for her personal growth and loyal customer base.

Brianna Clarke, GreenWheelie Lawn Care

Brianna Clarke, founder of GreenWheelie Lawn Care, launched her eco-friendly lawn maintenance business to serve homeowners and community spaces alike. Initially inexperienced in the world of entrepreneurship, Brianna learned essential business management skills, allowing her to quickly adapt to unexpected business expenses. Despite some discrepancies in revenue projections, Brianna recognized the importance of staying organized and maintaining accurate financial records.

Through mentorship and workshops, she developed skills in customer service, time management, and marketing techniques, blending printed and digital advertising to attract consistent clients.

Reflecting on her experience, Brianna valued the guidance she received, which boosted her confidence and revealed entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

Connor Rosie, Connor’s Custom CarveWorks

Connor Rosie, founder of Connor’s Custom CarveWorks, started his woodworking business to create handmade wooden artwork, including wall art and kinetic sculptures. Through the Summer Company Program, he discovered that his revenue projections didn’t match the eventual results. Adapting along the way, he learned the importance of understanding customer interests, investing in supplies, and organizing his finances.

The program sharpened Connor's business planning and communication skills through networking and discussions with vendors. He gained confidence in client interactions, improved his woodworking abilities, and recognized the need for better time management. The mentorship that Connor received allowed him to his maintain focus on the task at hand and become more goal oriented in his business activities.

Despite the ups and downs, Connor's first entrepreneurial experience was extremely positive to the point that he now views entrepreneurship as a viable career path, planning to recommend the Summer Company Program to others.

Evan Carr, The Travelling Gallery

Evan Carr, founder of The Travelling Gallery, transformed his artistic hobby into a thriving business by crafting apparel from recycled fabrics, including blankets and patchwork sweaters, sold at outdoor markets and online. Throughout the Summer Company Program, his sales far exceeded projections, validating the demand for his warm apparel despite concerns about summer sales. His early preparation, such as pre-paying his rent for market spaces facilitated smooth financial management as his business progressed.

The program pushed Evan to enhance his time management skills to allow him to meet his lofty market demands. Networking at events improved his marketing and customer interaction skills, boosting his entrepreneurial confidence. The program also helped Evan recognize the need for precise financial record keeping and plans to establish a separate business credit card in the future to make bookkeeping an easier task.

Excited about future growth, Evan envisions opening his own store and building a team to help him take The Travelling Gallery to the next level.

Jace Duhacek, Grand River Auto Detailing

Jace Duhacek, founder of Grand River Auto Detailing, launched his mobile detailing business with the support from the Summer Company Program, offering thorough interior and exterior cleaning services in Elora. His business met initial revenue projections, aided by marketing support and careful spending on essential equipment. He noted that without the program’s financial assistance, he might not have started, making this experience pivotal for his entrepreneurial future.

Through the program, Jace improved his skills in managing and scheduling customer appointments. He utilized social media and print ads for marketing, learning to use hashtags to increase reach. He also gained confidence in networking, as referrals boosted his connections. Furthermore, the mentorship given to Jace deepened his understanding of business planning, customer service, and the importance of detailed financial record-keeping.

Jace came out of the program achieving his goal of generating enough income to invest in a car. With the success that he realized this past summer, Jace now sees entrepreneurship as a rewarding potential career path.

Jessica Zhang, Nostalgic Dreams

Jessica Zhang, founder of Nostalgic Dreams in Guelph sells handmade t-shirts, tote bags, prints, and DIY papercraft templates with nostalgia-inspired designs. Over the summer, she attended local markets and discovered her rental and equipment expenses exceeded initial budget projections. Inspired by a university pop-up shop, the Summer Company Program provided essential support for structuring her business.

Through the program, Jessica improved her business planning and time management skills, learning to manage busy schedules and production timelines. She enhanced her marketing prowess on Instagram and found networking crucial for gaining exposure.

Summer Company boosted her confidence and solidified her interest in entrepreneurship, leading her to plan for future markets and advocate for the program’s impact on young entrepreneurs.

Josh Verma, Infinite Services

Josh Verma, founder of Infinite Services, launched a lawn care business offering affordable mowing and maintenance for busy individuals and seniors. The Summer Company Program helped him streamline operations, particularly in business planning and expense tracking. While he faced unexpected costs like higher insurance, his revenue projections aligned closely with his equipment needs.

Through the program, Josh developed essential skills in financial management, effectively tracking revenue and expenses. He improved his time management to handle a growing client base, learned marketing strategies, and networked with fellow entrepreneurs. He achieved his goal of earning $2,000 over the course of the summer and securing repeat clients, boosting his confidence as a new entrepreneur.

The mentorship aspect of the summer solidified his interest in entrepreneurship, and he highly recommends the program to aspiring young business owners.

Kaif Momin, HomeClick Photography

Kaif Momin, founder of HomeClick Photography, launched a business providing high-end real estate photography and videography, including HDR images and 360-degree tours. Initially a photography enthusiast, he sought financial support to turn his hobby into a business. The Summer Company Program provided essential startup assistance, including a business plan template and mentorship, aiding him in budgeting and expense tracking.

Though facing slower business initially due to personal obligations, Kaif quickly secured clients and established reliable cash flow. He improved in the areas of time management, marketing, and client communication.

He aimed to generate income for tuition and create a sustainable business, achieving both goals throughout the summer. Kaif values the Summer Company Program as an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and plans to continue HomeClick Photography as he continues his education.

Nolan Panchuk, Window Solutions Guelph

Nolan Panchuk, founder of Window Solutions Guelph, provides residential window cleaning services. Determined to start his business, he enrolled in the Summer Company Program to learn essential business skills and gain financial support. He initially faced challenges with generating revenue, realizing he needed promotions like door-to-door marketing to attract new clients. Despite slow periods, Nolan remained resilient and achieved his goal of building a loyal customer base.

The program enhanced his business planning and time management skills, helping him organize daily routes and job durations. He gained confidence in sales, improved his marketing techniques, and valued networking for customer connections.

Nolan successfully established a strong client base and solidified his interest in entrepreneurship, finding the program’s mentorship instrumental for aspiring small business owners.

Taryn Edmond, Totus Fidelis

Taryn Edmond, founder of Totus Fidelis, creates tote bags from up-cycled materials, each reflecting her customers' individuality. Her business features designs inspired by local experiences, such as “Support Your Local Library” and “Wildflowers of Ontario,” along with items that showcase her Catholic faith.

Taryn joined the Summer Company Program to explore running a small business and learned about its complexities, facing challenges in reconciling expenses and revenue due to unexpected costs like replacing her heat press.

The program enhanced her business planning, time management, and networking skills. Throughout the summer, she developed a clearer business plan, balancing product creation with marketing and purchasing.

Although uncertain about full-time entrepreneurship, Taryn found the experience empowering and appreciated the mentorship and connections she made with other vendors. This journey helped her recognize her strengths and areas that she would like to improve upon, boosting her confidence and clarifying her overall business vision.

Written By: Matteo Furfaro