For Immediate Release
July 16, 2008

Enterprising Students Launch Summer Businesses
McGuinty Government Helping Ontario Students Succeed in Prince Edward-Hastings

NEWS

Budding entrepreneurs across the province are set to be their own boss with help from the provincial government.

This year, over 350 successful candidates were accepted into Ontario’s 2008 Summer Company program, of which 8 are from Prince Edward-Hastings.

Summer Company provides students with the practical hands-on training, mentoring, and essential skills they need to start and operate a business.  Entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 can qualify for grants of up to $3,000 from the Ontario government through the program.

QUOTES

“Small and medium sizes businesses are the engine of our economy.  The Summer Company program gives our students an early opportunity to learn first-hand how entrepreneurs become successful and remain competitive,” said Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Harinder Takhar.

“The young entrepreneurs selected for Summer Company 2008 will benefit greatly from the funding and mentorship they will receive through the program,” said Leona Dombrowsky, MPP Prince Edward-Hastings.  “The program will allow them to develop and apply fundamental business skills that will last a lifetime.”

QUICK FACTS

• The Summer Company program has helped over 1,700 students to launch their own businesses since the program began.
• 99 per cent of students would recommend the program to a friend, according to a survey conducted in the Spring of 2008.

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For Information:

Sheila Alexander
613-962-1144
ldombrowsky.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org