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Students successfully launch summer
businesses during pandemic
Despite entering an uncertain economy, six Windsor-Essex students are plunging ahead as first-time entrepreneurs in the annual Summer Company program.
Summer Company is an Ontario government program which provides young people with the resources and training to start a new summer business. Full-time students, aged 15-29, receive hands-on business training, advice and mentorship from local business leaders and up to $3,000 grant.
This year presents a new challenge for these young entrepreneurs as they must create a business plan for success during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes making sure they are keeping themselves and their customers safe while still meeting a changing consumer demand.
The WindsorEssex Small Business Centre (SBC) is working with a variety of new student businesses that provide products and services, such as a delivery service, hair products and accessories, landscaping and lawn care and mobile vehicle detailing. SBC is delighted to highlight some of the unique Summer Company start-ups. Read more
Each month, the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre highlights clients and entrepreneurs that have recently opened their business. Want to to be included? Email SBC for more information.
Windsor has been full of surprises for the recently opened local chapter of the national organization Black Boys Code.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 limiting the first four-week programme to online instruction, demand and the skill set of the registrants both exceeded expectations.
Advance, online registration required for all events.
Please check our calendar for more upcoming events.
In this session, “Business Decision Making During Re-Opening,” Steven Karpenko (bio below) will present a playbook for emerging from the pandemic as a stronger and more flexible business, that is better prepared for the challenges of the present and the uncertainty in what lies ahead. Key topics will be leading through crisis and identifying opportunities while operating within the “new normal.”
The RE3 program will provide approved women-led SMEs a one-time non-repayable performance-based contribution up to $5,000 on expenses pertaining to the reopening, rebuilding and revival of the business.
The Town of Essex Business Relaunch Grant fund is now open for applications. Local business owners are eligible for up to $500 to offset the cost of reopening their business under new COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. Apply here
NEW Grow with Google: Retail Recovery
Six-month virtual education series to share insights, tools, products and case studies to help accelerate the digital readiness of retailers as they plan for the road ahead. Find out more
UPDATE Postmedia Supports Marketing Grant Program
Through Postmedia Supports, the Windsor Star is offering a Local Marketing Grant Program as another way to strengthen our communities and help boost economic growth, one business at a time. Postmedia has earmarked $1 million in marketing grants for Windsor-Essex. The program has two components:
A full marketing grant program to select businesses in the hardest hit sectors of our economy, including, but not limited to the Food & Beverage, Tourism and Hospitality sectors
A match program whereby local businesses can apply for matching media investments from $500 to $15,000 to complement their new programs.
Applications must be in August 30,2020. Find out more
