KLSBC's Summer Company program a success

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: For six young entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes, the summer months offered more than a break from school. They spent the summer building businesses, serving customers and gaining hands-on experience through the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre’s (KLSBC) Summer Company program.

The annual program, delivered by KLSBC in partnership with the Province of Ontario, gives aspiring entrepreneurs ages 15 to 29 the chance to experience what it takes to run a business.

Participants receive business training, one-on-one mentorship and grant funding of up to $3,000 to help them launch and operate their ventures.

The 2026 group represented a diverse range of business ideas, from event rentals and equine services to specialty retail, athletics and automotive detailing.

Ayva Callieu launched Game On Event Rentals, providing oversized lawn games for weddings, community events, birthdays, schools and corporate functions.

Emily Durley’s Essential Equine offers professional horse show preparation services, including grooming, clipping, braiding, bathing and tack cleaning.

Teddy Haber put his skills to work through Haber Handyman and Hauling, offering handyman services and hauling solutions to residents throughout the community.

Kendra Korpela launched KissaMoon, a specialty pop-up retail shop featuring Finnish candy, gifts and Nordic-inspired products.

For female athletes, Teagan MacIntosh’s Scrum Queen Athletics offers rugby apparel that celebrates and supports women in sport.

Caden Parker took his business directly to customers through Caden’s Professional Mobile Detailing, providing interior and exterior vehicle detailing services.

While the businesses themselves varied considerably, the young entrepreneurs shared a summer of learning how to navigate the day-to-day challenges of running a business.

Throughout the program, participants developed skills in areas such as marketing, financial management and customer service. They also had opportunities to build relationships with customers, address unexpected challenges and put their business plans into practice.

For many, those experiences offered a first glimpse into what it takes to turn an idea into a sustainable business.

“The enthusiasm, innovation, and determination shown by this year’s participants have been exceptional,” said Sandy Greenberg, Economic Development Officer with the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“These young entrepreneurs have demonstrated that with the right support, mentorship, and dedication, great business ideas can become successful ventures.”

The program also gave young business owners more opportunities to connect with the local community as they built their customer base and worked with residents and other businesses.

Local businesses, community partners, families, and customers were credited with supporting this year’s participants throughout the summer.

Their support helped entrepreneurs gain practical experience while building confidence and skills that will serve them well beyond the Summer Company program.

The program is part of KLSBC’s broader efforts to support entrepreneurship in Kawartha Lakes. The Small Business Centre provides no-cost, confidential and customized advisory services to entrepreneurs at every stage, from those considering a new business idea to established businesses looking to grow.

The next opportunity for young entrepreneurs is already on the horizon, with applications for the 2027 Summer Company program expected to open in January.

Students interested in starting their own businesses are encouraged to contact the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre to learn more about the program and other entrepreneurial resources available throughout the year.