Young entrepreneurs shine in Kawartha Lakes’ Summer Company program

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The next generation of entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes is proving, age is no barrier to innovation. Six local students recently graduated from the 2025 Summer Company program, a provincial initiative which helps young people turn bright ideas into thriving summer businesses.

From handcrafted jewellery and floral arrangements to robotics camps and figure skating workshops, this year’s graduates demonstrated creativity, grit, and an eagerness to learn.

“This summer, we watched Kawartha Lakes burst with creativity, as six young entrepreneurs explored their talents, gained business know-how, and built lasting connections,” said Sandy Greenberg, Economic Development Officer with the City of Kawartha Lakes.

The program, delivered locally by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre, provides up to $3,000 in start-up funding along with mentorship and training. The experience allows participants, aged 15 to 29, to take their business dreams from the planning stage to reality.

For 19-year-old Paige Naylor, founder of Hazel James Jewellery, the summer was about much more than making sales. “I’ve always loved designing pieces, but this program gave me the push to actually launch a brand,” she said. “The mentorship really helped me understand marketing and the importance of building a customer base. Now I feel like I can take this beyond just a summer project.”

Similarly, Luca Tan used his passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to launch STEM Strategy: Chess & Robotics, offering local youth an engaging way to develop critical thinking skills. “Running the camp taught me so much about time management and communication,” he shared. “I realized it’s not just about teaching robotics, but also about creating a positive learning environment for kids.”

Other graduates included: Kaylin Durley with her creative venture Kaydia, Grace Ellery with Ellery Edge, Taeler Mathison with Boots and Blades, and Myriah Mason with Petal and Peck, each bringing their own unique twist to the Kawartha Lakes business community.

Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, applauded their efforts. “I want to congratulate the six graduates of this year’s Summer Company program on successfully launching and operating their own businesses,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see the continued success of this provincial initiative, delivered locally by the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the positive impact it has on our community.”

Beyond the revenue generated or the products sold, participants said, the most valuable lessons were intangible, resilience, adaptability, and confidence. For some, the ventures will continue into the autumn; for others, the experience will shape future career paths.

“I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, before this,” said Ms. Mason, who created her floral-inspired brand Petal and Peck. “Now I know I can take an idea and run with it. That’s a skill I’ll use, no matter what I do next.”

As the balloons and certificates from the graduation ceremony are packed away, the real results of Summer Company are just beginning to take root. These six entrepreneurs leave the program, not only with business plans, but with the kind of real-world experience which can’t be taught in a classroom.