Young Kawartha Lakes entrepreneurs make their mark through the Summer Company program

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: As summer winds down, six young entrepreneurs, in the region, are wrapping up a season of turning their ideas into businesses, through the 2026 Summer Company Program.

The annual program, offered through the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) in partnership with the Province of Ontario, provides students with an opportunity to launch and operate their own businesses, while gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, training, and support. Participants can also receive a grant, of up to $3,000, to help get their ventures off the ground.

This year's participants have brought a diverse range of businesses to life, offering everything from entertainment and equestrian services to specialty retail, sports apparel, handyman work, and mobile vehicle detailing.

Sandy Greenberg, of the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre, said, the program provides young people with an opportunity to take their ideas from the planning stage and put them into practice.

“It has been wonderful to see this year's young entrepreneurs take their ideas, passions, and skills and turn them into real businesses. Each participant has brought something unique to the program, and we've been impressed by the creativity and commitment they've shown throughout the summer.”

Among this year's entrepreneurs is Ayva Callieu, who launched Game On Event Rentals, offering a selection of jumbo yard games, including: Giant Connect Four, Giant Guess Who, and Giant KerPlunk. The games are available for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, school functions, and other special occasions.

Emily Durley launched Essential Equine, providing horse show preparation services, including: braiding, clipping, bathing, grooming, and tack cleaning. Her business is focused on helping horses look their best before entering the show ring.

Teddy Haber is putting his skills to work, through Haber Handyman and Hauling, offering customers assistance with the odd jobs they may not have the time, tools, or inclination to tackle themselves.

Kendra Korpela is celebrating Finnish culture, through KissaMoon, a specialty retail pop-up shop, at 201 Highland Street, in downtown Haliburton. The business offers Finnish candy, gifts, and Nordic-inspired products, while providing shoppers with a unique local retail experience. Teagan MacIntosh has combined her passion for rugby with entrepreneurship, through Scrum Queen Athletics, designing and selling premium women's rugby apparel for athletes both on and off the pitch.

Caden Parker is taking his business directly to customers, through Caden's Professional Mobile Detailing. The mobile detailing service specializes in deep interior cleaning, stain removal, and high-quality exterior detailing, bringing showroom-quality results to customers' doorsteps.

For the entrepreneurs, the summer has provided an opportunity to move beyond simply having a business idea to gaining first-hand experience in running a venture.

Ms. Greenberg said, that hands-on experience is one of the most valuable aspects of the program.

“Summer Company is about much more than starting a business. It's about giving young people the chance to learn by doing; they’re working with customers, managing their time and finances, promoting their businesses, and learning how to adapt when things don't go exactly as planned. Those are skills which can benefit them long after the summer is over.”

While the formal summer program is nearing its conclusion, the experience gained by the participants can extend well beyond the summer months. The businesses launched through the program have given the students an opportunity to build customer relationships, test their ideas in the marketplace, and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

“We encourage everyone to take a look at what these young entrepreneurs have created and support them whenever possible,” added Ms. Greenberg. “Whether it's booking a service, purchasing a product, following their social media pages, or simply telling a friend about their business, community support can make a real difference for someone who is just getting started.”

More information about the Summer Company program is available through the City of Kawartha Lakes' Summer Company webpage or by contacting Sandy Greenberg, at sgreenberg@kawarthalakes.ca.

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre also offers no-cost, confidential, and customized advisory services for people looking to launch or grow a business. More information is available through the centre or by contacting Christine McLean, at cmclean@kawarthalakes.ca.

As the 2026 summer season draws to a close, the six participants can look back on a summer of new experiences, challenges, and opportunities, and the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.