Back to Search
The 2024 Summer Company Wrap-up event was held August 29 in conjunction with the Pembroke Business Improvement Area’s Pembroke Youth Market. Receiving certificates of completion were program participants (front from left) Kyle Radford, Cayden McKinnon, Haley Vanderzwaag, Isa Jilani O’Brien, Ki Myra, Scarlytte Merrill and Katie White. Also taking part in the event (back from left) were Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy; County Councillor James Brose, Development and Property Committee Chair; Whitewater Region Councillors Connie Tabbert and Joey Trimm; Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon; Madawaska Valley Mayor Mark Willmer; Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais; Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon and McNab/Braeside Councillor Scott Brum.
RELEASE DATE:
September 9, 2024
The County of Renfrew has celebrated the success and completion of the 2024 Summer Company Program, which saw seven youth launch and grow their businesses with the support of Enterprise Renfrew County.
On August 29, the Summer Company program participants displayed their businesses and sold their products at the Pembroke Youth Market, which also featured regular participants of the Pembroke Business Improvement Area’s (PBIA) summer Youth Market series.
Those in attendance were welcomed by Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, who commended the Summer Company participants for taking on the role as business owners.
“This takes initiative and a willingness to deal with some challenges along the way, which isn’t always easy,” he said. “Congratulations on all the work you have done this summer and I know being successful in this program has provided the opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and created a good foundation for your future endeavours.”
County of Renfrew Warden Peter Emon was also on hand to introduce the program participants and their businesses as he noted participants have not only developed their business ideas but have also gained valuable real-world experience in areas such as marketing, finance and customer relations.
“This program contributes significantly to our local economy by fostering innovation and creating employment opportunities for our youth,” the Warden said. “It's a testament to our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators in Renfrew County.”
Elected officials from the students’ home municipalities presented certificates of completion to the participants along with Development and Property Committee Chair James Brose.
“Each participant brought forth unique business ideas, ranging from mobile car detailing businesses to retail services such as care package subscriptions and lawn game rentals,” Chair Brose noted. “These young entrepreneurs have not only launched their businesses but have also demonstrated exceptional creativity and determination in navigating the challenges of starting and running a business.”
Congratulations to all participants for successful completion of the program – Isa Jilani O’Brien, Sports Hub (lawn game rental); Kyle Radford, Ottawa Valley Grill Doctor (BBQ cleaning services); Haley Vanderzwaag, BlueBird Company (care box subscription service); Scarlytte Merrill, “Got Your Back” Babysitting Services; Cayden McKinnon, On-The-Go Car Care (car detailing services); Katie White, Unicorn Kitty Balloons (animal balloon service); Ki Myra, Ki’s Creations (clay art).
The Summer Company program, delivered by Enterprise Renfrew County on behalf of the Ontario Government, is a youth entrepreneurship program for students aged 15-29 years which provides start-up funding, training and mentorship while cultivating essential entrepreneurial skills. The next intake deadline will be May 2025 for the summer season. Visit www.EnterpriseRenfrewCounty.com for more information.
Enterprise Renfrew County is a non-profit government organization funded by the Government of Ontario, County of Renfrew, Town of Renfrew and the City of Pembroke. Its mandate is to encourage and contribute to the enterprising spirit and economic development of Renfrew County by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing companies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lindsay Debertin Program Officer, ERC 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
SubscribeContact Us
