An Ontario program for students aged 15 to 29 who want to run their own summer business, delivered by Business Centre Guelph-Wellington. It offers up to $3,000 plus training, coaching and mentoring. Students must be returning to school in the fall.
Amount
Up to $3,000, paid in two parts of up to $1,500
Status
Closed for nowThe centre says the program is closed and applications open in January 2027 (exact day not given). No deadline is stated.
Type
Grant plus training for students
Run by
Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario
Where
Guelph
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026
Who it's for
Aged 15 to 29 as of April 30 of the funding year; under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign
In high school, college or university and returning in the fall (part-time, distance, apprenticeship and trade school count)
Ontario resident, Canadian citizen or permanent resident
No more than 20 hours a week of other commitments over the summer
Not for
Partnerships, co-operatives, franchises and distributorships
Parts of existing businesses or family businesses
Commissioned sales, multi-level marketing and pay-per-click-only models
Single events such as a concert, DJ gig, fundraiser or tournament
Anyone who already got Summer Company funding
What it covers
Up to $1,500 at the start for start-up costs
Up to $1,500 more after successfully finishing the program
Training, hands-on coaching and mentoring
How to apply
Check eligibility on the centre's page
Complete the online application inquiry once applications open in January 2027
Register through the centre's form or book an intake session
Good to know
The business must be new, or under 12 months old as of July 1 of the funding year.
Post-secondary students run the business full-time for 12 weeks (420 hours); high school students for at least 8 weeks (280 hours).
The page says the program is closed but still shows Register and Book buttons.
The page asks for an Ontario business and doesn't say it must be in Guelph or Wellington. Ask the centre which office to apply through.
Ontario's program page gives a 12 hour a week limit on other work or school, while the centre's page says 20. Ask the centre which applies.
Questions
How is the money paid?
In two parts: up to $1,500 first for start-up costs, then up to $1,500 once you've finished the program.
When can I apply?
The centre says applications open in January 2027. It hasn't posted an exact date or a deadline.
Can I run it with a friend as a partnership?
Partnerships are listed as not eligible. The business must be a sole proprietorship or a corporation where you are the majority shareholder.
Destination Animation Fund up to $5,000 (10% match). Gather Here sponsorship up to $25,000, and no more than 15% of the event budget. The Marketing Assets program gives photos, video and training, not money.
City of Guelph (with Destination Marketing Guelph for for-profit applications)Guelph
