Norfolk County, ON – August 30, 2019 – Ten local youngsters took advantage of an opportunity to run their own businesses this summer thanks to the Norfolk County Student Start-up Program (SSUP).
For the last four years, children in Grades 6-12 were able to experience self-employment during their summer holidays (July and August). Through the program, students are required to submit a comprehensive business plan, attend at least two pre-arranged market place events and submit a final report with a picture to Norfolk County staff to be eligible for grant funding.
SSUP launched its fourth season of the program on July 4 in Simcoe, where Deputy Mayor Amy Martin presented ten businesses with $200 in start-up funds. This year’s student businesses included everything from photography to slime, car-cleaning services, jewelry makers, greeting cards, yard clean-up services, and camp firewood sales.
Since its inception, the program has been supported by several area businesses.
“We would like to thank the Simcoe, Port Rowan and Waterford Farmers Markets as well as the Ice Cream Festival and Norfolk County Ram Rodeo for allowing the students to gain valuable experience while vending at these events,” said Christina Lounsbury, Tourism and Economic Development Customer Service Representative. “I am very proud of the students and their achievements this summer. The students’ professionalism, creativity and ambition is what made it another successful year”
Venture Norfolk’s General Manager and mentor Kristine Carey had in-person meetings with six students during a SSUP networking event held at Whitehorse Bowling Lanes in Simcoe.
The goal of the SSUP is to provide a chance for Norfolk’s next generation of business owners to gets some real-world experience throughout the summer, skills they will use later on in life during their post-secondary career. For more on the program, visit norfolkbusiness.ca/ssup-norfolk/.\
