Muskoka will pay students to be their own boss

A mentor helps a young man with paperwork in this file image.

The Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) is calling creative youth to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program.

The program offers students aged 15-to-29 with up to $3,000 in start-up funding, one-on-one mentorship to launch and run their own business this summer.

What’s Included:

• Up to $3,000 in grant funding: $1,500 at the start, and $1,500 at successful completion,
• Business training and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs,
• Support with marketing, planning, budgeting,
• A chance to be your own boss this summer.

Program Timeline:

High school students: The program will run from June to the end of August. Applications must be received by April 30.

College/university students: The program will run from mid-May to the end of August. Applications must be received by April 10 or until the program is full.

Eligibility:

• High school, college or university students attending school in Ontario;
• Between 15 to 29 years old. If participants are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant; and
• Students must be returning to school in September after the Summer Company program is complete.

Applications are accepted and reviewed as they are received. Summer Company is funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.