NEUSTADT – In 2019, the Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North and West Grey, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), launched the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP).
The program provided 41 youth the chance to run 34 businesses in the Saugeen Region that year.
In 2021, this program was re-launched and assisted 59 students with the operation of 50 businesses.
In 2022, the group welcomed Arran-Elderslie and South Bruce to the partnership, which will allow this program to support even more youth entrepreneurs in the region.
This program is designed to fuel the creativity and business skills of Saugeen Area Students. Entrepreneurs grow in the Saugeen Region, and organizers say they want to continue to support students in Grades 6-12.
“We have committed time, resources, and cash to spark this program and are now looking for companies and organizations to join us in investing in the Saugeen region’s future,” states an April 4 press release.
By completing a relaxed business plan, eligible applicants can earn $150 cash to help get their business idea started or expanded. In addition, if they post a photo on social media engaged in their business, use the hashtag #saugeenssup and submit a final report, they can receive a $150 bonus.
Students can also participate in five workshops that will help them in running their business and for each workshop they attend they will receive $25. If they attend all five workshops they will receive a $25 bonus.
Applications must be in no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 6, with successful applicants being notified by May 27.
Any youth with a summer business idea or business or organization who would like to sponsor a student should visit saugeenconnects.com/youth or email info@saugeenconnects.com.
“We believe that our youth have an impact on our community and are the source of skills, labour force and entrepreneurship for our future” the partnership states.
