Thunder Bay CEDC Celebrates Successful 2022 Summer Company Program

September 28, 2022 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) congratulates the successful Summer Company students who started and managed their own small businesses this past summer. The Summer Company program is administered by the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre and has seen ninety-three students go through the program since 2014.

“[The] CEDC’s Summer Company Program definitely delivers. The program and its awesome staff provided the perfect amount of incentive, expertise and assistance I needed when I decided to launch my mobile rolled ice cream business – Cold Slate Creamery.” Says Timothy Sherlock, owner of Cold Slate Creamery “The mentorship, support, and connections that the program gave me were a great help in my entrepreneurial venture and part of what helped my business succeed. When I first started Cold Slate Creamery, my vision was to create a business that delivers each customer an unforgettable positive experience around the rolled ice cream we serve. I believe this standard is what has kept our customers delighted and eager to return. Because of the incredible support I received from my amazing family and the wonderful people at the CEDC, my idea quickly developed into a full–time business.”

The Summer Company program began at the beginning of the summer, with the students receiving a $1,500 grant to cover the start-up cost for their new summer business. Throughout the summer, participants worked with a local mentor and attended workshops on customer service, marketing, and bookkeeping. Once all of the program requirements were met, the participants were given another $1,500 grant to help with any incurred costs associated with their business.

“The students learn a lot from the hands-on experience and mentoring provided by the Summer Company program,” said Jamie Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Thunder Bay CEDC. “It is great to see this program continue to give young people the opportunity to start and operate their own summer business. Many Summer Company participants continue their businesses after the program has ended and eventually develop into full-time entrepreneurs. We look forward to seeing this program run again in 2023”

The five participating students are as follows:

  • Ashley Perry – Crafts with Ash
  • Tyler Blazino – Port Arthur Lawncare and Landscape
  • Braeden Duchesne – Duchesne’s Services
  • Brooke Ailey – Dawn and Daisy Designs
  • Timothy Sherlock – Cold Slate Creamery

All five students operated in Thunder Bay this summer. 

 

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