Four Young Leeds Grenville Entrepreneurs Graduated from the 2023 Summer Company Program

Brockville – This summer four young Leeds Grenville entrepreneurs graduated from the Summer Company program. They experienced being their own boss and used their creativity, perseverance and community support to successfully operate their businesses.

A wrap-up reception was held on Thursday, August 24th in Gananoque to celebrate the graduates.

“Thursday night’s celebration really cemented the impact that this program has on the community’s youth. Parents, elected officials and guests were very impressed with the successes of these four young individuals.  We look forward to meeting more new entrepreneurial students in 2024.”

Neville Klug, graduate and winner of our Excellence Award said “The world would be a better place if everyone took part in this program.”

In its 23rd year, the Summer Company program provided hands-on business training and mentoring to youth entrepreneurs. The participants received an award of up to $1,500 in early summer to help with business start-up costs. An additional $1,500 award is given upon the successful completion of their Summer Company business and proof of returning to school. The students receive education on all things small business and the opportunity to work with local mentors who provide support and advice on operating their summer business.

2023 Graduates:

Neville Klug, Nev’s Sandwiches, Leeds and the Thousand Islands; created the ultimate smoked meat and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches using locally sourced ingredients and a generous hand. He added homemade pickles and freshly squeezed lemonade to the menu. You will continue to find Neville at various markets into the fall. Neville can be reached by email at
nevssandwiches05@gmail.com and by phone at 613-328-1624. Neville will be attending St. Lawrence College in Kingston this fall and playing soccer with the SLG Surge. He is our Award of Excellence winner and will receive an additional $250.00 for his overall stellar work this summer. This award is sponsored by Kevin Savoy of ByNan Business Solutions.

Lizzy Mussett, Liz Pet Inc., Brockville; made toys and sourced accessories for dogs this summer. She provided tug toys, cooling collars, doggie massagers and more! Lizzie will continue to sell online and at local stores in the area. You can reach Lizzy by phone at 613-246-0432 and by email at LizPetInc@gmail.com. Lizzie is returning to school in the fall and she is our Marketing Maven Award winner and will receive an additional $100.00 for her engaging marketing on social media. This award is sponsored by Mitch Beattie of Beattie Film.

Dalena Nguyen, Luforia Jewellery, Gananoque; used her creativity to make jewellery for youth and adults alike this summer. She sold at the Saturday market in Gananoque and online. Dalena is attending her first year at Concordia University this fall in Computer Science. Dalena was the winner of our Growth Award. At the beginning of the summer, Dalena expected she
would sell most of her products online. She stepped out of her comfort zone to sell her product in public and interact with people in person for most of the summer. This award is sponsored by Brodie Church, of brodiechurch.com in the amount of $200.00

Sacha Yakimovich, Golden Sun Herbals, North Grenville; sold ointments this summer made from calendula flower oil. It is known to have properties that aid healing. Sacha has his product in several stores in the area, including Serendipity, Brockville; Healthily Ever After, Merrickville; and Saltastic, Kemptville. Sacha will continue to produce and sell his product into the fall. Sacha can be reached at info@goldensunherbals.com or 343-558-2435. Sacha is returning to North Grenville District High School in the fall for his Grade 12 year. Sacha also is winning our Resilience Award for his perseverance in spite of the challenges he has had this summer. This
award is sponsored by Shannon Liscumb, of CSE Consulting, in the amount of $100.00.

To find out more about the Summer Company program visit our website.