Associate Minister Nina Tangri Visits Leeds Grenville Summer Company Students on Wednesday

Brockville – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business welcomed the Honourable Nina Tangri, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business, for a special visit with this year’s Summer Company students on August 20, 2025.

The informal gathering brought together Associate Minister Tangri, MPP Steve Clark, and Counties Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Economic Development Manager Ann Weir, Small Business staff member Brennan Eland, and the 2025 Summer Company participants for a discussion about youth entrepreneurship in the region.

Associate Minister Tangri learned more about the Summer Company program and heard directly from students about their experiences starting and running their own businesses this summer. Participants shared their challenges, lessons learned, and plans for the future, highlighting the program’s role in building confidence, business skills, and community connections.

“Summer Company is a wonderful platform for young people across the province to turn a bright idea into a viable business,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “Our government is proud to help the next generation of entrepreneurs grow, create jobs, support local communities and strengthen Ontario’s economy.”

“Small businesses and the hard-working, innovative entrepreneurs that operate them are the heart of our local economy in Leeds and Grenville. I’m thrilled that Minister Tangri could meet the young people participating in the local Summer Company program, which is funded by our government,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I also want to thank Minister Tangri for visiting local businesses in Prescott, hearing directly from business owners about their experiences and how our government can continue to support their success.”

“We were pleased to host Minister Tangri and provide an opportunity for her to meet our students and hear their stories,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden. “This program is about more than just starting a business—it’s about preparing our youth for their future and the skills they will need. This includes building their network and having the ability to market themselves in whatever path they choose next.”

About Summer Company:

Local youth are given the opportunity to start and operate their own businesses over the summer break. Successful applicants receive a $3,000 grant, business training, and ongoing mentorship.

This year’s Summer Company participants included:

• Carter Leduc, 1000 Islands Property Care, Town of Gananoque
  • Offers a wide range of property maintenance services designed to boost curb appeal and protect your investment. From lawn care and window washing to pressure washing and gutter cleaning, Carter delivers convenient, high-quality service to keep homes and vehicles looking their best. Contact Carter at carterleduc01@icloud.com.
• Owen Henderson, Rim to Rim Detailing, City of Brockville
  • Provides exceptional interior and exterior car cleaning services with a focus on precision and care. Dedicated to making every vehicle look brand new, Owen takes pride in the details so you can enjoy a spotless, polished ride. Reach out to Owen at rimtorimdetailing@outlook.com.
• James Richardson, James Richardson Lawn Maintenance, Municipality of North Grenville
  • A yard care business offering reliable and affordable seasonal services, including mowing, trimming, yard tidying, and watering. With a friendly, dedicated approach, James delivers quality lawn maintenance to keep your yard looking its best. Contact him at richardson.lawns@outlook.com.
• Lincoln BevAcqua, Astronomical Clothing Co., Municipality of North Grenville
  • A unisex streetwear brand offering bold matching sets like graphic tees and mesh shorts. Focused on clean design, Astronomical delivers high-quality, easy-to-style outfits that stand out. Connect with Lincoln at lincolnbevacqua@gmail.com.

This program is funded by the Province of Ontario, as well as the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville. To find out more about Summer Company, visit our website.