Brockville – Determined young small business entrepreneurs from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville have graduated from the 2025 Summer Company program. This caps off a season of hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and community engagement.
The season began on June 10th with a launch event, where dignitaries, mentors, and program supporters met the youth entrepreneurs at the start of their business journeys. Over the summer, participants gained valuable experiences by leading their businesses, tackling challenges through creativity, perseverance, and support from the local community. The entrepreneurs met bi-weekly and connected with their volunteer mentors – Mitchell Beattie – Beattie Film, Wendy Onstein – Wedding Ceremonies by Wendy, Brodie Church – Brodie Church Consulting, and Kevin Savoy – ByNan Business Solutions. Their training included business foundations, marketing, also a special workshop on Real Strategies for Sustainable Growth
delivered by Robbie Deeks.
The Summer Company graduates were celebrated and commended by local dignitaries. Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, shared that, “supporting youth entrepreneurship and giving young people the tools to develop their future is important. I’m extremely proud of their accomplishments and our government’s financial support for the program.”
“The Counties appreciate the province’s support for the Summer Company program. As Warden and a small business owner, I congratulate each student for “taking the initiative and charting their own path to success in establishing a business,” said Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.
“It’s a milestone year for the Summer Company program as it celebrates 25 years. The program is more than just training – it is also about building confidence, fostering innovation and connecting entrepreneurs to a supportive community,” said Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for the Counties.
This year’s Summer Company participants included:
- 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.
About Summer Company:
Local youth are given the opportunity to start and operate their own businesses over the summer break. Upon successful completion of the program, a total of $3,000 can be received by a Summer Company participant.
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