Maitland – United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business hosted the graduation for this year’s Summer Company students on Thursday evening, August 20, 2026.
At the informal gathering, the 2026 Summer Company participants were joined by MP for Leeds -Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes Michael Barrett, MPP for Leeds -Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark and United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke to celebrate youth entrepreneurship in the region.
Students shared their Summer Company program experiences of starting and managing their own business this summer. Participants highlighted the program’s role in building their business skills, confidence and connections within the community by sharing their challenges, learnings and plans for the future.
“Congratulations to the graduates of this year’s Summer Company Program. These young entrepreneurs are vital to the future of the economy in our rural and small-town communities,” said MPP Steve Clark, “I’m proud that our government is supporting youth entrepreneurship by funding Summer Company. With the support of the great team at Leeds Grenville Small Business, the program gives participants invaluable experience and mentorship to realize their dreams by operating their own small business.”
“The Counties greatly appreciates the continued funding from the province to support the Summer Company program. We are inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing them the training, mentors, and incentive to run their own business. This gives them an experience that will broaden their future opportunities and perhaps join the many Summer Company graduates that are now a part of our regional economy,” stated Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.
About Summer Company:
Local youth are given the opportunity to start and operate their own business over the summer.
Successful graduates receive a $3,000 grant, business training and ongoing mentorship.
This year’s Summer Company participants included:
• Austin Ogilvie, River City Greenworks – City of Brockville
Provides reliable landscaping and property maintenance services, including lawn care, garden bed installation, mulching, hedge trimming and seasonal clean-ups, with a focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. You can reach Austin at rivercitygreenworks@gmail.com
• Forrest Swale, Forrest Fotography – Municipality of North Grenville
Offers professional photo shoots for individuals, families, couples and special occasions. Forrest also offers fine art prints, blank greeting cards and cyanotype printing, creating unique keepsakes and handcrafted photographic artwork. You can reach Forrest via her email 4restfotography@gmail.com
• Owen O’Brien, Splash and Relax Swimming Lessons – Township of Augusta
Provides personalized private swimming lessons for children of all skill levels, focusing on water safety, confidence building and skill development in a fun, supportive environment. All lessons are tailored to each swimmer’s needs, helping kids grow comfortable and confident in the water, while parents sit back and relax. You can contact Owen by email owenobrien09@hotmail.com
• Lexi Belanger, Belanger’s Nature Nook – Township of Augusta
Grows and sells a wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the summer. In addition to offering many vegetable options, Lexi provides produce packages that encourage customers to try something new while enjoying locally grown fruits and vegetables. You can reach Lexi through email at belangernaturenook@hotmail.com
• Ava Andress, Next Rep Basketball Training – Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley
Offers individual and small-group basketball training for athletes of all skill levels, focusing on skill development, athletic performance and confidence building. Through personalized coaching, athletes improve areas such as ball handling, shooting, speed, agility and decision-making, while developing teamwork, leadership and a growth mindset, one rep at a time. You can contact Ava through her email next.rep.basketballtraining@gmail.com
The Summer Company program is funded by the Government of Ontario in partnership with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville. To find out more, visit investleedsgrenville.com/summercompan
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