The Summer Company program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. Participants receive up to $3,000 in financial assistance, mentorship from experienced business professionals, and access to valuable training and networking opportunities.
Meet Casper Gu and Bridge the Future
Bridge the Future, created by Weizhuo (Casper) Gu, is a student-run tutoring business serving North Barrie, Midhurst, and Oro-Medonte, offering in-home and online support in math tutoring, math contest preparation, OLSAT gifted screening, and bridge coaching. Combining strong academic knowledge with specialized expertise in competitive bridge, the business delivers flexible, personalized learning options for families seeking both foundational support and enrichment opportunities for their children.
Follow Along for Casper’s Tutoring Journey
At the beginning of the Summer Company program, Casper shared thoughts on business goals, success, and entrepreneurship. These answers provide a glimpse into where Casper and his business are today, and by the end of the summer, revisiting them will demonstrate the growth and progress that has been achieved throughout the program.
Why did you start this business?
"I started Bridge the Future because I saw a decline in academic performance among students in Barrie and wanted to do something about it. With the growing influence of social media and other distractions, I felt there was an opportunity to make a positive impact on my community. It’s also been a great business opportunity, and the experience I've gained has been incredibly rewarding."
What are your top three goals for your business this summer?
- Learn as much as possible about entrepreneurship
- Help students improve their grades
- Generate income while growing the business and gaining clients
What does success look like for you at the end of the Summer Company program?
“Success means walking away with both hard and soft skills that help me grow my business. While profitability is important, I also want to improve my skills and expertise.”
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone looking to start their own business?
“A piece of advice I would give is to document everything. Every receipt should be documented along with sales.”
Explore Bridge the Future
Follow Casper to stay updated on his entrepreneurial journey:
- Website: http://btftutoring.ca
- Instagram: @bridge_the_future
Learn more about the Summer Company program
To learn more about the Summer Company program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445, or visit the program info page.