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.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer.
Meet Ryan and Sunshine City Sealers
Ryan, the entrepreneur behind Sunshine City Sealers, is dedicated to providing high-quality driveway sealing and repair services in Orillia, Ontario. His business is built on a passion for helping people, a love for business, and a commitment to improving his community. Beyond driveway sealing, Ryan also offers power-washing services, refreshing front patios and driveways to enhance the overall appearance of his clients' homes. With a focus on fair pricing and excellent service, Ryan ensures that each job not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. This venture has been an invaluable learning experience for Ryan, teaching him the importance of balancing quality work with customer relations.
Paving the Way: Ryan's Drive to Success
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
I enjoy the creative aspect of being an entrepreneur. Through researching vehicles, making my logo, registering for an HST number, and speaking to clients I have learned a lot. I feel as though I have learned more running my business than my entire first year at university in business school.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
I have learned that my desire to be efficient often makes me less efficient in the long run. It's better to take the time to stay organized, maintain your equipment, and do research prior to starting a job. Although these tasks may seem like a waste of time, they save you time throughout the day.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another youth entrepreneur?
The sole purpose of business is not simply to make money, but to use the resources you have been given to positively change the world, change your community, or maybe even learn something new about yourself.
What do you hope to achieve through the Summer Company program?
I hope to learn. To learn how to stay organized, to learn how to advertise, and to learn standard business practices.
Explore Sunshine City Sealers
To find out more about Ryan and his business, Sunshine City Sealers, you can visit his website at Sunshine City Sealers. Follow along for Ryan’s business updates on Facebook at Sunshine City Sealers.
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.caor 705-720-2445.
Invest Barrie can connect businesses, big and small, to the information, connections and support you need to start or grow your business, attract talent and stay competitive. Please reach out to 705-728-9850 or email us atinvest@barrie.ca. You can also follow along and access the latest updates through our social media platforms:
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