Spend Your Summer Building Dreams: Collingwood’s Student Summer Ventures Program

If you’re a student around Collingwood or Wasaga Beach with a killer business idea, this summer could be your big break. The Student Summer Ventures (SSV) program, run by the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre, is a golden ticket for young entrepreneurs to turn their passions into paychecks. It’s all about fueling creativity, offering mentorship, and even providing cold, hard cash to get student-run businesses off the ground. Since its launch in 2014, this program has helped more than **85** students kickstart their very own ventures. With summer 2025 already heating up, there’s no better time to dive in!

What is the Student Summer Ventures Program?

At its core, Student Summer Ventures is a business accelerator designed just for local youth aged 15 to 29. Participants receive a $3,000 grant, split into two payments — one at the start to help with startup costs, and one at the end after successfully completing the program. Over the course of 8 weeks, students work full-time on building, running, and growing their businesses. Think of it like Shark Tank — but with fewer sharks and way more supportive mentors.

SSV isn’t just about the money, though. It’s also a priceless learning experience packed with workshops, networking events, and one-on-one coaching sessions with seasoned business pros.

A Launchpad for Young Entrepreneurs

The impact of the program speaks for itself. Past participants have launched everything from eco-friendly clothing brands to mobile car detailing services. In 2023, local student Jake Martin said, "SSV gave me the confidence and resources I needed to turn my side hustle into a real business." His company, Fresh Rides Mobile Detailing, now has two employees and serves clients across Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.

Each summer, roughly 10 to 12 students are selected to participate, making it a competitive yet personal environment. Everyone gets individual attention, meaning your dream doesn’t get lost in a crowd.

Why It’s More Than Just Business

The real magic of Student Summer Ventures isn’t just in the dollars earned — it’s in the skills gained. Students learn everything from financial management and customer service to marketing and branding. Plus, they come out of the program with a full-fledged business plan, real-world experience, and a network of contacts they’ll lean on for years.

As program coordinator Laura Burns said in a recent interview, "We’re not just helping students launch a business; we’re helping them build a future." Many alumni even go on to continue their businesses after the summer ends, proving the long-term value of the experience.

How to Apply and What to Expect

Getting in is straightforward but competitive. Applications usually open in early March and close by mid-April. Applicants submit a business proposal, go through an interview process, and if selected, kick off their entrepreneurial summer adventure in May. The program runs through to late July, wrapping up just in time for students to enjoy a little summer break — or keep hustling if their businesses take off!

If you’ve got a bright idea and a passion for entrepreneurship, keep your eyes peeled for announcements on the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre website and social media pages.

In a region as vibrant as South Georgian Bay, with its thriving tourism and local pride, there’s never been a better place or time for young entrepreneurs to shine. The Student Summer Ventures program is Collingwood’s way of saying, "Hey, your dreams matter — and we’re here to help you make them real." Whether you’re crafting jewelry, developing apps, baking cupcakes, or detailing cars, SSV could be the launchpad you didn’t even know you needed.

So, what are you waiting for? That million-dollar idea of yours isn’t going to build itself.

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