Summer Company program launches 11 new entrepreneurs in Stratford and Perth County

Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth–Wellington, speaks to students during the Summer Company program launch in Stratford last week, where 11 student entrepreneurs were recognized for launching their new businesses.

By: Amanda Nelson

Last week, 11 student start-ups launched in Stratford and Perth County through the annual Summer Company program, in partnership with investStratford and the Stratford Perth Centre for Business.

This year's cohort of young, local entrepreneurs across Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County is backed by a powerful combination of intensive mentorship and $33,000 in provincial and regional partnership support.

Funded by the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Summer Company program provides participants with hands-on business training, expert mentorship and a $3,000 micro-grant.

"I want to give all of you a shout-out because you have put your foot forward or decided to raise your hand to do this program and to put yourself out there and sell a business or a service," said Matthew Rae, MPP. "It's great to see the entrepreneurial spirit locally here in Stratford, St. Marys and across Perth County."

Mayor Martin Ritsma spoke to students about the importance and impact that small businesses have in Stratford and Perth County and wished them all well on their journey.

"This program is neat because it gives you practical experience before going off to post-secondary education," said Ritsma. "We all know the importance of small businesses in our community and the impact they have. It's hard to believe you're going to have an impact on our local community right now, and that's a beautiful thing."

Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford, spoke to students and thanked the Ontario government for its ongoing contributions to supporting students in their entrepreneurial journeys.

"Every year, the sheer energy and creativity of these young entrepreneurs completely blows me away," she said. "The funding provided by the Province of Ontario allows us to build the vital bedrock that makes this program possible. Thanks to Ontario's commitment – and the incredible way our regional partners stepped up to expand it – we are giving these students the ultimate platform to test their ideas, build real-world skills and invest directly in the future of our local economy."

Program graduates:

Lucy Webster, Art-to-Heart, is located in Stratford and offers personalized art lessons, portfolio prep, academic tutoring and creative respite programming for all ages. Webster is a post-secondary student and can be reached via email at art.to.heart.stratford@gmail.com or on Instagram @art_to_heart_stratford.

Vincent Macisaac, Stratford Green Scapes, is a full-service lawn maintenance company located in Stratford that provides professional mowing, weed trimming, core aeration and seasonal yard cleanups. Macisaac is available for quotes at stratfordgreenscapes@gmail.com or 519-801-6608.

Mandy Cacic, Miscellaneous Art, is a service where Cacic turns her creative passion into vibrant, custom merchandise. She creates and sells original paintings and highly detailed, handmade custom pins featuring unique illustrations and animal designs. You can get in contact with her through Instagram @misc.art_.

Oliver Johnstone, OnDeck Marine Care, provides premium, recurring dockside cleaning services designed to keep boats clean, protected and ready to use all season long. Servicing boats directly at a local marina with no hauling or prep required. He can be reached via his website at www.ondeckmarine.com or at ondeckmarine.contact@gmail.com.

Kieran Johnson, Green Side Lawn Care, is located in Stratford and offers a wide selection of property care to keep your yard looking its best. Services include routine mowing and trimming, extensive yard cleanups, seeding and precise mulch installation. Johnson can be reached by email at kieran@greensidelawncare.ca for quotes.

Cindy Yuan, Portraits by Cindy, is located in Stratford and specializes in high-quality visual art. Yuan offers custom commissioned artwork tailored to your vision using graphite, watercolours and acrylics, perfect for meaningful gifts or statement home decor. She can be reached via cindyyuan@cystudio.art or at www.cystudio.art. You can also follow and connect on Instagram and Facebook at @c.y.studios.

Ben Ewing, besportsphotography, is located in St. Marys, where Ewing captures high-energy action shots for local athletes, parents and community leagues. Ewing is a high school student and specializes in professional sports photography, regularly covering local baseball games and sporting events.

Ryan Clark, Ryan's Lawn Care, is located in St. Marys and provides dependable, routine residential lawn maintenance right across the community. Reach out to secure your spot on his route for prompt service and consistent lawn care.

Nathan Preston, Green Productions, is located in St. Marys, helping businesses across the area and neighbouring communities elevate their digital presence with custom video production. Preston creates professional promotional videos. He can be reached at nathan.greentheh1@gmail.com or find him on YouTube at @Green_the_H1.

Jayda Houben, Grounded Firewood Supply Co., is located in Wartburg and takes an eco-conscious approach to campfires. Houben is a high school student who supplies premium firewood, kindling and fire starters entirely reclaimed from fallen trees and local storm debris. She can be reached at jaydahouben09@gmail.com or on Instagram at @groundedfirewoodsupply.

Logan Bajtos of LB Custom 3D Parts is based in Atwood and operates a high-precision 3D printing business specializing in durable automotive components, custom prototypes and personalized printed products. Bajtos is a high school student and can be reached at loganbajtos@gmail.com. You can also connect via Instagram @lbcustom3d or Facebook at LB Custom 3D Parts.