Sponsors of Norfolk County’s Student Start Up Program (SSUP) will fund 40 student businesses involving 52 young people in Grades 6 to 12 this summer.
Norfolk County received 85 applications from students in 24 elementary and secondary schools across the municipality. Submissions were reviewed carefully to ensure that students had prepared a basic business plan. Not all applications could be funded.
In a ceremony on June 30, 2016, that filled the Council Chambers at Norfolk County, successful applicants were awarded $200 to start their business. Students were encouraged to use the support of the sponsors to enhance their business and maximize their experience. After the summer break, if students submit an analysis of their efforts, they are awarded a $100 bonus.
Applicants came from all corners of Norfolk County. The most applications came from students in Grades 6 and 7. Types of businesses include yard maintenance, pet treats, swim lessons, vegetable stands, photography, and authentic food for offshore workers.
Sponsors of SSUP include Norfolk County, Annex Business Media, Titan Trailers, Van Amerongen & Son Inc., Venture Norfolk, Rassaun Services, Norfolk Rotaract Club, MHN Lawyers, The Beach House, CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service, Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show and Picard’s. Supporters: Whistling Gardens, Simcoe Reformer and My FM.
Successful applicants 2016:
| Participants | Grade | Type of Business |
| Charlie, Amber, Emma, Alexis | 6 | Partnership: Friendship bracelet sales |
| Cloey | 6 | Pet treats |
| Alexandria | 6 | Selling fruit |
| Zach | 6 | Lawn mowing and weed eating |
| Michael and Magwyer | 6 | Partnership: Refreshment stand |
| Keith | 6 | Chicken farm, egg production |
| Kieran | 6 | Bagged ice |
| Carley | 6 | Duct tape wallets and purses |
| Jenna and Kirra | 6 | Partnership: Baked goods |
| Hayden | 6 | Wood ornaments and décor |
| Cameron | 6 | Interior car cleaning and detailing |
| Jesse | 6 | Eggs |
| Kalem | 6 | Yard maintenance and cut grass |
| Lily | 6 | Parent helper / baby sitter |
| Katrina | 6 | Vegetable stand / eggs |
| Alexander | 6 | Selling native tree species |
| Megan | 6 | Dog walking |
| Michael | 6 | Landscaping, mowing and gardening |
| Derek | 7 | Trellis and wind chimes |
| Emily | 7 | Dog treats |
| Karly | 7 | Worms |
| Abigail | 7 | Frozen treats sales |
| Peter | 7 | Drink sales |
| Michael | 7 | Homemade soy and natural candles |
| Josh and Jaden | 7 | Partnership: Pest control |
| Kaila and Taylor | 7 | Partnership: Candy and baked goods |
| Michial | 8 | Game designer |
| John | 8 | Vegetable / fruit stand |
| Latessa | 8 | Wooden pins with photo art |
| Ashley | 9 | Pallet art |
| Lynnette | 10 | Photography |
| Jacob | 10 | Barn board picture frames |
| Taina | 10 | Authentic cuisine for offshore workers |
| Joshua | 11 | Swim lessons |
| Jarrid | 11 | Lawn maintenance and house repairs |
| Yasmin | 11 | Small mechanical repairs |
| Scott | 11 | Spreaders and knives for cheese and dip |
| Jake | 11 | Fruit and vegetable stand |
| Mason | 12 | Drift trikes and motorized wake winches |
| Eric | 12 | Bike repairs |
For more information about Norfolk County’s Student Start Up Program, visit www.norfolkbusiness.ca.
