New funding program available for young entrepreneurs

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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Young entrepreneurs in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District now have another startup tool to take advantage of.

The Province of Ontario recently began a new program, Starter Company, which provides youth with training, skills development, mentoring and the possibility to access capital to help them start, grow or buy a small business.

The program is being administered in the region by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (SSMEDC).

“For more than 20 years, we have been supporting area youth with their business startup and expansion projects, and we’re thrilled to now have another program to offer,” said Tom Dodds, Chief Executive Officer of the SSMEDC. “By encouraging youth to get involved in entrepreneurship at an early age, and supporting them as they develop and grow in the field, it often leads to a lifetime of enterprise, which ultimately creates jobs and generates wealth for our community.”

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment, Starter Company is available to people between the ages of 18 and 29 who are not returning to school.

Another Provincially-funded program, Summer Company, which is also administered in the region by the SSMEDC, is geared towards high school and postsecondary students who are returning to school.

With the two programs now available, entrepreneurs have another layer of support to help them start their business, become more sustainable and grow.

For more information on Starter Company, including criteria and the application process, or to learn about other youth-related entrepreneur programs, please contact Kendall Scott, the SSMEDC’s Youth Business Development Coordinator, at 705-759-2616 or [email protected].

About the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation

The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that works to generate wealth, create and retain jobs, increase the Municipal tax base, and attract visitors to the community.

On the business development front, the SSMEDC supports current and aspiring entrepreneurs in their startup and expansion projects.

The Corporation also works to attract external businesses and investment to Sault Ste. Marie. To learn more about the SSMEDC and its services, visit www.sault-canada.com.

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