CLIFFORD – This is the sixth year running the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) with Saugeen Connects, and the program has now provided over 318 students with start-up funding and interactive training/workshops to try entrepreneurship over the summer months.
Due to the 115 applicants, the Saugeen Connects committee had to make a difficult decision on how many participants to allow, while balancing applications meeting the identified criteria with the amount of community sponsorship received.
After reviewing each application, the decision to allow 60 applicants entry into the program was made. After some decisions from students that number was brought to 50.
This summer, 50 students have started 46 various businesses, including: lawn care, babysitting and tutoring, dog-walking, custom and pre-made jewelry, thrifted clothing and accessories, food products and baked goods, golf equipment and apparel, drone videography, digital design services, and other creative entrepreneurial businesses.
The SSUP is offered to students within the Saugeen Connects catchment region who are in Grades 6 to 12.
The SSUP is made possible thanks to member municipalities and by acquiring private sector funding, and this year Saugeen Connects has raised a total of $24,500, stated officials in a press release.
Supporters of the program include Bruce County, Grey County, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, Township of Wellington North and Wellington County.
The Saugeen SSUP participants are participating in local farmers’ markets, the Minto Summer Student Night Market, youth day at the Hanover Raceway and the Hanover Fair.
Students from Wellington North include:
- Hannah Creamer;
- Adrianne Dekker;
- Katherine Bhalla; and
- Sashvind Sri.
Students from Minto include:
- Abbygale Golley;
- Aaliyah Cacait;
- Abbie Osahon;
- Abdul Almohamad;
- Arwa Almohamad;
- Brynnlee Graham;
- Caleigh Lubbers;
- Cassie Armstrong;
- Clodagh Mullan;
- Ella Macrobbie;
- Evan Riley;
- Gabby Diemert;
- Gavyn Moore;
- Hazel Miller;
- Jeffrey Gillet;
- Maddix Matthews;
- Makilah Orth;
- Penny Reaume,;
- Savannah Brubacher;
- Savera Bassi; and
- Tavis McCulloch.
End of Summer BBQ
On Aug. 26, an SSUP End of Summer BBQ event will take place from 5 to 7pm at the Clifford Community Hall at 2 William St. N.
“This year’s hardworking youth will have their businesses set up to sell their products/services,” states officials.
Youth will also have the chance to network with guests and sponsors.
Those interested in attending must RSVP to summerintern@sbdc.ca by Aug. 12. For more information visit saugeenconnects.com/youth.
