Two local students become their own bosses for the summer
SUBMITTED
These 2 local students have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey as successful participants in the 2025 Ontario Government program, Summer Company, through the Small Business Advisory Centre. Summer Company provides an opportunity for students to be their own boss and to start/run a business for the summer. The successful students for 2025 from this area are:
Mekayla Valcin of Drummond North Elmsley township.
At Bloom Tutoring Services, they revolutionize how children aged 7-12 learn French across the Perth and District area. What truly sets her apart is her unique, immersive, game-based methodology – transforming language into an exciting adventure where kids “bloom” through fun and play, building fluency and confidence.
This isn’t just fun; it’s smart science! Research shows that playful learning directly boosts brain function. When children engage in our fun, active tasks, their prefrontal cortex strengthens, enhancing problem-solving and memory for new French words. Plus, it activates the brain’s natural reward system, making French enjoyable and impactful. This dynamic learning takes place in small groups (max 5 students) currently in Perth, ensuring personalized attention and maximum engagement for every child. Give your child the gift of a new language in a way that truly sticks!
Contact information:
Email: bloomtutoringservices123@gmail.com
Facebook: Bloom Tutoring Services
Instagram: @Bloom_Tutoring_Servies
Phone Number: 613-917-3808
Jonah Rickan of Lanark Highlands Township
Anything For Science runs STEM-based workshops for libraries. His focus is on creating a fun and inclusive learning space for people of all ages, regardless of skill level. He emphasizes the fun part of the workshops, trying to keep the instructional part to a minimum.
Contact information:
Email: jonahrickan@gmail.com
Thanks to Kevin Savoy ByNan Business Solutions our 1st mentor/speaker worked with the students on business foundation, marketing made easy, sales processes and business growth! Thanks as well to our 2nd mentor/speaker Sherry Crummy- Crummy Media Solutions worked with them on digital marketing.
The students will be working hard running their businesses this summer in addition to continuing to learn, as well.
Reach out to the Small Business Advisory Centre for more information about the program – cjames@smallbizcentre.ca
The Summer Company Program is an initiative of the Ontario Government and is in place for entrepreneurial young people to choose to be their own boss for the summer, equipping them with the tools necessary to succeed and providing hands-on business training and mentoring. Summer Company is aimed at students between the ages of 15-29 in school and returning to school in the fall. The successful students receive an award of up to $1,500 to help with business start-up costs, and a $1,500 award in September upon returning to school; approximately 12 hours of business training; and an opportunity to receive support and advice on operating their summer business.
The program started in 2001 year promoting entrepreneurship to young enterprising students. The students will spend their summer gaining invaluable business experience, earning money, and learning what it means to be their own boss. They will be in good company with many other young entrepreneurs from across Ontario.
About the Small Business Advisory Centre Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville:
The SBAC offers free information and advisory services for anyone interested in starting their own small business and for existing small business operators. The Centre is an initiative of the Ontario Government and partners with the Town of Smiths Falls, the County of Lanark, and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. A business advisor is available by appointment for one-on-one sessions. The SBAC provides several business webinars/workshops/programs throughout the year, which you can find on our website www.smallbizcentre.ca.
