Young entrepreneurs have been recognized for launching small businesses in Windsor-Essex. On August 27, 2024, 15 student entrepreneurs, their families, program facilitators and mentors gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the 2024 Summer Company program at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre in Windsor.
Full-time students, aged 15 to 29, received hands-on business education, advice and mentorship from local business leaders and a grant of up to $3,000. Summer Company is administered in Windsor and Essex County by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) at Invest WindsorEssex in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Students received a certificate of program completion, proudly pitched their businesses and shared their
experiences with Summer Company. They also showcased their products and services. Andrew Dowie,
Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, participated in the event and presented the
students with congratulatory certificates on behalf of the Province of Ontario.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is excited to announce the following 2024 participants
and their businesses . . .
- Allen AlkisButrus – Double AA Detailing
- Dea Baggio – Swim Lessons with Dea
- Grant Belanger – Redeemed Threads
- Mahidhar Bollu – MX Soap Emporium
- Emma Colenutt – Emma Faith Collections
- Omar Ghalion – Paradise Photography Studio
- Melody Hearn – Hooray Crochet
- Habibullah Hussaini – You_nique Auto Detailing
- Sarim Ishtiaq – Kterings Inc.
- Afiya Islam – Party Crashers Rental
- Abulfath Nabizada – Imran Art
- Nathaniel Prange – Wounded Axolotl Games
- Ryan Reid – Crystal Clean Windows
- Amisha Suresh – Luminique Naturra
- Abanoub Yousif – AB’s Cleaning Services
Emma Colenutt, owner of Emma Faith Collections comments: “The Summer Company program and
SBEC has helped me through my entrepreneurial journey so much! Being able to ask any questions I may
have about entrepreneurship and get an answer within minutes has been so beneficial. The in-person
mentors that I have had the pleasure of learning from have taught me so much on how to start a successful business … Without this program, I would have had no idea where to even begin with starting my dream of my sewing business.”
Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre states: “We are
so proud of the achievements of this year’s summer student entrepreneurs. The passion and commitment
these students have for entrepreneurship is impressive. The Summer Company program gives these young people hands-on experience and sets them up for future careers in entrepreneurship. We are so grateful as well for the dedication and support from our team of professional mentors and small business owners that advised the students through their business journey this summer.”