Summer Company student entrepreneurs showcase their small businesses

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre/Media Release

WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Aug. 29, 2023) – A new crop of young entrepreneurs was recognized for launching small businesses in Windsor-Essex. 

Today, 12 student entrepreneurs, their families, program facilitators and mentors gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the 2023 Summer Company program at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) in Windsor. 

Full-time students, aged 15-29, 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. 

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is excited to announce the following 2023 participants and their businesses: 

  • Scarlett Ambedian – SEA’s Crochet 
  • Mackenzie Atanasio – Calico Bakery  
  • Aisha Bhutta – Luxe Labels 
  • Usamah Bhutta -Usamah’s Shiny Windows  
  • Kamryn Couvillon – Henna Hand and Body Art  
  • Natalie Dallaire – Miss Magpie Atelier  
  • Ashley Easton – Nature’s Complexion  
  • Michael Hayo – Arcane Landscaping 
  • Karol Jasniewicz – Jasniewicz Consulting  
  • Micah Moore – Glimmer and Shine Car Detailing  
  • Hannah Simons – Hannah’s Pawfect Portrait 
  • Tanveer Singh – Struced Lawn Care 

Hannah Simons, owner of Hannah’s Pawfect Portrait, said, “The Summer Company program and SBEC has helped me tremendously over the course of the summer to start up my small business. I feel a lot more confident moving forward with my business now knowing what I learned from the Summer Company team and the workers at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go through this program and I’m excited to continue to work hard and grow my business in the future.” 

Sabrina DeMarco, executive director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, said, “Supporting student-led businesses has been an important part of our programming for the past 23 years. It’s rewarding to see the passion and commitment these students have for entrepreneurship. The Summer Company experience positively impacts young adults as they consider a career in entrepreneurship, and fosters economic growth and innovation in our community.” 

Additional information on Summer Company and the 2023 participants can be found on the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre website: webusinesscentre.com. 

Contacts 

Natasha Marar
Manager, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programs
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex 
Mobile: 519-995-6780 | Phone: 519-997-2922 
Email: nmarar@webusinesscentre.com 

Gina Meret-Dybenko 
Director, Marketing and Communications 
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223 | Phone: 519-255-9200 Ext. 2228
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com