A summer of growth: building tomorrow's entrepreneurs

A web developer, a princess party planner, a custom clothing designer, a videographer and an auto detailer might not seem to have much in common. But this summer, they shared the same challenge: turning an idea into a real business. Through Summer Company, a student entrepreneurship program run by the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), these young entrepreneurs built their brands, connected with customers and learned how to market, manage and finance a business from the ground up.

Taking the leap

Mustafa Amin knew he needed to do something different this summer. Leaving behind the security of his job, he took what he called a “leap of faith to invest in myself.” With just one day left before applications closed, he applied to Summer Company and got to work developing a business plan for his company, Apex Coat Auto Detailing.

Having dreamt of starting a princess party business, a friend encouraged Esperanza Lipop to apply and launch Ever Enchanted Princess Parties. “It seemed like this wonderful opportunity to try it out and really see what I could do with it,” she said.

When Andrew Filson’s team placed fourth in a hackathon earlier this year, he wasn’t necessarily looking to start a business this summer. But a conversation at the competition with BACD Business Advisor Ashley McBride changed that. Filson submitted his idea for Black Cat Web Solutions and found an opportunity that, as he put it, “helped me fulfill one of my dreams and also give back to the community,” making it “a really good win-win.”

Funding, training and support

Summer Company is managed in Durham Region by BACD and funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. The annual program is open to returning students aged 15 to 29 years old who can commit to an average of 35 hours per week to run their business. Participants receive up to $3,000 in funding, along with hands-on training, coaching and mentorship.

For Fatima Farheen, who started up Bleachd, a customized clothing brand, Summer Company provided the structure and support needed to move from an idea to a working business. “I think a lot of people are hesitant at first,” she said. “But it’s a really good program for making sure that you can get everything started and get it running.”

Comparing his experience to that of a friend running a startup independently, Andrew saw the difference firsthand. While his friend has found success, Andrew believes Summer Company provided advantages many young entrepreneurs don’t have access to. “He was missing a lot of the stuff that BACD provides,” he said. “Whether it’s connecting you with an amazing mentor relevant to your aspirations and your business, or effective training in marketing or sales, or getting your content out on multiple platforms.”

The power of mentorship

Starting a business can feel isolating. But Summer Company participants will tell you the same thing: they never had to do it alone.

It’s one of the reasons Fazil Syed was eager to start his videography business, Fazil Flix. “When I saw this opportunity, I really was interested in it because not only do I get a grant that helps me start up my business, I get mentoring, I get support, I get to network with all these wonderful people.”

From mentors and guest speakers to BACD business advisors and fellow entrepreneurs, students found a community ready to support them as they navigated the ups and downs of building a business.

“I feel like I’ve had my own mini village,” shared Esperanza. “Having those people helped me feel confident and comfortable in running a business.”

Lessons learned

While some discovered that entrepreneurship was harder than they expected, all learned they were capable of more than they imagined.

For Fatima, the lesson was to keep showing up. “It’s really important to put yourself out there,” she said. “The more you put yourself out there, the more you will receive feedback from everyone else.”

Fazil learned early on that success doesn’t come without setbacks. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs was to “be prepared for people to say no.” But he also believed the experience has lasting value. “I feel like it's really, really good for people to look at your resume and be like, "Wow, this guy started his own business." That's really impressive.”

Skills for the future

While each student’s experience was unique, many reflected on how the program taught them skills that will stay with them long after the summer ends.

“Don’t be afraid of failing,” said Mustafa. “It’s not really failing. It’s learning, and that learning becomes the stairway to your growth.”

Andrew said the experience transformed the way he sees himself. “I’m not the same person I was before this program started. The skills you learn here, you can apply to the rest of your life, whether it's about business, interpersonal relationships or self-development as a person.”

These are just a few of the students who participated in this year’s Summer Company program. Read more about all the young entrepreneurs involved and support their businesses by  visiting the BACD website.

Know a student who would be a great fit for next year’s program? Encourage them to
explore Summer Company for next summer. Applications open in January 2027.