saugeenconnects

Saugeen Connects Launches 7th Annual Summer Student Start-Up Program

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:08:39 GMT

Saugeen Connects Launches 7th Annual Summer Student Start-Up Program

Empowering Youth to Become Entrepreneurs with Grants and Training

Neustadt, ON – Saugeen Connects is once again igniting entrepreneurial spirit among local youth with the return of its highly successful Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) . Now in its seventh year, SSUP has already helped over 308 students take their first steps into the world of business. By offering start up funding, hands-on training, and mentorship, the program encourages students to explore self-employment over the summer months.

What SSUP Offers:
SSUP is more than just funding—it’s a full-fledged entrepreneurial experience designed to equip young business owners with practical skills and insights. This year, participants will benefit from workshops covering:

✔ Money Matters - Basic Budgeting

✔ Wow Your Customers – Customer Service
✔ Get Noticed – Marketing Your Business
✔ Stand Out – Set Up A Winning Booth
✔ Work Smarter – AI For Business

Eligible students can earn up to $450 in start-up grants , plus any profits they generate from their business. The funding structure is designed to encourage participation and skill development:

$150 Start-Up Grant upon acceptance into the program.
Bonus Cash Incentives for attending workshops and submitting deliverables.
$150 Final Business Evaluation Grant upon program completion.

Beyond the financial boost, SSUP provides young entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking opportunities, and essential business training—all invaluable assets for future success.

Now Accepting Applications!
Applications for the 2026 SSUP program are open from April 6 ^th – May 8 ^th . Successful applicants will be notified by May 28 ^th .

If you’re a youth with a business idea or a company looking to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs, visit www.saugeenconnects.com/youth or email bobbi@sbdc.ca to learn more.

About Saugeen Connects

Saugeen Connects is a collaborative initiative between the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the municipalities of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and South Bruce . The program is dedicated to fostering economic growth, supporting youth retention and development, assisting businesses, and attracting new residents, entrepreneurs, and investors to the area.

Download the press release

Ontario is investing nearly $2 million in Succession Ontario to help entrepreneurs plan for the future, protect jobs, and strengthen local communities.

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:31:13 GMT

Ontario Investing Nearly $2 Million to Help Entrepreneurs Plan for the Future Succession Ontario will help business owners protect jobs, strengthen local communities and build a more resilient economy

February 03, 2026
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing nearly $2 million to establish Ontario’s first-ever business succession planning services hub to help entrepreneurs prepare for the critical process of smooth ownership transition. To deliver on the government’s plan to protect Ontario businesses and workers, Succession Ontario provides essential tools and guidance to sell or buy a business, protecting good-paying jobs and strengthening communities across the province.

Delivered by the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO), Succession Ontario is an online hub that provides tools and resources to help business owners understand the requirements for selling and exiting their business. To further support the planning process, Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) located across the province will receive training and resources to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to deliver one-on-one advisory services in their local communities.

“Whether it’s a family farm in Prince Edward County or a local convenience store in Sarnia, a small business can leave a lasting positive impact in their community when smoothly bought, sold or passed to the next generation,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “As many business owners prepare to retire over the next decade, our government is helping them plan for the future, so their business can continue to thrive under new leadership.”

First announced in the 2025 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario , Succession Ontario demonstrates how the province’s support for small businesses is helping strengthen local economies, create jobs, drive long-term economic growth and keep Ontario competitive and resilient.

“Ensuring that businesses and the jobs that they create stay in our local communities is a top economic priority,” said Donna Gillespie, CEO of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “We’re proud to partner with the province and our network of 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres to deliver the training and tools entrepreneurs need to plan for the future and protect Ontario’s economy.”

With U.S. tariffs impacting workers and businesses across key sectors, the Ontario government continues to take decisive action to protect Ontario by lowering taxes, cutting red tape and duplicative processes, and making strategic investments. By helping small businesses succeed, Ontario will unleash its economic potential and make the province’s economy the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.

Quick Facts

Following an August 2025 call for proposals from SBECs, KEDCO scored highest for its proven track record and experience in delivering effective succession planning services.
Only one in 10 small business owners in Canada have a formal succession plan.
There are over 500,000 small businesses in Ontario, accounting for approximately 98 per cent of all businesses and employing nearly 2.5 million people.
SBECs provide advisory services, training, and programs to help entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses.
Ontario’s 54 SBEC locations have helped start over 8,000 businesses, expand 2,700 and create more than 15,800 jobs in 2024-25.

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Anushka Tiwari
Minister’s Office
Anushka.Tiwari@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
economy.media@ontario.ca

Saugeen Connects Hosts 5th Annual Advancing Women Economically (AWE) Series, Launching in Celebration of International Women’s Day.

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 23:03:50 GMT

Saugeen Connects Hosts 5th Annual Advancing Women Economically (AWE) Series, Launching in Celebration of International Women’s Day. The AWE program is dedicated to helping women build and sustain successful businesses while strengthening their confidence as entrepreneurs.

NEUSTADT: Saugeen Connects—a partnership between the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the municipalities of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and South Bruce—is committed to helping women entrepreneurs thrive. This year, the group is proud to offer its FREE 5-week lunchtime webinar series, Advancing Women Economically (AWE), for the fifth consecutive year.

The virtual series, taking place March 19 to April 16, equips rural women with hands-on entrepreneurial skills and business leadership training across five interactive online workshops.

This year’s sessions include:

- From Passion to Profit

- The Confidence Code

- Marketing Magic

- Collaboration Over Competition

- Money Matters

Each session is led by expert speakers with real-world business experience. To date, the AWE program has supported more than 86 women, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and community needed to grow their businesses and thrive as entrepreneurs.

To kick off this year’s program, Saugeen Connects, the Women of Wellington Saugeen Area (WOWSA), and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) are partnering to host an International Women’s Day celebration on March 12 at the Hanover Banquet Hall and Conference Space at Hanover Raceway. The evening will feature keynote speaker Jenn Walker of Dive Heart First, a Women’s Marketplace (booths available), and a fully catered dinner—all centered around this year’s inspiring theme, “Give To Gain.”

AWE empowers both new and established women entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed.

For more information and to apply to the AWE program, click here!