In 2019, the Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North and West Grey, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), launched the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP). The Saugeen SSUP provided 41 youth the chance to run 34 businesses in the Saugeen Region that year. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 the program was cancelled in 2020 but the partnership is thrilled to be re-launching the program again in 2021! The program will be offered to students in this region in Grades 6-12 to try self-employment during their summer holidays, July and August.

This program is designed to fuel the creativity and business skills of Saugeen Area Students. Entrepreneurs grow in the Saugeen Region and we want to continue to support students in Grades 6-12. We have committed time, resources, and cash to spark this program and are now looking for companies and organizations to join us in investing in the Saugeen Region's future.

By completing a relaxed business plan, eligible applicants can earn $150 cash to help get their business idea started or expanded. As a bonus, if they post a photo on social media engaged in their business, use the hashtag #saugeenssup and send us a final report, they can receive a $150 bonus! Students can also participate in five workshops that will help them in running their business and for each workshop they attend they will receive $20. If they attend all five workshops they will receive a total of $150 ($25 per workshop).

Applications must be in no later than 4:30pm on May 7^th, with successful applicants being notified by May 28^th.

If you’re a youth with a summer business idea or are a business or organization who would like to sponsor a student, visit saugeenconnects.com/youth or email info@saugeenconnects.com.

“We believe that our youth have an impact on our community and are the source of skills, labour force and entrepreneurship for our future.”