After a very successful fourth summer, Saugeen Connects wishes to thank the sponsors, participants and contributors who made this summer’s 2023 Student Start-Up Program possible!

SSUP is a funding program aimed at providing the school-aged youth in the Saugeen Connects catchment area, with an opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset required to operate a small business. SSUP provides the youth with start-up funding, soft-skills and business training, enabling them to operate successful summer businesses.

First time program participant, Keegan Hill of KH Carpentry (West Grey) stated, “I am very thankful to participate in the SSUP Program for the first time! The funding I will receive from SSUP allows me to run my business, and helps me get closer to my dreams of becoming a carpenter!”. Business partners Serena Foxcroft & Charlie Van Sickle (Arran-Elderslie) of the Kids Summer Camp noted, “By joining the SSUP Program this summer, we have learned a lot about being creative, expressing our ideas and how to make profits off of our hard work. We really enjoy learning how to develop bigger ideas and hope to start multiple businesses in the future!".

This year, 58 businesses were created and operated by 60 local youth! Of the 58 businesses, 11 of these businesses were returning for their second or third summer with the SSUP program expanding their businesses to new heights! The participants businesses range from handmade goods such as self-care items, jewelry and custom art, to fresh produce and homemade treats such as pasta, granola and cookies. Other young business owners specialized in services like lawn care, dog walking, babysitting and soil sampling and many more innovative ideas!

The program hosted …

13 youth from the Township of Wellington North,

4 youth from the Town of Hanover,

19 youth from Town of Minto region,

5 youth from the Municipality of Brockton,

7 youth from the Municipality of West Grey,

4 youth from the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie,

2 youth from the Municipality of South Bruce,

7 youth from outside the Saugeen Connects area!

The Saugeen Connects committee stated, “With this being one of our most successful years, we must once more extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors of this program. Your generous support has been instrumental in making the SSUP initiative a reality and has enabled us to provide valuable opportunities and resources to aspiring youth. Your commitment to fostering education, innovation, and growth is deeply appreciated and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our community. Thank you for being a driving force behind the success stories that will undoubtedly emerge from the Saugeen Student Start Up Program !”. Saugeen Connects is an economic development partnership that includes Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, South Bruce, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, West Grey, and Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

This program is made possible thanks to member municipalities and private-sector funding.

A huge note of thanks goes to the following sponsors:

Five Star Sponsors:

County of Wellington

Grey County

Bruce County

Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agriculture Society

Hanover Raceway

Saugeen Economic Development Corporation

Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Libro Credit Union

Blessings to You

Three Star Sponsors:

Hanover Lions Club

West Grey Durham Lions Club

Harley’s Pub & Perk

Susan & Stephen Townsend

88.7 The River Community Radio

The Wellington North Youth Action Council

Walkerton Legion

Media Contact: Grace Murakami, Project Coordinator, SEDC 519-799-5750 x 305 Grace@sbdc.ca

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