Saugeen Connects SSUP Comes to a Seasonal Close With 47 Businesses Launched NEUSTADT, West Grey, Ontario.

After a very successful 6th summer, Saugeen Connects wishes to thank the sponsors, participants and contributors who made this summer’s 2025 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.

Program participant Cash DeBlock, founder of Cash’s Campfire Starters, shared, “I learned how important it is to put yourself out there, even if it feels a bit scary—that’s how you get discovered.” Fellow entrepreneur Daelyn Darian, who launched Grey Bruce Cinematics, added, “I plan to continue this business as long as I can. Even if it doesn’t succeed, I know I’ll be involved in entrepreneurship for the rest of my life.”

This year, 50 local youth launched 47 businesses offering a diverse mix of products and services, including handmade jewelry, organic produce, and fresh flower arrangements, as well as auto detailing, lawn care, hair styling, babysitting, tutoring, drone filming, and other innovative ventures!

The program hosted …

4 youth from the Township of Wellington North,

15 youth from the Town of Hanover,

21 youth from Town of Minto region,

5 youth from the Municipality of Brockton,

5 youth from the Municipality of South Bruce

The Saugeen Connects committee shared: “As we celebrate our 6th year, we extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who make the Saugeen Student Start Up Program (SSUP) possible. Your generous support has provided aspiring youth with meaningful opportunities, resources, and encouragement. Your dedication to education, innovation, and community growth is deeply valued and continues to shape a brighter future. Thank you for being a vital part of the success stories emerging from SSUP.”

Saugeen Connects is an economic development partnership between Brockton, South Bruce, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and the 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:

Supported By: Bruce County, Grey County, Wellington County, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation.

Five Star Sponsors: County of Wellington, Wellington North, Grey County, Bruce County, Hanover Bentinck & Brant Agriculture Society, Hanover Raceway, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, Blessings To You Centre, Hammond Power Solutions, Mildmay Carrick Optimist Club, Walkerton Legion, Palmerston Legion.

Three Star Sponsors: Hanover Lions Club, Town of Hanover (HIPP), Walkerton District Optimist Club, Harriston Legio,n Teeswater Kinsmen, 88.7 The River Community Radio, Teeswater Agricultural Society.

One Star Sponsors: Minto Chamber of Commerce, Hanover Chamber of Commerce, Clifford Rotary Club, Town of Minto Optimists, RBC, Buddsteel Architectural Products, CMR Insurance, Hobley Pharmacy, Palmerston Lions Club, South Bruce Community & Business Association, Harriston Kinsmen Club, Teeswater Swans.