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. The program returned in 2021 and saw 59 youth open 50 businesses. In 2022, we extended the program to Arran-Elderslie and South Bruce.
In 2023 we received over 75 applicants to the program resulting in one of the most successful application periods to date. This summer, 58 new businesses created and operated by local youth, were accepted and launched through the SSUP. SSUP is offered to students in this region in Grades 6-12 to try self-employment during their summer holidays, July and August.
Check out SSUP – the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program!
Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart a summer business!
" 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. SSUP offers knowledgeable work shops with valuable information to help you to be successful with your business!"
Keegan Hill, KH Carpentry
“By joining the SSUP Program this summer, I’ve learned a lot about being creative, expressing my ideas and how to make profits off of my hard work. I really enjoy learning how to develop my bigger ideas and hope to start multiple businesses in the future!"
Serena Foxcroft & Charlie Van Sickle, Kids Summer Camp
"The SSUP grant has been great for me so far, it has helped me realize that anything is possible if you have enough determination and perseverance, that I can make anything work even if others say no and never say no to something (within reason) as it might be change your life."
Charles Bolton, Mutts on The Move
“Through the SSUP program I have learned that sometimes it can be hard to find time to run your business, so its important that you make time for your business. I am very passionate about the environment and try my best to be eco-friendly, so I wanted to start my own business which encouraged others to be eco-friendly as well, SSUP let me do that!”
Ashlyn Lantz, Bee Wrapped
The Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Hanover, Minto, South Bruce, Wellington North, and West Grey, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), are seeking sponsors to fuel the creativity and business skills of Saugeen Area Students for 2024!
Entrepreneurs grow in the Saugeen Region and we want to continue to support students in Grades 6-12. In 2019, our sponsors helped 41 students start 34 businesses, in 2021, SSUP sponsors helped 59 youth start 50 new businesses, in 2022, SSUP sponsors helped 48 youth start 47 businesses and last year SSUP sponsors were able to help an additional 58 businesses!
Now is your chance to play a role in helping area youth try out entrepreneurship this summer.