WELLINGTON COUNTY – After a successful fourth summer, Saugeen Connects wishes to thank sponsors, participants and contributors who made this summer’s Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) possible.
SSUP is a funding program aimed at providing school-aged youth in the Saugeen Connects’ catchment area with opportunities to develop skills, confidence and entrepreneurial mindsets required to operate a small business. SSUP provides youth with start-up funding, soft-skills and business training, enabling them to operate successful summer businesses.
This year, 46 businesses were created and operated by 50 local youth. Seven of these businesses were returning for their second or third summer with the SSUP program – expanding their businesses to new heights.
Gavin Levine of Gavin’s Lawn Care (Wellington North) said he “learned so much from the SSUP Zoom training sessions. The biggest thing I would say is how important it is to have a budget and a plan for my business. Having a budget helps you to make sure you come out ahead.”
Ashlynn Lantz of Bee Wrapped (Hanover) said, “Running your own business can be overwhelming at first but with the help of others and the proper training I was able to be successful in my business. This taught me to accept challenges, knowing it would be easier in the future. After all, nothing comes easy right away.”
The participants’ businesses include self-care items, jewelry, custom art, homecare and homemade treats such as Artisanal bread, Brazilian Freezies and Taffy.
Others specialize in services including care, senior visitations, babysitting, and environmental clean-up and many more innovative ideas.
The program hosted nine youth from the Township of Wellington North, 13 youth from the Town of Hanover, 14 youth from Town of Minto region, four youth from the Municipality of Brockton, five youth from the Municipality of West Grey, one youth from the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie and four youth from the Municipality of South Bruce.
The Saugeen Connects committee stated, “With this being our fifth year, 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. Top donors include:
- Bruce County Grey County Wellington County;
- Saugeen Economic Development Corporation;
- County of Wellington;
- Grey County;
- Bruce County;
- Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agriculture Society;
- Hanover Raceway
- Saugeen Economic Development;
- Corporation Nuclear Waste Management;
- Organization Libro;
- Blessings to You Thrift;
- Walkerton Legion; and
- Palmerston Legion.
