NEUSTADT – Saugeen Connects, an economic development partnership consisting of the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) with six municipalities; Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and West Grey, are providing the opportunity for 59 youth to launch 50 businesses throughout the Saugeen region. The students, from Grades 6 to 12, have started various businesses which include; lawn care, dog walking, babysitting, selling hand-made merchandise, working a concession stand, and other innovative business ideas.
Young entrepreneurs
SSUP has helped six youth to start up their own businesses in Wellington North:
– Addison Schmidt is working to sell baked goods;
– Avery Heffernan’s business offers art decor;
– Conner Schmidt has returned to the SSUP program with his lawn care services;
– Noah Seddon’s business, Balloon, Ninja offers balloon twisting and treats;
– Reuben Seddon is managing British candy sales at his business, Reuben’s British Sweets; and
– Sparrow Dekorte is commissioning artwork through their business, Sparrow Sage Arts.
Minto welcomes eight businesses run by nine students:
– Brayden Moore and Bernie Hale operate Ground Control Lawn Maintenance;
– Calista Glazema offers both babysitting and lawn care services;
– Carter Shannon opened her own sweet corn and vegetable stand;
– Claire Jacques and Nicole Lyte each own and operate their own babysitting services;
– Mobile Meals is run by Graham Blahunt offering grocery and food delivery to local households;
– Jake Hymers is selling farm fresh eggs; and
– Lyra Miller-Natale has created a business that offers babysitting and dog walking.
The Saugeen region, the SSUP also enabled businesses to operate through the work of:
– Mallory Luxton from Southgate, who provides animal photography services; and
– Golden Bites, run by Charli Marshall from Southgate, who sells homemade dog treats.
SSUP is a funding program aimed at school-aged youth in the Saugeen Connects catchment area.
