Students in Hanover and surrounding communities have until May 8, 2026, to apply for a summer program that provides hands-on experience in starting and running a small business. Now in its seventh year, the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program is open to youth in Grades 6 through 12 who live or attend school in Hanover, Brockton, Minto, Wellington North, or South Bruce.
The program is operated by the Saugeen Connects partnership, which includes the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and local municipal partners. Since launching in 2019, the initiative has supported more than 308 students in their efforts to become entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance by May 28, 2026.
Participants can earn up to $450 in grants, in addition to any profits they generate from their business ventures. The funding is distributed in stages: a $150 start-up grant is provided upon acceptance, with additional cash incentives available for attending virtual workshops and submitting required project work. A final $150 grant is awarded upon the successful completion of the program.
The 2026 training schedule includes five virtual workshops held on Tuesday evenings from July through August. These sessions are designed to teach essential business skills, covering topics such as money management, customer service, marketing, booth setup, and the use of artificial intelligence for business. The program concludes with an end-of-summer celebration BBQ.
Last year, 50 local youth launched 47 businesses, offering a wide range of services including lawn care, tutoring, babysitting, hair styling, and drone filming, as well as products like handmade jewelry and organic produce. Those interested in the program can reach out to the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation for more information or assistance with the application process.
