From Classroom to Business Owner: Students Find Success Through Summer Company Program

Seven student entrepreneurs are celebrating a successful season of business ownership through the 2026 Summer Company program, delivered by the City of Greater Sudbury's Regional Business Centre. Over the past several months, participants launched businesses that served customers across a variety of industries, turning entrepreneurial ideas into reality.

This year's cohort reflects the diversity of Greater Sudbury's entrepreneurial community, bringing together both French- and English-speaking participants from across the region.

Five students participated in the Summer Company program with grant funding provided by the Government of Ontario. One student received a sponsored grant through The Foundry at Laurentian University, while another participated as part of a co-op placement, gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience through the program's training, mentorship and business development activities.

"Supporting young entrepreneurs is an investment in the future of our city,” said the Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury. “Through the Summer Company program, students have gained hands-on experience running their own businesses while developing skills that will serve them throughout their careers. I am proud to see these talented young business owners contribute to our local economy and showcase the innovation and ambition that make our community stronger."

The Summer Company program supports students between the ages of 15 and 29 who want to start and operate their own business. Participants receive business coaching, mentorship and grants of up to $3,000 to help launch their ventures.

"Thanks to funding from IAMGOLD, The Foundry is proud to support a Summer Company participant and help create opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship through real-world experience," said Gisele Roberts, Director of Research and Innovation at Laurentian University.

Working alongside Regional Business Centre staff and local business leaders, participants strengthened their skills in areas such as marketing, sales, financial management and customer relations while applying those concepts directly in their own businesses. The experience helped build their confidence, expand their professional networks and prepare them for future entrepreneurial success.

2026 Summer Company Program Businesses

ML Art & Pots – Larissa Laure Menezwo Tadjio 
ML Art & Pots is a creative Sudbury-based business specializing in handcrafted decorative flowerpots made from gypsum and resin. Each piece is uniquely designed and customizable, offering customers a distinctive way to brighten their homes, offices and indoor plant displays. Over the summer, Larissa showcased her products through social media and local markets while continuing to expand her artistic skills and customer base.

Flower & Fluff – Lirane Kouassi 
Flower & Fluff creates handmade decorative flowers, bouquets and accessories designed to last far longer than traditional floral arrangements. Inspired by a passion for creativity and craftsmanship, Lirane developed a collection of customizable products that make thoughtful gifts, keepsakes and decorative pieces for any occasion. Throughout the summer, she promoted her creations through social media and local community networks while growing her entrepreneurial experience.

Chandra Digital Media – Kunj Sharma 
Chandra Digital Media is a photography and videography business dedicated to capturing meaningful moments through creative visual storytelling. Drawing on both a family background in photography and studies in computer science, Kunj offers event photography, cinematic reels, portraits and digital content creation. Throughout the program, he worked with individuals, families and local businesses to create engaging visual content and memorable experiences.
 
Super Stack Sharpening Service – Kalev Timusk 
Super Stack Sharpening Service is a mobile business providing professional knife, scissors and blade sharpening directly to customers throughout Greater Sudbury. By offering convenient pick-up and delivery service, Kalev helps residents and professionals keep their tools sharp, safe and ready for everyday use. His specialized training and attention to detail have helped him establish a growing client base over the summer.

CFox Landscaping – Carter Fox 
C Fox Landscaping is a lawn care and property maintenance business serving Massey and the surrounding area. Offering services such as grass cutting, trimming, weed whacking and yard clean-ups, Carter focuses on helping residents maintain attractive and well-kept outdoor spaces. Building on experience gained through working with family, friends and neighbours, he spent the summer expanding his client list while developing valuable business and customer service skills.

NXT Sports Canada – Luka Jani?ijevi? 
NXT Sports Canada provides private and small-group tennis lessons designed to make quality coaching accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. With more than a decade of playing experience and several years of coaching experience, Luka focuses on helping athletes develop confidence and improve their performance on the court. Throughout the summer, he worked with new and developing players while growing interest in the sport within the community.

St-Pierre’s Automotive Detailing – Alex St-Pierre 
St-Pierre's Automotive Detailing is an Espanola-based business offering interior and exterior vehicle cleaning, detailing packages, odour removal and engine bay cleaning services. After developing his skills by working on vehicles for family and friends, Alex launched the business to provide a convenient local detailing option for residents in the Espanola area. Over the summer, he built a reputation for quality workmanship and attention to detail while helping customers keep their vehicles looking their best.

 
About Summer Company
Summer Company was developed by the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It is a program for secondary and post-secondary students looking to launch their own business. This program is administered by the Regional Business Centre in the Greater Sudbury, Sudbury-East, Manitoulin, and Killarney regions, and provides practical experience as students must develop a realistic and comprehensive business plan and operate their business during the summer as their main source of employment. The program provides students with grants of up to $3,000 to assist with business start-up costs, and business coaching and mentoring from local business leaders. The Regional Business Centre is a division of the City of Greater Sudbury’s Economic Development department. For more information on Summer Company, visit regionalbusiness.ca/summercompany.