A dozen new young entrepreneurs are now running their own businesses in Sudbury due to funding and training from the Summer Company 2012 program.

From photography to circus workshops to carpentry, Summer Company provides students with the practical hands-on training, mentoring and essential skills they need to start and operate a business, Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci said in a press release. Entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 can qualify for grands of up to $3,000 from the province through the program.

“Through the support and expertise of the Regional Business Centre, young entrepreneurs selected for the Summer Company program are provided ample opportunity to succeed,” Bartolucci said. “These students developed fundamental business skills that will last a lifetime.”

Young entrepreneurs receiving funds and support through the Summer Company program are Alex Simon, Alex Simon Photography; Alexa Hare, Alexa Hare Fine Art; Andrea Ouellette, Clean & Green Home Services; Angelle Leriche, Nickel City Hot Dogs; Dante Cacciotti, Papa C's Premium Prints; Francis Tousignant, SirKaFran; Matt Danis, 13 Photography; Mathew Lemieux, Lemieux Carpentry; Prosper Audette, Heap Lawn Care; Ryan McDonald, RTM Productions; Scott Denniston, Denniston Entertainment; Taryn Leach, Taryn Up!

“Small- and medium-sized businesses are the engine of our economy,” Bartolucci said. “The Summer Company program gives our students an early opportunity to learn first-hand how entrepreneurs become successful and remain competitive.”

The Summer Company program has helped more than 2,000 students to launch their own businesses since its inception.