BizInc. looks to get students ready for Summer Company program

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If you've ever thought about starting your own business, then BizInc. and Summer Company are two opportunities you'll need to familiarize yourself with.

Summer Company
Many students have yet to secure summer employment they're excited about. For those with entrepreneurial spirits and an interest in self-employment, Summer Company is available and looking to support you.

The 2012 Summer Company program lets you turn your idea for a summer business into a practical reality. Students receive up to $1,500 at the beginning of the summer to cover start-up costs and implement their businesses in the community. An additional $1,500 is rewarded at the end of the summer upon successful completion of the program.

Students are supported throughout the program by staff and volunteers at the London Small Business Centre to ensure positive outcomes. Participants receive hands-on business training and mentoring from local business leaders. Funded by the Ontario government, Summer Company has been turning ambitious students into entrepreneurs for the past 10 years.

Applications for Summer Company 2012 are being accepted until May 7. Current students who are returning in the fall and are between 15 and 29 years old are eligible. Visit summercompany.ca for full eligibility requirements. You can also take a look at their online yearbook featuring previous participants for inspiration!

BizInc.
If the name isn't ringing a bell, that's okay! BizInc. is a new service at Fanshawe College that enables students to pursue their business ideas. The student business incubator is available yearround, to provide the following services:

- Connecting students to community mentors and relevant business leaders

- Bringing together students with different skill sets for collaboration

- Assisting students in creating business plans and strategizing business models

- Preparing students for business competitions

- Coordinating networking nights and panel events for entrepreneurs

- Providing critical resources needed for student ventures to thrive

BizInc. assisted 14 projects from Fanshawe and Western with their 2011 Summer Company application, and hope to increase this year's count significantly.

BizInc. at Fanshawe is located in the Fanshawe Student Union Office in SC2001. For more information on their services and the various projects coming out of BizInc., visit bizinc.ca.