Youth

Youth

We believe that our youth have an impact on our community and are the source of skills, labour force and entrepreneurship for our future!

About Saugeen SSUP

In 2019, the Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and West Grey, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), launched the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP). The Saugeen SSUP provided 41 youth the chance to run 34 businesses in the Saugeen Region that year. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the program was cancelled in 2020. The program returned in 2021 and saw 59 youth open 50 businesses. In 2022, we extended the program to Arran-Elderslie and South Bruce. In 2023 we received  over 75 applicants to the program resulting in one of the most successful application periods to date. This summer, 58 new businesses created and operated by local youth, were accepted and launched through the SSUP. SSUP is offered to students in this region in Grades 6-12 to try self-employment during their summer holidays, July and August.

2024 SSUP Flyer SSUP Student Application Form
SSUP

Why youth believe in SSUP

" I am very thankful to participate in the SSUP Program for the first time! The funding I will receive from SSUP allows me to run my business, and helps me get closer to my dreams of becoming a carpenter. SSUP offers knowledgeable work shops with valuable information to help you to be successful with your business!"

Keegan Hill, KH Carpentry

“By joining the SSUP Program this summer, I’ve learned a lot about being creative, expressing my ideas and how to make profits off of my hard work. I really enjoy learning how to develop my bigger ideas and hope to start multiple businesses in the future!"

Serena Foxcroft & Charlie Van Sickle, Kids Summer Camp

"The SSUP grant has been great for me so far, it has helped me realize that anything is possible if you have enough determination and perseverance, that I can make anything work even if others say no and never say no to something (within reason) as it might be change your life." 


Charles Bolton, Mutts on The Move

“Through the SSUP program I have learned that sometimes it can be hard to find time to run your business, so its important that you make time for your business. I am very passionate about the environment and try my best to be eco-friendly, so I wanted to start my own business which encouraged others to be eco-friendly as well, SSUP let me do that!” 

Ashlyn Lantz, Bee Wrapped

2023 SSUP Youth

2024 SSUP Sponsorship

The Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Hanover, Minto, South Bruce, Wellington North, and West Grey, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), are seeking sponsors to fuel the creativity and business skills of Saugeen Area Students for 2024!

Entrepreneurs grow in the Saugeen Region and we want to continue to support students in Grades 6-12. In 2019, our sponsors helped 41 students start 34 businesses, in 2021, SSUP sponsors helped 59 youth start 50 new businesses, in 2022, SSUP sponsors helped 48 youth start 47 businesses and last year SSUP sponsors were able to help an additional 58 businesses!

Now is your chance to play a role in helping area youth try out entrepreneurship this summer.

2024 On-line Sponsorship Form Sponsorship Information Package

See Past Successful SSUP Applicants Below

How is the Saugeen Connects area investing in youth?

Youth can explore their curiosity and discover their niche to enhance their skill set at Launch Pad. Open to youth 12 to 18, Launch Pad provides a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where youth can participate in programs and initiatives that connect them to their community while fostering positive social interactions and personal skills development.
The Minto Youth Action Council (MYAC) gives the Town of Minto Council recommendations and input about issues that youth face in the community, along with suggestions to make improvements. MYAC consists of 13 consistent members (and growing!) and regular meetings take place every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 
The Northern Wellington Youth Action Councils give their respective Councils recommendations and input about issues that youth face in the community, along with suggestions to make improvements. Youth starting at the age of 13 have the opportunity to plan and participate in events and activities, such as teen dances, the Santa Claus Parade, Youth Week and more. They provide new ideas for recreation programs and promote teen programs and events.

Press Releases

Press Releases

By Andrea Rowntree 14 Apr, 2023
Saugeen Connects gives youth a chance to receive grants to try self-employment over the summer months
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