NEUSTADT, West Grey, Ontario —

After a very successful fourth summer, Saugeen Connects wishes to thank the sponsors,

participants and contributors who made this summer’s 2024 Student Start-Up Program possible!

SSUP is a funding program aimed at providing the school-aged youth in the Saugeen Connects

catchment area, with an opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial

mindset required to operate a small business. SSUP provides the youth with start-up funding,

soft-skills and business training, enabling them to operate successful summer businesses.

First time program participant, Gavin Levine of Gavin’s Lawn Care (Wellington North)) stated,

“I have learned so much from the SSUP Zoom training sessions. The biggest thing I would

say is how important it is to have a budget and a plan for my business. Having a budget helps

you to make sure you come out ahead.”. Returning participant Ashlynn Lantz (Hanover) of

Bee Wrapped noted, “Running your own business can be overwhelming at first but with the

help of others and the proper training I was able to be successful in my business. This taught

me to accept challenges, knowing it would be easier in the future. After all, nothing comes

easy right away.”

This year, 46 businesses were created and operated by 50 local youth! Of the 46 businesses, 7

of these businesses were returning for their second or third summer with the SSUP program

expanding their businesses to new heights! The participants businesses range from handmade

goods such as self-care items, jewelry and custom art, to homecare and homemade treats

such as Artisanal bread, Brazilian Freezies and Taffy. Other young business owners

specialized in services like lawn care, senior visitations, babysitting and environmental clean-

up and many more innovative ideas!



The program hosted …

9 youth from the Township of Wellington North,

13 youth from the Town of Hanover,

14 youth from Town of Minto region,

4 youth from the Municipality of Brockton,

5 youth from the Municipality of West Grey,

1 youth from the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie,

4 youth from the Municipality of South Bruce

The Saugeen Connects committee stated, “With this being our 5th year, we must once more

extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors of this program. Your generous support has been

instrumental in making the SSUP initiative a reality and has enabled us to provide valuable

opportunities and resources to aspiring youth. Your commitment to fostering education,

innovation, and growth is deeply appreciated and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our

community. Thank you for being a driving force behind the success stories that will undoubtedly

emerge from the Saugeen Student Start Up Program!”. Saugeen Connects is an economic

development partnership that includes Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, South Bruce, Hanover, Minto,

Wellington North, West Grey, and Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

This program is made possible thanks to member municipalities and private-sector funding.

A huge note of thanks goes to the following sponsors:

Supported By:

Bruce County

Grey County

Wellington County

Saugeen Economic Development Corporation

Five Star Sponsors:

County of Wellington

Grey County

Bruce County

Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agriculture Society

Hanover Raceway

Saugeen Economic Development Corporation

Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Libro

Blessings to You Thrift

Walkerton Legion

Palmerston Legion

Three Star Sponsors:

Hanover Lions Club

West Grey Durham Lions Club

88.7 The River Community Radio

The Wellington North Youth Action Council

Germania

One Star Sponsors:

Minto Chamber of Commerce

Mildmay Chamber of Commerce

RBC

Meridian

Stephen and Sue Townsend

CMR Insurance

Palmerston Lions Club

Harriston Kinsmen Club

Stephen and Sue Townsend

HIPP Entrepreneur

JSW Heating and Cooling

Paisley Rotary Club

Hanover Chamber of Commerce

Rotary Club of Clifford Wightman

Buddsteel Architectural Products

Media Contact:

Rose Austin, General Manager SEDC

519-799-5750 ext. 302

rose@sbdc.ca