Youth
SAUGEEN STUDENT START-UP PROGRAM
We believe that our youth have an impact on our community.
Our youth are the source of skills, labour force and entrepreneurship for our future! The Saugeen Connects Partnership, launched the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) in 2019. The program is offered to students from the region in Grades 6-12 to create their own businesses during the summer holidays. To date, SSUP has helped over 258 students and businesses with funding and interactive trainings. Last summer, 48 businesses and 51 local youth were accepted into the program. Look for these young entrepreneurs on social media, in the news and at your local markets!
ATTENTION YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
What is the SSUP Program?
Join our 2026 Student Start Up Program – SSUP, and learn how to launch a summer business from the ground up.
The Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and South Bruce, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), launched the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) in 2019. The program supports students in Grades 6–12 across the region in launching their own businesses over the summer. To date, SSUP has provided funding and hands-on training to more than 308 students and ventures. Last summer alone, 48 businesses and 51 local youth took part.
This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, who play an integral role in helping these young entrepreneurs succeed. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out the information below on becoming a sponsor.
Keep an eye out for these young entrepreneurs on social media, in the news, and at local markets.
HOW IT WORKS
Over five weeks, participants gain hands-on experience, expert guidance, and the opportunity to earn money while building their entrepreneurial confidence.
EARNINGS
Students can earn up to $450.00, plus any sales from their business.
SCHEDULE
Runs five weeks on Tuesdays from 5:30–7:00 p.m., July–August, ending with a wrap-up BBQ.
SUPPORT
Professional speakers and mentors guide students through every step.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to students in Grades 6–12 who live or attend school in Wellington North, Minto, Brockton, South Bruce, or Hanover.
TOPICS
Marketing Your Business, Set Up a Winning Booth, Money Matters, Customer Service, AI for Your Business.
EXPERIENCE
Hands-on training, networking opportunities, and the chance to launch a real business.
ATTENTION YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Invest in Saugeen Students and Their Big Ideas
The Saugeen Connects Partnership consisting of Brockton, Hanover, Minto, South Bruce, and Wellington North, along with the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), are seeking sponsors to fuel the creativity and business skills of Saugeen Area Students for 2026!
This is the 7th year running the Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP) with Saugeen Connects, and the program has now provided over 308 students with start-up funding and interactive training/workshops to try entrepreneurship over the summer months.
The Student Start Up Program is made possible thanks to member municipalities and by acquiring private sector funding... Now is your chance to play a role in helping youth in the area become entrepreneurs this summer.
CURRENT SPONSORS
Meet our amazing sponsors powering the 2026 SSUP program!
Our 2026 sponsors play a vital role in bringing the SSUP program to life. Through their generous support, students across the Saugeen area are able to access funding, mentorship, and hands-on training to turn their ideas into real businesses. Their investment not only supports young entrepreneurs today but helps build a stronger, more innovative community for the future.
5 Star Sponsors
3 Star Sponsors
1 Star Sponsor
TESTIMONIALS
Why our youth believe in SSUP?
Hear directly from the students themselves about why SSUP matters. These young entrepreneurs share how the program has sparked their creativity, boosted their confidence, and given them the tools to turn ideas into real businesses.
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!
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!
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.
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!
GALLERY
Check out our past participants!
Explore our gallery to see SSUP in action! From hands-on workshops to student-run businesses, these images capture the creativity, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit of Saugeen’s youth.
LATEST PRESS RELEASE | APRIL 2026
Saugeen Connects Launches 7th Annual Summer Student Start-Up Program
Saugeen Connects is once again igniting entrepreneurial spirit among local youth with the return of its highly successful Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP). Now in its seventh year, SSUP has already helped over 308 students take their first steps into the
world of business. By offering start up funding, hands-on training, and mentorship, the program encourages students to explore self-employment over the summer months.
Applications for the 2026 SSUP program are open from April 6 th – May 8 th . Successful
applicants will be notified by May 28th.
EMPOWERING YOUTH
How is the Saugeen Connects area investing in youth?
Minto Youth Action Council
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
Wellington North Youth Action Council
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.
