Young entrepreneurs showcased
With a degree in geography on his resume, it comes as no surprise that Ryan Landriault’s Summer Company 2017 venture centres on travel.
The 24-year-old, who just got back from Thailand and plans to soon visit South America to network, was one of 11 student entrepreneurs introduced Wednesday at Staples Youth Entrepreneurship Day at the retailer at Lansdowne and Park streets.
“I’ve always wanted to have a travel-based company,” said the owner of Campus Tripz: Student and Group Planning, which has partnered with Merit Travel.
Landriault does the event planning and management, such as developing an itinerary, for trips anywhere in the world, whether it’s a bachelorette party in Scotland, a club meeting at an international sporting event or an outing in Toronto.
He’s working on three trips right now, including a group of Fleming College and Trent University students who are heading to Mount Tremblant in January.
A student teacher at Trent who has already worked in the travel industry for two years, the Hamilton native, who spent several years living in the United States, praised Summer Company for helping him further his efforts. “It’s been pretty super, so far.”
It’s the 16th year for the annual provincial program for students ages 15 to 29 delivered through Peterborough Economic Development’s (PED) Business Advisory Centre.
It’s three main components include training in areas such as finance, human resources and marketing, mentorship from local business experts and as much as $3,000 in funding, PED corporate communications co-ordinator Cara Walsh said.
“It really allows students to test the waters of entrepreneurship,” she said.
Cole Robbins, 19, started Basil’s Lawn Care because he wanted to experience entrepreneurship something both his parents have made a career out of.
“It’s nice being outside in the summer and great to be helping people,” the first year Trent University business administration student and life-long Peterborough resident said. “It’s different than having a normal job and going to work every day.”
Akasha Greenham, 18, started Elven Enchantments Crafts after creating a project at Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education (PACE) at Peterborough Collegiate. That’s where her art teacher showed her how to make a glitter jar.
“I felt it was so relaxing as I was making it,” she said, holding up some samples of her sparkle-laden anxiety-reducing products, which come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes.
As someone who experiences the stress caused by anxiety, Greenham spoke about how gratifying it is to see customers enjoying her calming creations, each the result of hours of hard work.
“Just seeing them so pleased with something I made, it makes me so happy,” she said. “I just want to help people.”
Greenham praised Summer Company for giving her people to run ideas past and get feedback. “If I was doing this by myself, I’d be lost ... it’s been such a great experience.”
She’d love to see her business grow, down the road. Maybe even into a storefront. “I would love to get this more well known.”
NOTE: The Summer Company website is at www.ontario.ca/ page/start-summer-companystudents.