Empowering Vaughan’s young entrepreneurs

Nov. 12, 2025 4:02 p.m.

Business

Let’s celebrate the success stories from the 2025 Summer Company program!

Congratulations to the successful participants of the City of Vaughan’s 2025 Summer Company program, who were recognized by Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council at the Oct. 21 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting!

Since 2002, the Summer Company program has supported hundreds of student entrepreneurs in bringing their business ideas to life – and this year was no exception. Fourteen young innovators completed the program, launching ventures that span automotive detailing, clothing design, landscaping, photography and more.

Meet Vaughan’s 2025 Summer Company entrepreneurs:

Abbie Li – Chasse Dance School
Cameron Boland – NovaPrints
Cole Rutman – CR Video
Evelyn Siewert – Jopplo Shop
Johnathan Kimelman – Johnny’s Goalie Equipment Repair
Lakanya Vijayaruban - BarbdWire
Lukas Romano – MNTR Made North Threads
Nathan Wong – SecondChapter Books
Patrick Bran – Bran’s Gardening Services
Remy Aleagha – Signature Detailing
Sophia Arat – Kikai’s Trinkets
Tyler Lee – Kanvrt Digital
Yalda Jamasi – Adore & Amore Designs
Zahra Ali – Henna in the 6ix

Delivered by the City’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the program equips young entrepreneurs with a pipeline of tools, skills, connections and resources required to succeed in their business ventures. They receive hands-on coaching from local leaders and an opportunity to receive a provincial grant of up to $3,000 toward startup expenses and operating costs.

To learn more about the City’s Summer Company program, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/Summer-Company.

QUOTES

“The City of Vaughan’s annual Summer Company program is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground. This year, we’ve had a wide variety of incredible businesses in the program, including goalie equipment repairs, handmade accessories, gardening services and more. I want to commend this year’s young leaders of tomorrow for growing their businesses and charting their own paths to success. I know you will all continue to have a very successful and rewarding entrepreneurial career.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“Since 2002, the City of Vaughan’s Summer Company program has supported hundreds of students as they started or expanded their businesses. I would like to congratulate the 14 young individuals who showed outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and participated in this year’s program. I hope you found the mentorship, tools and connections you received through the program to be invaluable and helpful in leading you to a very exciting career in business. I wish you the very best as you continue on your journey!”

- Zoran Postic, City Manager

“The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre is pleased to continue offering the Summer Company program and supporting Vaughan’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Thanks to our talented VBEC team, this program has supported hundreds of students as they started and expanded their businesses. Congratulations to all 2025 Summer Company program participants on your business achievements. Eighty-seven per cent of businesses in Vaughan are small businesses, and your contributions to our economy do not go unnoticed. We are excited to see where your entrepreneurial journey takes you next, and VBEC will continue to be here to help you achieve your small business goals for years to come.”

- Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development

QUICK FACTS

The City of Vaughan’s 2025 Summer Company Program has concluded for the year.
The City’s VBEC supported 14 youth entrepreneurs through the 2025 program.
Program participants launched businesses ranging from 3D printing, and videography to landscaping and car detailing. .
Through the program, they received resources, hands-on coaching from local leaders, and an opportunity to receive a provincial grant of up to $3,000 toward startup expenses and operating costs.