BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase invites community to browse, shop, and support local talent

Cobourg, ON – July 30, 2026 – Community members and local media are invited to discover the innovation and creativity of young local business owners from across Northumberland at the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN)’s Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase on Wednesday, August 12^th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Staples in Cobourg.

This annual showcase features business owners from the BECN’s two youth entrepreneurship programs: My Future My Career for ages 8 to 14; and the Summer Company Program for ages 15-29. The community is invited to attend this free event to browse a variety of product- and service-based businesses developed and operated by local students – discover emerging young talent, connect with aspiring entrepreneurs, and support youth-led local businesses.

Over 20 businesses will be showcased with some of the products and services including photography services, mobile auto detailing, t-shirts and branded apparel items, lawn care, horse rodeo rope, asphalt sealing, unique buttons and 3D printed toys, Spanish lessons and home décor items.

For those who are unable to attend the Staples Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase on August 12, some of the young entrepreneurs from these programs will also be selling their products at the Cobourg Farmer’s Market Youth Day on Saturday, August 22^nd from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rotary Harbourfront Park.

Event details 

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Staples Cobourg, 1025 Elgin Street West, Cobourg

The Summer Company and My Future My Career programs are initiatives supported by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN). They provide students and young entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, business coaching, and microgrants, empowering them to launch and run their own small businesses.

More about the Summer Company Program

The Summer Company program is funded with support from the Province of Ontario and is available to students aged 15 to 29 who are looking for support navigating entrepreneurship. Successful applicants from this program can receive up to $3,000 in micro grants to help fund start-up costs of operating a business.

More about the My Future My Career Program

This free youth entrepreneurship program helps kids, ages 8 to 14, start or grow their own business during the summer break. The program offers business guidance and provides them with a micro grant of up to $500 to help fund business expenses such as marketing, supplies, and equipment.

For more information about the BECN

To learn more about the BECN, their programs, and upcoming events, visit BECN.ca