Cobourg, ON – August 13, 2025 – Talented young entrepreneurs from across Northumberland County gathered at Staples Cobourg today to share their innovative products and services at the annual Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase, hosted by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN).
This interactive, trade-show-style event celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of local youth participated in the BECN’s youth entrepreneurship programs. This year’s showcase highlighted participants from two programs, the Summer Company program (ages 15-29) and My Future My Career program (ages 8-14).
The event featured 24 youth-run businesses, generating approximately $1,973 in sales and receiving 43 inquiries and quote requests for services – a clear indicator of growing community interest and support for both young entrepreneurs and local businesses.
“Every year, we’re inspired by the drive, creativity, and determination shown by the young entrepreneurs in our youth program,” says Kailyn Coupland, County Business Development Coordinator. “These initiatives are all about giving students free access to mentorship, business coaching, and micro grants – the tools they need to turn their ideas into real ventures. With these supports and a great deal of effort and commitment, many of our participants have gone on to build successful businesses right here in our community. As we wrap up this year’s programs, we want to congratulate our students on all their achievements and express our heartfelt thanks to Staples Cobourg for their continued partnership in hosting this annual event – offering these entrepreneurs a platform to share their work with the public.”
The vendors featured at today’s event included:
- Sarah’s Dog Treats and More, Cobourg
- Gaggle ‘O Goslings, Port Hope
- Gummy Bear Accessories, Cobourg
- Sadie’s Sitting Services, Cobourg
- Luxury Lawns, Cobourg
- Perfectly Painted Parties, Cobourg
- Evelyn’s Chimes and Signs, Warkworth
- Empire Beez, Hastings
- Melia’s Bracelets, Baltimore
- Made by O, Baltimore
- Squeegee Heroes, Campbellford
- Hana’s Sweets, Castleton
- Noodle Fram Crochet, Grafton
- Teoheim Things, Cobourg
- Sunny Day Slimes, Cobourg
- Coops Vacation Hydration, Cobourg
- Lawn in Order, Grafton
- Zenith Clothing, Colborne
- JLove Productions, Brighton
- Waardeer Clothing Brand, Cobourg
- Wren and Brush, Cobourg
- Cutesy Crochet Co, Cobourg
- Vair Clothing, Cobourg
- Equality First Bracelets & Beading, Cobourg
“On behalf of County Council, I want to extend our congratulations to these incredible entrepreneurs for the hard work and dedication they’ve shown in building and growing their businesses this summer,” says County Warden Brian Ostrander. “Empowering young people is essential – they are the next generation of innovators and leaders who will help shape the economic future and are shaping our local economy today. Programs like this provide a vital opportunity for youth to explore their ideas, strengthen their skills, and share their visions – all with the guidance of local experts and encouragement of the community. We’re excited to see how their journeys unfold and the lasting impact they’ll continue to make, both locally and beyond.”
For those who missed it, there’s another chance to support these budding business owners as select participants from both youth programs will return for Youth Day at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market on Saturday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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.
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 small 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
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