Celebrating Youth Entrepreneurship in Smiths Falls and Lanark County

Press Release – Small Business Advisory Centre – Smiths Falls and Lanark County

The Small Business Advisory Centre – Smiths Falls/Lanark County is proud to introduce this year's Summer Company Program participants—four motivated young entrepreneurs who are transforming their ideas into successful summer businesses while serving communities across Lanark County and Smiths Falls.

Meet this year's entrepreneurs:

• Esther Braden- Esther Braden Piano Studio: is the owner/instructor at Esther Braden Piano Studio in Beckwith Township and she has 11 years of piano experience.
  • She teaches piano and music theory to students ranging from complete beginners to Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Level 7, tailoring each lesson to the student’s age, learning style, interests, and goals. Her teaching focuses on building a strong musical foundation, developing proper technique, fostering creativity and confidence, and making lessons engaging and enjoyable.
  • Email: estherbraden094@gmail.com   
  • Phone: 613-295-1045
  • Instagram: @estherbradenpianostudios

• Henry van der Meer-Checkmate Cognition: is launching a unique business in Beckwith Twp. He uses chess as a vehicle for cognitive stimulation in senior citizens with dementia and other cognitive difficulties. Henry offers group and individual sessions with programming adaptable to individual needs and abilities, emphasizing enjoyment and social interaction over competition. Henry will be entering his first year of Biomedical Science this fall at the University of Ottawa.
  • Email: checkmatecognition@gmail.com
  • Instagram: @checkmatecognition

• Alejandro Ponce- Handy Carp: Alejandro is the owner Handy Carp, and he was in heritage carpentry at Algonquin College and is heading to school in Ottawa in the fall. Handy Carp will be working around the Perth community with any projects that homeowners might have from small woodworking projects and household repair services to architectural reproductions.
  • Email: handycarp@proton.me
  • Phone: 647-687-4660

• Andrew Dowdall – Done by Dowdall: is a student helping homeowners around the Perth area keep their properties looking their best by providing lawn care and yard maintenance services throughout the summer season. The services he is offering are mowing, trimming, raking and garbage removal services. Whether your lawn needs a quick trim or a complete refresh, Andrew is ready to help make your property look its best.
  • Email: Donebydowdall@gmail.com
  • Phone: 613-390-0797
  • Facebook: @DoneByDowdall

Throughout the summer these inspiring young entrepreneurs will be serving customers across the region as they grow their businesses and gain valuable hands-on business experience that they can use now and in the future.

The Summer Company Program is an Ontario Government program delivered locally by the Small Business Advisory Centre and supports students aged 15 to 29 by providing entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in provincial funding to help launch and operate a summer business. Participants receive up to $1,500 initially for business start-up costs, with the potential for an additional $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

For more information about the Summer Company Program and the participants: Small Business Advisory Centre – Summer Company.

The Small Business Advisory Centre Smiths Falls/Lanark County is funded by the Government of Ontario, County of Lanark and the Town of Smiths Falls. Our mandate is to encourage and contribute to the enterprising spirit and economic development in Smiths Falls and Lanark County by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing businesses.

The Summer Company program is delivered by Small Business Advisory Centre on behalf of the Government of Ontario.