Six local students are turning their ideas into fully operational businesses this summer thanks to the 2025 Summer Company Program. Managed by the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton and funded by the Province of Ontario, the program provides students aged 15 to 29 with up to $3,000 in start-up funding, along with mentorship and business training to help them bring their ventures to life.
Now celebrating its 26th year in the region, the Summer Company Program is designed to foster real-world entrepreneurial experience and build business confidence in young people. This year’s cohort includes a diverse lineup of businesses, from creative services to AI and property care.
Among them is 17-year-old Autumn Murphy of Corunna, who runs nails_by_murph, a home-based salon specializing in trend-forward acrylic and gel nail art. Autumn has also added tooth gems, hair tinsel, and henna, creating more ways for her clients to express their individual style. You can also find her on TikTok.
In Sarnia, Johnathan Lamontagne has launched Waterwise Swimming Lessons, a mobile swim instruction service that offers personalized lessons in clients’ backyard pools. His focus is on building skills, safety, and confidence in swimmers of all ages.
Also serving the Sarnia area are two partnered ventures: L&L Power Washing and L&L Lawn Care. The power-washing business, started by Luca Andali, offers deck, fence, driveway, and window cleaning using professional-grade equipment and affordable pricing. Meanwhile, Luke Laevens’ lawn care operation, L&L Lawn Care, provides mowing, edging, and yard clean-up services with a focus on face-to-face service and strong client relationships. Together, the two offer bundled home maintenance options across Sarnia, Bright’s Grove, Corunna, and Camlachie.
In Camlachie, Mustafa Arif has launched AlphaWave AI, a business helping small and medium-sized companies streamline their marketing and operations through AI tools such as chatbots, voice agents, and automated email systems. His mission is to help businesses save time, cut costs, and scale with less effort. You can also connect with Mustafa on LinkedIn.
Rounding out the group is Rae Lillie of Watford, whose business R Lillie Art features handmade art and prints designed to spark emotional connection. Rae sees the program as a launchpad for combining creative passion with entrepreneurial fundamentals.
The Summer Company Program continues to be a vital part of Sarnia-Lambton’s support for local youth, offering hands-on learning, funding, and a platform to test ideas in the real world. This year’s participants represent a blend of creativity, practicality, and innovation, contributing fresh energy to the region’s small business landscape.
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