The Ontario Provincial Government has announced a $1 million program to help students gain experience starting their own business. Titled the Summer Company program the government is trying to show students that entrepreneership is a legitimate career option.

The Ontario government is spending more than $1 million in 2006 to provide 370 students across the province with first-hand experience in starting their own summer businesses, minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar said today. Through Ontario's Summer Company program, enterprising students aged 15 to 29 receive hands-on business training and mentoring, and awards of up to $3,000 to start and grow a successful business.

The program will be delivered by the Ontario Small Business Enterprise Centres and other groups help deliver the Summer Company program to students across the province. To find a office near you, visit here.