Kingston students launch 12 new businesses through summer entrepreneurship program

Young entrepreneurs receive funding, mentorship and training to turn business ideas into reality.

Twelve young entrepreneurs are launching new businesses in Kingston this summer through the 2026 Summer Company program.

Delivered by Kingston Economic Development and funded by the Ontario government, the program helps entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 build and operate their own businesses with mentorship, training and up to $3,000 in startup funding.

Participants are currently taking part in a weeklong business bootcamp focused on marketing, financial management, business planning and market research before launching their ventures across the city this summer.

Among the students selected is University of Toronto first-year student Masa Chau, founder of Protoino. Chau creates Arduino engineering kits for elementary and high school students that focus on hands-on problem solving rather than step-by-step instructions.

He explains more.

The kits challenge students to tackle real-world engineering concepts including environmental monitoring, motor control and assistive technology while encouraging creativity and independent thinking.

Kingston Economic Development CEO Donna Gillespie said the Summer Company program helps young entrepreneurs gain confidence, practical skills and valuable experience while strengthening Kingston’s future business community.

Chau also shared what success for Protoino could look like in the coming years.

More information about the student ventures is available through Kingston Economic Development.

Story by Alyssa Brush