If you are thinking of starting a summer business you are likely an individual who is full of energy, enthusiasm and creativity. You have the ability to turn a great idea into a business. Running a business can be fun, and there can be some stress. Having your own business can also be isolating. Relax - you're not alone. There are many other young entrepreneurs with whom you have much in common with.

Through our "Summer Company" program, we can offer financial assistance and guidance.

Free support and professional advice is available through your local Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre. Wendy Onstein can be contacted for any questions you may have at 613-342-8772 x470 or wonstein@brockville.com.

Step 2: Inquire About Mentoring Programs

Mentoring is a relationship that brings experience together with enthusiasm. It is an opportunity for people to generate new ideas and approaches to problem-solving, and to develop multiple ways of viewing the world.

You can choose someone to your mentor whom you admire, someone who has achieved success, someone for whom you feel a special connection, and someone who will be available to you.

If you don't have a connection to someone who can mentor you, we certainly do! Ask us about our mentoring program and how to apply. We can help coordinate a regular schedule of communication with this person.

• Do you need financial skills to keep track of all the money you are or will be making?
• Would you like help in writing a business plan?
• Do you need business coaching?
• Would you like to discuss marketing ideas?
• Would you like to hear realistic, constructive feedback?

All of these services are at your finger tips; all you need to do is ask us.

Step 3: Understand Yourself

The skills you have developed may have been in the workplace, during work placements, in your personal life, or during your time in education. Whatever your history, you'll have picked up some valuable skills along the way - it's just a case of identifying and using them to promote yourself.

Puzzled?

Well, if you set your alarm clock last night, got up on time today, got ready and had breakfast, collected the necessary books and papers and got to a lecture on time, then you have demonstrated skills in forward planning, organization, decision making and time management! Surprised? Well, if you boiled the kettle, toasted some bread and ironed a shirt at the same time, then you have also shown the ability to multi-task!

What transferable skills do you have?
What do you have a passion for?
What are your goals?

Try this quiz: Am I an Entrepreneur?

Step 4: Do I have what it takes?

Starting a new business is unlike any other job - it's an enterprise, it's an adventure, it's a once in a lifetime decision. Now and all through your lifetime, you will be in many new and often difficult situations. Your future will be in your own hands.

Can you trust yourself with this responsibility?
Will you give yourself the job?

You will have your own view of who you are, but what about how others see you? Your parents, your friends, your boss or your teacher may all have a different image of you, and there may be elements of truth in what they think.

There's no single stereotype, but experience has shown that there are some things that successful self-employed people often have in common. Think for a moment what qualities might be important; then compare your list with this one.

• Persistent, enduring, have loads of stamina
• Aware
• Positive, optimistic, enthusiastic
• Tenacious
• Logical, perceptive, organized, realistic,responsible - good at getting things done
• Patient
• Have a sense of humor
• Willing
• Creative, imaginative - always coming up with new ideas
• Assertive
• Outgoing, confidant
• Flexible, adaptable
• Open-minded - able to take advice
• Forgiving
• Sociable, approachable, good leader - can win people over instead of getting their backs up
• Single-minded, decisive, independent
• Communicator - able to get a point across
• Opportunist, risk-taker, ambitious
• Hardworking, committed, determined
• Self-motivated
• Self-belief, individual - not afraid to stand out from a crowd, or of what others think
• Recognize the importance of quality

How do you compare?
How many of these qualities to you possess?

You don't need all of them, you may discover that you do possess many of them but have never had to demonstrate it before.

It's not easy to get a true picture of yourself. You have to work at it, and it all takes time!

Still not sure if you are an entrepreneur?

Ask Someone You Trust

Different people have different views of you. Talk to someone who you know well, and trust. Get a good range of views. Try to understand their points (even if it makes you feel uncomfortable) and when they are just trying to make you fit in with an image that happens to suit them. Often, it's a mixture of both.

Prove It to Yourself

Wherever possible, look for an example of the qualities that you have identified. If you think you are a leader - when have you demonstrated leadership? Look at all aspects of your life, not just work experience and qualifications. Identify that instance.

Step 5: Getting Started

All you need is ambition, determination and drive - if you have this, then consider filling out an application form, or come in and we can help you fill out the paperwork. For full details about the "Summer Company Program" visit their website.

Yes it's that simple! And we're here to ensure you receive the assistance and advice you need. Get going today!