Saugeen Connects SSUP Comes to a Seasonal Close With 47 Businesses Launched

After a very successful 6th summer, Saugeen Connects wishes to thank the sponsors,

participants and contributors who made this summer’s 2025 Student Start-Up Program possible!

SSUP is a funding program aimed at providing the school-aged youth in the Saugeen Connects catchment area, with an opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset required to operate a small business. SSUP provides the youth with start-up funding, soft-skills and business training, enabling them to operate successful summer businesses.

Program participant Cash DeBlock, founder of Cash’s Campfire Starters, shared, “I learned how important it is to put yourself out there, even if it feels a bit scary—that’s how you get discovered.” Fellow entrepreneur Daelyn Darian, who launched Grey Bruce Cinematics, added, “I plan to continue this business as long as I can. Even if it doesn’t succeed, I know I’ll be involved in entrepreneurship for the rest of my life.”

This year, 50 local youth launched 47 businesses offering a diverse mix of products and services, including handmade jewelry, organic produce, and fresh flower arrangements, as well as auto detailing, lawn care, hair styling, babysitting, tutoring, drone filming, and other innovative ventures!

The program hosted …

4 youth from the Township of Wellington North, 15 youth from the Town of Hanover,

21 youth from Town of Minto region,

5 youth from the Municipality of Brockton, 

5 youth from the Municipality of South Bruce

The Saugeen Connects committee shared: “As we celebrate our 6th year, we extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who make the Saugeen Student Start Up Program (SSUP) possible. Your generous support has provided aspiring youth with meaningful opportunities, resources, and encouragement. Your dedication to education, innovation, and community growth is deeply valued and continues to shape a brighter future. Thank you for being a vital part of the success stories emerging from SSUP.”

 

Saugeen Connects is an economic development partnership between Brockton, South Bruce, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North, and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

This program is made possible thanks to member municipalities and private-sector funding. A huge note of thanks goes to the following sponsors:

Bruce County Grey County Wellington County

Saugeen Economic Development Corporation

County of Wellington 

Wellington North

Grey County

Bruce County

Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agriculture Society Hanover Raceway

Saugeen Economic Development Corporation Blessings To You Centre  

Hammond Power Solutions

Mildmay Carrick Optimist Club

Walkerton Legion

Palmerston Legion 

Hanover Lions Club

Town of Hanover (HIPP)

Walkerton District Optimist Club

Harriston Legion

Teeswater Kinsmen

88.7 The River Community Radio

Teeswater Agricultural Society

Minto Chamber of Commerce         

Hanover Chamber of Commerce 

Clifford Rotary Club Town of Minto Optimists

RBC                                               

Buddsteel Architectural Products

CMR Insurance Hobley Pharmacy

Palmerston Lions Club South Bruce Community & Business Association

Harriston Kinsmen Club Teeswater Swans