The entrepreneurial spirit is shining through the pandemic.

The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound’s Summer Company program continued this year with students between the ages of 18-29 starting their own summer business and receiving a grant up to $3,000.

Ethan Miller, who is going into grade 11 at West Ferris this fall, operates Miller MetalWood Creations – custom woodworking and furniture.

“COVID has given me lots of time off school so I’ve been able to work at the shop a lot more, it’s given me time to make more boards and tables and work on the website, it’s actually been pretty good to me,” he says.

Miller also welcomes the support and grant money provided through the annual government-funded program.

“The grant has been a really big help, the money has helped me buy a table saw and the people at the Summer Company have really helped me with how to run a business, so they’ve been really helpful,” he says.

He says sales have been going well through his website millermetalwoodcreations.com.

“But, I’m always ready for more orders and custom projects, too,” Miller adds.

“We have been very fortunate to be working with some exceptional student entrepreneurs through our Summer Company program this year,” says Carla White, Youth & Entrepreneurship Coordinator. “We have students who have molded to the current job market due to Covid-19 and their unique business ideas showcase why it is so important to encourage youth in business.”

(Photos submitted by Ethan Miller – Miller MetalWood Creations)