Brampton - Yesterday, the City of Brampton recognized its student entrepreneurs at a ceremony for the annual BizPlan Competition. This is the fourth year that the City's Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) has presented awards to secondary school students who have developed an effective plan for operating a small business.

"It's amazing to see the creativity and business savvy of our youth right here in Brampton," says Regional Councillor Elaine Moore, Chair of the Small Business Advisory Team. "Congratulations to all the participants in this program which helps develop our future entrepreneurs."

Matthew Luchetti and Jason Antony, both Grade 11 students at St. Marguerite d'Youville Secondary School, both won first prize this year. Their plan for "Wickets and

Cricket" proposed a business specializing in apparel and equipment for the sport of Cricket. The two aspiring entrepreneurs will split a $1500 gift card provided by the Bramalea City Centre.

Winning second place for their "Snipeshow Paintball" proposal, Marc Minicucci and Daniel Calabretta, will share a $750 gift card. Michelle Rodrigues and Victoria Medeiros came in third place for "Pandora's Box" and will receive a $250 gift card.

BizPlan is supported by the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services. Local winners go on to compete in the regional finals, and if successful, compete against other students from across the province. Last year's BizPlan winner went on to win a Regional prize.

Summer Company

SBEC also announced the successful entrepreneurs of its ninth annual Summer Company program. Summer Company helps enterprising young people start up and run their own summer business by providing hands-on business coaching, mentoring and support from SBEC and local community business leaders.

This year's winners, selected from more than 300 applicants in Brampton and Caledon, are:

• Robyn Amring – Robyn's School of Fish

• Raeesa Badar – Jewellery by Raeesa

• Sanjeet Dhillon – Britannia Systems

• Nalisha Jagroop – Lotus Bollywood Dance

• Susan Jean – Haiasi

• Tyler McEwen – Yard Work Plus

• Emma Miller – Emma's Swim School

• Wade Proudlock – Apex Contracting

• Whitney Zanardi – CreARTive Day Camp

For more information about SBEC and its programs, visit www.brampton-business.com or call 905-874-2650.