When summer arrives, it can feel like a welcome break from classes, homework, and exams. But it can also be something more: an opportunity to step outside your usual routines and explore new passions, skills, and experiences. For many high school students, that chance comes in the form of business summer programs across Canada: immersive opportunities to combine learning, creativity, and personal growth in meaningful ways.

Imagine spending your summer on a university campus, in a business lab, workshop, or boardroom-style setting, surrounded by peers who share your curiosity and ambition. Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, or leadership, these programs offer hands-on experiences that go far beyond lectures. You’ll learn by doing, collaborating, and problem-solving in environments that mirror real-world business challenges.

How do you choose business summer programs in Canada for high school students?

Choosing the right business summer program in Canada for high school students can feel overwhelming. Some programs may be too broad, too basic, or disconnected from real-world business experience. That’s why having guidance is essential: to help you sort through the many options and pick a program that aligns with your goals.

Top business summer programs offer hands-on learning experiences where you can explore entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, leadership, and more. You’ll engage in group projects, case studies, simulations, and mentorship sessions. Programs range from those that mirror advanced university-level business courses to those designed for beginners eager to gain a strong foundation in business skills.

Of course, no matter the program, you’ll need dedication and effort once it begins. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 Best Business Summer Programs in Canada for High School Students. Each program has been chosen for its practical curriculum, learning opportunities, and strong reputation for helping teens develop real-world business skills.

For more options and subject-tracks, you can check our summer programs in Canada. If you’re interested in applying your skills in a professional setting, you can consider internships in Canada.

15 Business Summer Programs in Canada for High School Students 

1. Summer Company Program

Location: Kingston, Ontario (Kingston Economic Development) – operates within Ontario.
Cost/Stipend: Stipend up to $3,000 total ($1,500 upfront + $1,500 after successful completion).
Dates: Applications Jan 19th – Apr 24th, Bootcamp and mentorship May-Aug; must operate business by Labour Day.
Application Deadline: April 24th
Eligibility: Students 15–29 years old, returning to school, Ontario resident, Canadian citizen or permanent resident, self-employed in a new business, and not working/school >12 hrs/wk during program

The Summer Company program in Kingston empowers students aged 15 to 29 to turn entrepreneurial ideas into real businesses with hands-on support and funding. Delivered by Kingston Economic Development and funded by the Government of Ontario, this initiative provides you with essential training, mentorship from local business leaders, and up to $3,000 to help cover start-up costs and growing operations.

Students accepted into the program attend a business bootcamp, develop their business plans, and build practical skills through coaching and real-world experience. Beyond financial support, Summer Company encourages innovation, problem-solving, and leadership while fostering community connections. By the end of the summer, young entrepreneurs gain confidence and valuable insights into running a business of their own.

Why it stands out: It gives student founders real-world entrepreneurship experience with hands-on mentoring and up to $3,000 in funding to build and run their own business, helping them develop practical skills and confidence beyond traditional classroom learning.

2. Immerse’s Toronto Business Management Summer School

Location: Toronto, Canada (University of Toronto campus)
Cost/Stipend: Non‑residential: £4,495 | Residential: £5,995 | Residential + Online: £8,016. Summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 5th July 2026 - 18th July 2026, and 19th Jul 2026 – 1st Aug 2026
Application Deadline: No specific deadline listed on the page (not available)
Eligibility: Ages 15-18 (high‑school students); international students accepted

The Immerse Education Business Management Summer School in Toronto gives students aged 15–18 a dynamic opportunity to explore core business concepts like leadership, strategy, entrepreneurship, and marketing in one of the world’s most vibrant economic hubs. This programme blends academic study with practical case discussions and collaborative projects, helping you build critical thinking and decision‑making skills. 

Guided by experienced tutors and small class sizes, you gain personalised insight into modern business environments and global management practices. Beyond the classroom, living on campus and interacting with peers from around the world fosters cultural understanding and networks that extend beyond the summer. This immersive experience equips learners with both confidence and a strong foundation for future academic and career pursuits in business.

By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus.

3. St. Clement’s School: Summer Opportunities Programme

Location: St. Clement’s School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Cost/Stipend: $1,950 CAD
Dates: June 22nd  –  July 17th 
Application Deadline: Friday, May 15th
Eligibility: Open to students entering specific grades depending on the course (e.g., Grade 9 +)

St. Clement’s School in Toronto offers a range of Ontario Secondary School Diploma credit courses during the summer that allow students to earn academic credits while still enjoying their break. You can choose from subjects like entrepreneurship, business fundamentals, cooperative education, mathematics, and social sciences, each designed to deepen knowledge and build practical skills.

The structured schedule lets you complete credits by mid‑July, giving you more flexibility for other summer opportunities. Beyond academics, the experience enhances communication, problem‑solving, and leadership skills in a supportive environment. This makes the program ideal for students looking to accelerate their learning and prepare for future academic goals.

Why it stands out: The summer credit programs let students earn Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits quickly (mid‑June to mid‑July) so they can get ahead academically without taking time away from the rest of the summer. 

4. RBC Summer Tech Labs

Location: Hybrid – downtown Toronto (in-person) + remote/GTA work.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; exact hourly rate will be specified in the offer letter.
Dates: July 2nd – August 20th
Application Deadline: Specific deadline varies
Eligibility: Students in grades 11–12 enrolled in an Ontario high school with interest/experience in programming, tech concepts, or coding

The RBC Summer Tech Labs is an immersive, paid summer internship designed for high school students in grades 11 and 12, offering a unique pathway into technology and innovation. You collaborate in small teams to tackle real-world challenges faced by RBC, gaining experience through workshops, mentoring, and coding projects that are deployed within the organization’s technical environment.

You work as Innovation Developers, building prototypes, learning new technologies, and refining your problem-solving skills alongside peers and industry professionals. The program emphasizes agile methods, design thinking, and professional communication, giving participants valuable insight into tech careers. 

Why it stands out: It gives high-school students paid, hands-on experience building real tech solutions in a professional setting, combining workplace mentoring, collaborative development, and exposure to industry-level tools and problem-solving.

5. Edwards Entrepreneurship Summer Youth Camp

Location: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Registration fee is $300
Dates: July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25
Application Deadline: No specific application deadline
Eligibility: Youth worldwide aged ~9-14 with an interest in business and entrepreneurship

The Edwards Entrepreneurship Summer Youth Camp at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan is a hands-on program designed to introduce young people to fundamental business ideas like marketing, finance, and operations through creative activities. During the weeklong experience, you develop entrepreneurial skills by building and running your own micro-businesses, culminating in a Business Fair where you showcase and sell your products and services.

Participants work together, apply what they learn in real-world contexts, and interact with members of the entrepreneurship community. The camp balances practical business lessons with fun, age-appropriate activities to keep learning engaging. With multiple sessions offered in July, it’s an exciting opportunity for young innovators to explore entrepreneurship in a supportive, energetic environment.

Why it stands out: It gives young people an applied, project-based business experience, letting them build and run a micro-business and see entrepreneurial concepts in action first-hand.

6. Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program

Location: BC Cancer’s Deeley Research Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Cost/Stipend: No program cost mentioned on official site; external sources note a CAD 3,000 bursary upon completion (not stated on official page)
Dates: 8-week summer program running throughout July and August
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026 (official current deadline listed)
Eligibility: Grade 11 students from Vancouver Island secondary schools; nominated by their school’s science department

The Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program at the Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre offers Grade 11 students a hands-on introduction to cancer research through an 8-week summer internship. You work alongside experienced scientists at BC Cancer’s Victoria Centre, where you learn modern laboratory techniques and explore real research questions from the front lines of cancer science.

The program runs throughout July and August and is designed to deepen your understanding of scientific inquiry and inspire future careers in research or health sciences. Students must be nominated by their schools to apply, with eligibility open to secondary schools on Vancouver Island, and the application process encourages engagement with local science departments and educators.

Why it stands out: It gives Grade 11 students an authentic, hands-on research experience at a leading cancer research centre, where you develop and run a real project under scientific mentorship and see how cutting-edge laboratory techniques are used in the fight against cancer.

7. Ivey’s John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program

Location: Ivey Business School, Western University (London, Ontario, Canada)
Cost/Stipend: Program fee $450 CAD (includes residence, meals, materials; travel not included)
Dates: August 3-7
Application Deadline: Not listed
Eligibility: High school students around the world currently in grades 9-11 interested in leadership/business/innovation

The Ivey John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program is one of the most engaging business summer programs in Canada for high school students who are passionate about leadership, business, and innovation. The program challenges you to develop critical leadership skills through case-based learning, interactive workshops, and team-based problem-solving activities.

You work alongside peers on business challenges, gain insight from faculty experts, and engage in collaborative projects that reflect today’s dynamic business landscape. Beyond academics, the experience includes team‑building exercises, residence life on a university campus, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with like‑minded peers. 

Why it stands out: It’s an immersive, multi‑day leadership experience specifically for high school students where you learn through real‑world, case‑based business challenges, interactive workshops, and team problem‑solving. 

8. Dalhousie Summer Academy High School Enrichment Business Tracks​

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Cost/Stipend: On‑campus fee: $5,200 CAD | Off‑campus fee: $3,000 CAD
Dates: June 8 -26 and July 20th – August 7th
Application Deadline: No specific application deadline
Eligibility: For high school students (motivated students from Canada and around the world). Specific age/grade not listed.

The Dalhousie Summer Academy in Halifax, Canada, is a three‑week pre‑university program designed to help high school students explore academic interests and develop essential skills in a university setting. Through a balanced schedule of morning and afternoon sessions, you engage in focused study and interactive workshops that build global awareness, communication, and leadership. Within the Academy, you can join experiences led by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management, where you learn foundational business concepts, explore entrepreneurship, and practice real‑world problem‑solving with expert guidance.

The program also fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and practical communication skills valuable for future studies. Beyond academics, the Academy offers cultural activities and friendships with students from around the world, making it an enriching step toward university readiness.

Why it stands out: As part of the Dalhousie Summer Academy, the management‑focused week gives you a hands‑on introduction to key business concepts like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and leadership while you solve real‑world challenges.

9. Ontario Tech Entrepreneurship Summer Camps

Location: Ontario Tech University – North Campus, 2000 Simcoe Street N, Oshawa, ON (Canada)
Cost/Stipend: In-person camps: $280 to $350; Virtual camps: ~$100.
Dates: Specific 2026 camp dates not listed yet (program preview only).
Application Deadline: No specific deadline 
Eligibility: Designed for ages 6 to 17 (finished Grade 1 minimum; some exceptions for certain camps)

Ontario Tech University’s Summer Camps provide children and youth with engaging, hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a positive and supportive environment. These programs encourage curiosity through activities in robotics, coding, gaming, and more, helping you see how STEM subjects connect to the world around you. The camps include both in-person experiences with cooperative outdoor activities and virtual options that fit busy schedules.

With low counsellor-to-camper ratios and many instructors who are certified teachers, yoy receive plenty of guidance and encouragement. The goal is for campers to leave excited about learning and confident that STEM could play an important role in their future.

Why it stands out: It blends hands-on STEM exploration with a playful, interactive camp setting, exposing young learners to real engineering, coding, and design activities that build curiosity and confidence in future STEM study.

10. Brampton Summer Company

Location: Brampton & Caledon, Ontario, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Free to apply; successful participants can receive up to $3,000 in funding
Dates: Program runs over the summer months
Application Deadline: April 7th
Eligibility: Students 15-29 years old, attending and returning to school in the fall, residents of Ontario, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and able to work required hours over the summer.

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre’s Summer Company program supports young aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them launch and operate their own summer business through training, mentorship, and financial backing. The program offers practical business coaching along with the opportunity to receive up to $3,000 in grant funding to cover start-up and operating costs.

You develop essential skills in business planning and financial forecasting while gaining guidance from established local business leaders. The initiative emphasizes real-world experience, encouraging you to turn your ideas into viable, revenue-generating ventures over the summer months. Through structured learning and community support, the program builds entrepreneurial confidence and prepares youth for future success in business.

Why it stands out: It lets young aspiring entrepreneurs launch and run a real business over the summer with hands-on training, giving you practical business experience and support that goes beyond typical classroom learning.

11. Mississauga IDEA Summer Company​

Location: Mississauga, Ontario 
Cost/Stipend: Free business training; opportunity to receive a grant up to $3,000
Dates: Early June through the end of August (training and running business)
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: Students 15-29 years old with a business idea (high school students commit ~280 hours; post-secondary ~420 hours)

The Summer Company Program offered through IDEA Mississauga encourages young entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 to launch and manage their own business over the summer months. This initiative provides free business training on key topics like marketing, sales, and bookkeeping, along with expert mentorship from local professionals to support participants as they grow their ventures.

Students accepted into the program also have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $3,000 to help kickstart their business idea. By the end of the summer, you gain real-world experience in running a business while building valuable skills that boost your confidence and entrepreneurial potential.

Why it stands out: It gives student entrepreneurs hands-on business training, mentorship from local professionals, and the chance to launch and run their own summer business with up to a $3,000 startup grant.

12. Leeds Grenville Summer Company​

Location: Brockville, Ontario (United Counties of Leeds & Grenville) – operates throughout Leeds Grenville region in Ontario, Canada.
Cost/Stipend: Up to $3,000 grant (up to $1,500 start-up + up to $1,500 on completion).
Dates: Starts June or July, ends Labour Day.
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: Students (high school/college/university), 15-29 years old, Ontario resident, Canadian citizen/PR, not already running a business, returning to school after program, not working or in school >12 hrs/week during program.

The Summer Company program gives students in Ontario a hands-on opportunity to start and run their own summer business with support from the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office. You receive up to $3,000 in funding to help cover start-up costs and complete the program, along with training and mentorship from experienced local business leaders to build practical skills like sales, marketing, and bookkeeping.

The initiative encourages young entrepreneurs to be their own boss while gaining experience in managing a business. To be eligible, you must be a student between 15 and 29 years old and planning to return to school after the summer. This experience not only helps students launch their ventures but also builds confidence and valuable professional skills that many employers and schools value.

Why it stands out: It lets you launch and run your own real business with hands-on training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in funding, giving you practical entrepreneurial experience and professional skills that go far beyond a typical summer job.

13. University of Waterloo: FLIGHT (Future Leaders Innovating to Go Higher in Technology)

Location:   Virtual (online via Google Classroom & Zoom)
Cost/Stipend: Not stated
Dates: July 21st – August 1st
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility:  Aged 13‑18, girls and gender‑diverse students who self‑identify as Black and/or other underrepresented minorities.

The two‑week program introduces girls and gender‑diverse youth aged 13–18 who self‑identify as Black or from other underrepresented groups to tech entrepreneurship and innovation. You collaborate in teams to identify an issue related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, then develop, prototype, and refine a technology‑backed business idea around it.

Throughout the camp, guest speakers share industry best practices, and coaches support teams at every stage of the design‑thinking process. The experience culminates in a pitch presentation to a panel of judges and includes a one‑day professional development conference. FLIGHT’s engaging curriculum builds confidence and prepares students for future leadership in technology and business.

Why it stands out: It’s a 2‑week virtual summer camp that introduces girls and gender‑diverse youth to tech entrepreneurship through teamwork, design thinking, and real project creation. 

14. Sauder School Business Summer Camp

Location: Vancouver, Canada (University of British Columbia campus)
Cost/Stipend: CAD 6,000 (tuition, accommodation, most activities, insurance) – no stipend offered
Dates: July 17th – August 17th
Application Deadline: April 17th
Eligibility: Must be 18+ years old by Jan 1, 2027, and currently enrolled in a post‑secondary institution (e.g., college/university). No specific info on eligibility for high school students is provided (i.e., high school eligibility isn’t clearly stated on the page).

The Vancouver Summer Program at the University of British Columbia offers an exciting Business course package in July 2026 that equips international undergraduate students with essential skills and global business insights. This program guides you through rigorous, in‑person lectures, group projects, case studies, and practical assignments designed to develop analytical, strategic, and collaborative abilities.

You can choose from themed packages covering topics like international business, marketing, strategic management, entrepreneurship, and AI‑driven business strategies. Learning alongside peers from around the world enhances cultural understanding and networking opportunities. By the end of the four‑week experience, students earn a certificate and gain confidence to pursue future business endeavors.

Why it stands out: It combines real, in‑person business courses at UBC’s globally recognised Sauder School of Business with collaborative projects and cultural experiences, giving you hands‑on exposure to international business concepts and teamwork alongside students from around the world.

15. Rotman Commerce Summer Institute (RCSI)

Location: University of Toronto – St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Paid program (fee varies by year)
Dates: Typically July (2-3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Usually April-May
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (Grades 10–12), strong academic background

The Rotman Commerce Summer Institute is a competitive pre-university program designed for high-achieving high school students interested in business, economics, and management. Hosted by the Rotman Commerce faculty at the University of Toronto, the program introduces you to university-level coursework through lectures, case studies, group projects, and simulations.

You explore key business areas such as finance, marketing, accounting, and strategy while gaining insight into life at a top Canadian business school. The experience also helps students build analytical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills in a rigorous academic setting.

Why it stands out: It offers early exposure to a top-ranked business school, real university-style learning, and a strong academic credential for students aiming for commerce or business degrees.

Turn Summer Experience Into University Readiness

A meaningful summer can do more than fill your time, because it can reveal your strengths, deepen your interests, and shape the goals you carry forward.

The 15 business summer programs in Canada for high school students featured here show how early business experience can develop practical skills and clearer direction.

As you explore leadership, entrepreneurship, and teamwork, you also begin to understand which subjects, environments, and future pathways feel most exciting and achievable.

Don’t let this momentum stop here. Visit our University Preparation blogs now to sharpen your goals, avoid common application mistakes, and prepare for university with purpose.