Jewish Free Loan Offers A Hand to GTA Student Entrepreneurs

Jewish students between the ages of 18 and 24 looking to explore their entrepreneurial side are about to get a spring “break” of another kind, thanks to Jewish Free Loan Toronto.

A beneficiary agency of UJA Federation, Jewish Free Loan Toronto, in partnership with Hillel for Student Participation and JVS, has just announced its Student Summer Entrepreneur Program, offering GTA students up to $1,000 to start their own summer business.

Students can now apply for a $500 loan and matching grant, thanks to the Jewish Foundation, for a total of up to $1, 0000.

“It was one of those middle of the night epiphanies, where I thought that we needed to try and help students obtain a paying summer job, like most of us had when we were kids,” says Michael Freedman, Executive Director, Jewish Free Loan Toronto. “Being an entrepreneur when you’re young is such an important experience; teaching you important lessons about what it takes to succeed in your own business. “

Those interested must apply by Friday, March 21, 2014 by visiting here for a simple one-page application where you’ll be asked to supply some information, including:

– A brief overview of the business

– Your estimated revenues

– Your estimated start-up costs

– Your simple marketing plan

Those chosen for the loan/grant will be interviewed in person in April 2014, and, if selected, you’ll be ready to get your summer business up and running.

All you have to do is be sure to repay the loan component by November 2014.