Several Laurentian University students have spent the summer turning their business ideas into reality, thanks to a key partnership with the city of Greater Sudbury's Regional Business Centre. The University's Foundry provided two exclusive grants to the 2025 Summer Company program, celebrating a record 16 student entrepreneurs who launched their own businesses.
From left to right: Oluwanifemi Ogunleye, Tamyra Matshinyatsimbi, Mohammad Aazeer Mohammad Thahir, Christabell Hamoud, and Maryam Mboutne Pemi.
The Foundry's support was particularly instrumental in enabling two international students to participate, which has helped to foster a diverse and innovative entrepreneurial landscape within the City's program. The other 14 entrepreneurs are funded through the Government of Ontario's Summer Company program. The program provides students with training, mentorship, and start-up grants of up to $3,000. It also provides them hands-on experience needed to build a business from the ground up-- from crafting business plans and managing finances, to marketing and sales.
"I'm thrilled that The Foundry and Laurentian could help make this year's Summer Company program even bigger by funding two additional student entrepreneurs," said Gisele Roberts, Director of Research and Innovation at Laurentian University. "This partnership with the City's Regional Business Centre reflects our commitment to building a connected and entrepreneurial community, one where all students, including international students, can see business ownership as a real and exciting career path. Innovation is enriched by diversity, and through Summer Company, we provide students with the tools, mentorship, and financial support to launch their own ventures. In doing so, we are empowering them to become leaders and innovators in our region, and we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished this summer."
The Foundry's support of the Summer Company program is rooted in a legacy of giving. The majority of funds used to help the two Foundry funded students launch their businesses came from a generous donation by Craig Fowler, a former staff member of Laurentian University who is now with Algoma University.
The following Laurentian University students successfully participated in the 2025 Summer Company program:
Desserts by Nifemi - Oluwanifemi Ogunleye, Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice student
- Origin: Nigeria, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
- Business description: Serving up delicious waffles and sweet treats from a vibrant summer stand. Desserts by Nifemi treats are made with high-quality ingredients and a lot of love.
Stems by T - Tamyra Matshinyatsimbi, Bachelor of Social Work student
- Origin: Sudbury (ON), St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
- Business description: Designing custom floral bouquets for weddings, parties, and special moments crafted with care and made to fit any budget. Stems by T's stylish arrangements bring a personal touch to your celebration without breaking the bank.
Aeizy - Mohammad Aazeer Mohammad Thahir, Masters in Computational Sciences student
- Origin: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Business description: Specializing in custom anime-themed t-shirts for fans who want to wear their fandom with pride. Aeizy shirts feature unique designs inspired by popular anime.
Transformative Strength - Christabell Hamoud, Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice (major), Criminology (minor) student
- Origin: Sudbury, ON (Lebanese International School)
- Business description: A fitness and nutrition app delivering personalized coaching to help users achieve their health goals. Transformative Strength offers tailored workout plans and dietary advice.
EcoSafe Cleaning Services - Maryam Mboutne Pemi, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering student
- Origin: Yaoundé, Cameroon (Government Bilingual High School of Yaoundé)
- Business description: Delivering eco-friendly residential cleaning solutions with a focus on safety and sustainability. EcoSafe Cleaning Services use non-toxic products to ensure a healthy home environment.
"I am honoured to have been a Summer Company recipient," said Mohammad Aazeer Mohammad Thahir, second year Masters of Computational Science student. "What began as an idea became a reality because of this funding; it allowed me to build and launch a full-scale e-commerce website for my anime hoodie brand and put in place product pages, payment processing, and order fulfilment. Everything is now operating successfully, and none of it would have been possible without the Summer Company support."
"This funding has been such a huge help in allowing me to further develop my business, giving me the resources and confidence to turn my ideas into action," said Christabell Hamoud, third year Law and Justice student. "The support and mentorship from the Regional Business Centre has been amazing, and I've been able to learn more about the business world. This summer, I've grown my entrepreneurship skills and laid the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable business moving forward."
The Summer Company program is just one of the many ways Laurentian University, through initiatives like The Foundry, supports student success and innovation.
