DURHAM -- At just 15, Cole Towie has already begun the business that may jump-start his career.
He's not even old enough to drive, but Cole, who had a job at a farm last summer, will spend this season while school's out as the CEO of his own company.
The Courtice High student has been riding BMX bikes since he was 11 years old. The hobby quickly became his passion and, in addition to riding, he started learning repair techniques to keep his cycle in good shape. He even builds his own bikes. His current ride is a BMX with blue handle bars he put together two years ago.
"I started out ripping my friends' bikes apart and fixing them," said Cole, who will be going into Grade 11 in September.
Now he's opening up his family's immaculate garage so he can fix bikes for anyone who enjoys a nice ride. Cole's shop features his bikes hanging from the walls and a display case that, in its former life, was a make-up counter. The case features some of the parts he can order for customers.
Cole's company is called Prodige BMX. In addition to fixing any kind of bike, he will also be available to build custom BMX bikes and will sell parts that he buys from a wholesaler to do-it-yourselfers.
Cole is funding his venture with help from a grant from the Ontario Government. It's part of a program called Summer Company, where youth ages 15 to 29 can apply to launch their own startups with financial help and moral support.
Locally, the program is run by the Business Advisory Centre Durham. Students are chosen to participate through an extensive application process where they have to draw up a business plan, said Wenda Abel, co-ordinator at the centre.
Those who are approved for the program are eligible for up to $3,000. They are given a mentor to help with aspects of running a business and attend classes to help with things like marketing and book-keeping.
Cole is among 20 Durham youth approved for the program this year. Ms. Abel said many of the business plans submitted were stellar and she thinks the centre is going to have some very successful entrepreneurs. The new companies are diverse, offering a variety of services and products from music lessons to landscaping to handmade jewelry.
Cole heard about the program from his cousin and jumped at the chance to apply. He said it fit in perfectly with his long-term goal of opening his own bike repair store.
It's only a few weeks into the program but Cole said he's already happy he is part of Summer Company.
"I am so glad I did this," he said. "I would recommend it to any kid with the confidence to do it."
Cole said he's noticed the popularity of the sport growing locally and hopes that will mean a successful summer.
"More and more kids are getting into it," he said. "Even the little kids will watch us do tricks out of the bowl and be fascinated."
Regardless of how the summer venture pans out, Cole's dad Hugh is already beaming when he talks about his son's accomplishments.
"I am so proud of him," Mr. Towie said. "He's done this all on his own."
E-mail:
prodigebmx@rogers.com Phone: 289-240-4256
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