Editor’s note: This was submitted by the Muskoka Small Business Centre to promote the benefits of its Summer Company student-business program. Danielle Clodd loves animals so much, she decided to include them in her career.
HUNTSVILLE - Clodd, 20, is a recent graduate of the dog trainer program at the Animal Behavioural College.
During the summer, the Utterson resident has decided to put the skills she has learned from school to start her own business through the Summer Company program at the Muskoka Small Business Centre. As a certified dog trainer, Clodd’s business, Dani’s Pet Services, offers pet owners in Muskoka a variety of services, including pet walking, socialization, dog park visits, positive behavioural training, pet sitting, taxi services from grooming and veterinarian visits.
Clodd became interested in the Summer Company program as it allowed her to turn her dream of owning a business into reality. Along with advice from experienced mentors, she also got a $1,500 grant from the program, which she used to start her business by buying business cards, flyers, dog toys and a website — www.danispetservices.vpweb.ca - for her business. Clodd also learned how to communicate with clients in a professional manner, and how to market her business to the public. When the summer is over, she will be studying at the Animal Behaviour College. However, she still plans to continue running her business.
Summer Company is an Ontario government program for students between the ages 15 and 29 to start their own business over the summer. The program provides hands-on coaching, mentorship and financial grants of up to $3,000. For information about the Summer Company program, visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany or the Muskoka Small Business Centre at www.muskokasmallbusiness.ca.