Be your own boss this summer!
Step into a ready-made kayak rental business, right here in Sackville — and spend your summer running Atlantic Paddle.
"Running Atlantic Paddle gave me the opportunity to be independent while helping out the community. It feels great being able to give back to Sackville. I also learned great business skills, especially through managing finances. Operating Atlantic Paddle gave me the freedom to work outside of my comfort zone in a safe and fun way!" — Riley Oremush, Atlantic Paddle entrepreneur, Summer 2022
The opportunity
In 2021, the Town of Sackville won a contest for the title of New Brunswick's most active community. Citizens voted to spend the $15,000 of prize money setting up a kayak and canoe rental business at Silver Lake, and they asked for Mount Allison's help. Two Mount Allison student entrepreneurs found Atlantic Paddle.
Now, the town is looking for new student leaders to take over!
What the opportunity offers
This opportunity is ideal for a team of two to three students, all of whom are prepared to work on the business full-time from early May to late August. Here's what you'll receive in your business startup package:
- Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (on loan from the town)
- Company name and logo
- Orientation session with the previous student owners
- $10,000 startup grant from the Experiential Learning and Career Development Office
- Seat at Mount Allison's entrepreneurial internship program, which includes
- Week-long course introducing you to the basics of entrepreneurship
- Bi-weekly meetings with a business coach
- Mid-summer gathering of student entrepreneurs
You will keep all profits you make. In return, you will agree to:
- Host a few free recreational events for the municipality
- Gather customer data to share with the municipality
- Maintain accurate financial records
- Sell the company name and logo back to the Experiential Learning and Career Development Office at $1 at the end of the summer
- Participate fully in the entrepreneurship internship program
- Submit a written report and short video at the end of the summer
How to apply
Apply by email to careers@mta.ca by Feb. 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
In the email:
- Tell us why this opportunity has sparked your interest and why you believe you have what it takes to be your own boss for the summer.
- Attach your resume.
- Demonstrate that you have the skills to give rookie paddlers an orientation session and to operate the business safely or that you have a plan to gain those skills by May.
This opportunity is open to all Mount Allison students who will be returning to full-time studies in the fall.
Questions? Contact Ellie Sheppard, Manager of Experiential Learning, at elsheppard@mta.ca.
