He’s only 17 but Matthew Howlett of Petty Harbour – Maddox Cove already has nearly four years of experience as an entrepreneur. This past summer, he received an Outstanding Venture Award from the province’s Youth Ventures programs, which helps young people start their own businesses.
“Matthew runs a car detailing business from his home in Petty Harbour,” said Celtic CBDC executive director Loretta Ryan. “CBDC Celtic is proud to support Mathew’s entrepreneurship though our lending program (Kick$tart loans) and our Youth Ventures Program.”
Howlett too is pleased, if a little surprised, with the award. He started his company after attending car shows with his Dad, cleaning up the engine blocks and interiors of classic automobiles owned by eagle-eyed collectors. The business continues to grow. Howlett reckons he spends three or four days a week during the summer detailing cars. He also works at McDonald’s Home Hardware in the Goulds.
Howlett is a big advocate of self-employment for young people. “It’s a great experience,” he said. “It helps you get involved with your community more and helps you learn about financials and how to grow a business using your money properly.”
It also helps with developing people skills, he added.
The CBDC helped him a lot, not only with a grant, but particularly with advertising, Howlett said.
This fall, Howlett is hoping to enter a two year nursing program, but intends to keep the car detailing business going on the side.
The award, which was presented during a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s earlier this month, was a surprise, he admitted. “I wasn’t really expecting it,” he said. “It was all worth it in the end.”
