18-year-old Matthew Richardson of Shelburne, NS has turned his love of climbing trees into a thriving business. Founded in April 2005, Richardson’s Yardwork provides a range of landscaping services with a specialty in tree management - from pruning and thinning to planting and felling.

Matthew says the Students in Business program has been essential in assisting him cover the heavy costs of starting a business. From tools and equipment to business training, the program’s financial assistance made it possible for him to get his business going.

"My business wouldn’t have grown as fast without SIB," he says. "I just wouldn’t have been able to access the equipment or the training I needed to get started on my own."

Matthew sees entrepreneurship as an integral part of his future. "I love being able to make my own decisions and make my own way," he says. While he’s gearing up for another successful summer season, he’s also looking forward to hitting the books (and trees) again this fall, when he starts a Forest Technician program in New Brunswick.

Looks like tree climbing is one habit this entrepreneur will never have to grow out of.