Apostolos Toptsis is taking charge of his own business and his future. He can’t wait to see what happens next.

In addition to balancing a full-time course load as a third-year Business Administration student at Trent University, Mr. Toptsis is the founder of Next Marketing, a Peterborough-based marketing strategy consulting business that advises clients regarding their online platforms and physical business or retail environment.

“My inspiration to start my own business came from the desire to be my own boss, so now Next Marketing is a stepping-stone for my future,” said Mr. Toptsis.

Acknowledging the wealth of theoretical learning opportunities offered within the Business Administration program, Mr. Toptsis also emphasizes the value of experiential learning opportunities offered at Trent to aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Participating in extra-curricular activities within the business program, notably the academic consulting experience I gained within the national JDC Central business case competition, was an outstanding factor contributing towards the start-up of my own company,” stated Mr. Toptsis. “While serving as the president and founder of the Trent Marketing Association I have been able to build valuable connections that will help me with my own business as well.”

He is also grateful for the support of Fast Start Trent, an extra-curricular program that opens the door to entrepreneurship for all students and community members 29 years of age or under.

Mr. Toptsis’ hard work has already paid off. He recently received a start-up grant from the Summer Company program in Peterborough, offered through the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade & Employment to entrepreneurial students seeking to start and operate their own summer businesses.  The program offers access to training and mentorship.

He believes the grant will help create a foundation for his business that will develop into a sustainable business environment for his clients and himself. However, the hard work is just beginning.

After graduating next year he plans to continue to grow Next Marketing before enrolling in a MBA program to specialize in the fields of marketing.

“My one and only piece of advice is to truly love what you do,” revealed Mr. Toptsis. “Failure will always come, and at those points embrace it and learn from it.   But success will come even more if you love what you do.”

Summer Company is a program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment & Infrastructure. The Business Advisory Centre (BAC), a division of Peterborough Economic Development, has been the proud provider of the program for over a decade. Danielle Sullivan, BAC Youth Program Coordinator, works very closely with students on their business plans, connects youth with mentorship opportunities and provides training and business advice to the participants throughout the summer. 

Posted on Tuesday, July 7, 2015.