Eight Local Businesses Secure $38,000 in Starter Company Plus Funding

Press Release – Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County, Northern Leeds Grenville)

The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County, Northern Leeds Grenville) is pleased to announce that eight local businesses have been awarded a total of $38,000 in funding through the Starter Company Plus Program. Funded by the Government of Ontario, this program provides selected entrepreneurs with essential training, coaching, and the opportunity to pitch for microgrants of up to $5,000 to support their business growth.

“We are thrilled to have representation from across the region, including Mississippi Mills, Montague, Tay Valley, Westport, and Elizabethtown-Kitley. These entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable dedication to launching and expanding their businesses,” said Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/northern Leeds Grenville).

“The Starter Company Plus program has been a game-changer for me – WeirView Media,” says Laurie Weir. “It has provided the crucial funding needed to upgrade my equipment, allowing me to enhance the quality of deliverables to my clients. The business coaching has helped sharpen my strategy, better understand my market, and build the confidence needed to grow as a small business owner and I'm truly grateful.”

The successful participants of the Starter Company Plus Summer 2024 cohort are shown in the photo above. Front row, from left:

• Clayton Creative Chocolates – Janice Boychuk, Clayton, ON (www.claytoncreativechocolates.ca)

• Miel Des Fleurs – Annelle Lalonde, Tay Valley, ON (www.mieldesfleurs.com)

• Moose Munchies Candy Co. – Gillian Manton, Montague, ON (https://moose-munchies-candy-co.square.site/ )

Back row, from left:

• Ontario Law Clerk Services – Amanda McMullan, Jasper, ON (https://www.lawclerking.ca/)

• Green Lemon Home – Zoe Dolan, Almonte, ON (https://www.instagram.com/greenlemonhome)

• WeirView Media – Laurie Weir, Jasper, ON (https://weirviewmedia.mypixieset.com/)

• Rachel Hatt Music – Rachel Hatt, Westport, ON (rachel.j.hatt@gmail.com)

• Forno – Jennifer Pfieffer, Westport, ON (www.fornosourdough.ca)

Applications for the Winter 2024/2025 cohort of the Starter Company Plus program will open in mid-November with training starting January 2025. If you are interested in getting further information about program and the next cohort – check out our website at https://smallbizcentre.ca/starter-company-plus/.