Community Futures Grenville supports Starter Company Plus graduates with $1,000 awards

Starter Company Plus is a business support program offered by Leeds Grenville Small Business. Eligible applicants are business owners from Leeds and Grenville, working full-time on their business. The program runs for 16 weeks and offers one-on-one guidance from Small Business staff, business planning and business foundations education, coaching and mentorship, and a grant of up to $5,000. The $1,000 from Community Futures Grenville is in addition to that grant.

Community Futures Grenville is a federally funded, not-for-profit corporation providing small business loans, business advisory services and community economic development throughout Grenville County since 1990. The organization operates with financial support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“We know how hard it is to run a small business,” said Cathy Sheppard, chair of Community Futures Grenville. “That’s why we make it a priority to support these graduates upon completion of their program. The training they receive helps them make their plans into reality. We congratulate all of them on their hard work.”

“Starter Company Plus plays an important role in providing support to businesses in rural communities as they create local jobs and grow Canada’s economy. Our Government’s commitment to Community Futures Development Corporations, like Community Futures Grenville, has helped pave the way for economic growth in southern Ontario’s rural communities,” said Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Jeanette Johnston, small business development officer with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, agrees: “The program participants work hard to develop a forward-thinking business plan and immerse themselves in business fundamentals. This process sets them up for long-term success.”

The award recipients this year are:

1) Dana Collings, DC Spa: medical esthetics, spa, and makeup services in the heart of Kemptville. www.facebook.com/DanaCollings.Aesthetics.

2) Mike Degrazia, Degrazia Home Comfort: a locally owned residential HVAC business serving Ottawa and the Leeds and Grenville area. degraziahomecomfort.ca.

3) Andrea Empey, Dancing Willow Wellness: a multidisciplinary clinic in Kemptville, dedicated to connecting patients and clients with the treatment options that are right for them. dancingwillowwellness.com.

4) Nicole Hudson, Katarina’s Coffee Shop: a café́ featuring flavourful homemade food, drinks and dessert in Downtown Prescott. katarina-s-coffee-shop.myshopify.com.

5) Yvonne Joudoin, River Vibes Picnics: offering customized preordered picnics on the beautiful waterfront in Prescott. www.rivervibespicnics.ca.

6) Samantha Macuzzi, Garnish with Flourish: producing specialty gifts and garnishes, organically grown locally in Spencerville. www.garnishwithflourish.ca.

7) Carolyn McGillis, Careness Functional Medicine: based in Kemptville, offering a personal functional medicine approach that delves into your unique health needs. careness.ca.

8) Amy Wagner Consulting, based in Kemptville: empowering small businesses with expert HR support. www.amywagnerconsulting.ca.

Nicole Hudson, co-owner of Katarina’s Coffee Shop, can speak firsthand to the benefits of the programs: “I am grateful for Community Futures Grenville and Starter Company Plus in aiding the growth and strategic advancement of my business. Their assistance, both in terms of funding and tools, has been instrumental in preparing my company for future success. I highly recommend their services to fellow entrepreneurs seeking assistance in navigating the complexities of business development.”