Area Small Businesses Receiving a Boost Through Starter Company Plus

From left to right – Phil Audet, Darren Gallacher (mentor), Shannon Liscumb (mentor), Carol Hardy (Small Business Program Assistant), Kristin Ballantine, Trish Duchesne, Leslie LeClair, Jeanette Johnston (Small Business Development Officer), Sarah Bolton, Katie Verhoeven, Sheri Godfrey, Sara McLean, Paula Nugent, Meredith Armstrong, Karen McDonald-Hurley (Facilitator), and Tony Di Libero. – Submitted Photo

Brockville – Twelve Leeds Grenville small businesses have received grants of $5,000 each to boost their companies through the Starter Company Plus program for an investment of $60,000 into the regional economy.

The businesses are from a variety of sectors, including trades, senior services and private psychotherapy, and are located throughout the region – Brockville, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, North Grenville and Prescott.

“This is our 15th cohort of this program since 2015”, said Jeanette Johnston, Small Business Development Officer with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Economic Development Office.

“We are excited to support these 12 strong businesses in their growth and development,” Ms. Johnston said. Along with the grant, the 4-month program includes one-on-one guidance from advisors and mentors in the community. They come away with a business plan and cash flow forecast as well as a foundational business education.

The program is funded through the Province of Ontario as part of the economic strategy that strengthens job creation in an innovation-driven economy. The next round of Starter Company Plus will be offered in the fall/winter of 2024. Throughout the year, Counties Small Business staff provide free consultations, tools, resources, events and workshops to support small businesses in the region.

The program participants are:

Meredith Armstrong, St Lawrence Psychotherapy, Elizabethtown-Kitley, provides individual and group therapy to those who are facing mental health, addictions and substance use concerns. Psychotherapy services for adults are offered to help them heal, rediscover themselves, and their relationships and improve their quality of life. Workshops are also offered. Learn more at www.stlawrencetherapy.com, on social media @stlawrencepsychotherapy, and email hello@stlawrencetherapy.ca.

Phil Audet, Arbru Solar Brewery, Front of Yonge, is the first Canadian brewery to make beer sustainably using only solar energy. Arbru offers state-of-the-art dining experiences in unique settings (geodesic domes and luxurious cabanas) with premium food and beverage options. Their goal is to continually provide sustainable unique, innovative brewery experiences and beverage offerings for all palates. Additionally, they provide wholesale beverage products to liquor stores, bars and restaurants across Ontario. Learn more at https://www.arbrubeer.com/ or on social media @arbrubeer.

Kristin Ballantine, Fancy Fox Balloons, Brockville, creates unique, custom balloon décor for all special occasions, whether it is a birthday party, baby shower, wedding or corporate event.
Kristin strives to bring your vision to life with high-quality and eco-friendly balloons. Learn more at http://www.fancyfoxballoons.com/ or reach Kristin at kristin@loveinbubbles.ca or 613-802-5747.

Sarah Bolton, SJB Counselling, North Grenville, provide top-quality psychotherapy for nurses to support their recovery through collaboration, enhancing connections, uncovering meaning
and providing encouragement. Both one-on-one and small group sessions are offered; as well as workshops. Visit https://sjbcounselling.com/ or email support@sjbcounselling.com.

Antonio Di Libero, Vero Heritage Carpentry, Prescott, is a heritage carpenter with a certificate in his field from Algonquin College. Tony balances traditional and modern methods to build, restore and install doors, along with related architectural components in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing, unique, energy-efficient and sustainable product. To learn more email
Tony at info@veroheritagecarpentry.com or 226-376-3024.

Trish Duchesne, Irish Rose Sewing Studio, Brockville, creates custom draperies, curtains, and small upholstered items for clients with discriminating tastes who desire high-quality décor. Trish helps clients to create beautiful spaces and express their individual style while minimizing the impact on the planet. Ideal clients are those who take tremendous pride in their surroundings
and choose quality workmanship and skilled craftsmanship. She will work with residential and professional workplaces that desire a more customized look for their special space. You can
reach Trish at tduchesne4418@gmail.com or 613-498-4917.

Sheri Godfrey, Senior Transitions, Leeds and Thousand Islands, provides non-medical, in-home support services to seniors so that they may age in place for as long as possible. They also provide downsizing services when a move is wanted or needed. The goal is to lessen the impact of uncertainty on seniors faced with change, while also being the eyes and ears on the ground for the family so that they can lessen their stress and ease the family’s workload. Reach out to Sheri at sheri@seniortransitions.solutions or 613-382-5959. Also, visit www.seniortransitions.solutions

Lesley LeClair, Engine House Yoga & Fitness, Brockville, provides a gorgeous, inclusive wellness space in Downtown Brockville. They offer high-quality yoga, fitness and meditation
instruction in both group and private classes. The teachers provide a safe, supportive and inclusive community space for individuals to focus on their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Visit www.enginehouseyoga.com to learn more or email Lesley at enginehouseyoga@gmail.com or 613-803-8827.

Sara McLean, Custom Clean Co., Elizabethtown-Kitley, provides custom residential and commercial cleaning services to home and business owners in Leeds Grenville and surrounding
areas. They are known for their high-quality services customized to each individual client based on their needs, leaving their home and/or business in a stress-free environment. You can reach
Sara at (613) 803-2881 or Info@customcleanco.com.

Paula Nugent, Zyla Digital, Brockville, provides website design, social media marketing, content marketing, paid advertising and social media workshops to help businesses share their
stories with the world. They offer customized and effective marketing strategies that increase a business’s online visibility and drive business growth. Email Paula at info@zyladigital.com.

Katie Verhoeven, Tulip Kids, Brockville, this retail store is based in the Ormond Street Plaza showcasing kids’ wear including boots and shoes. There is a curated selection of quality items, a welcoming environment with extra touches, and knowledgeable staff that not only knows the product selection inside and out but uses them in daily life. Visit the website at https://www.tulipkids.ca/ Email at tulipkidsbrockville@gmail.com or call 647-308-0030.

Scott Waldron, Gravitate Travel, North Grenville, is a travel service provided by professional consultants that offer a different way for customers to book leisure and corporate travel that is unique from traditional agencies and booking agents. They offer security and peace of mind and give solid advice on navigating the ever-changing rules around travel. Gravitate delivers its services ethically, gives back to the community, is socially and corporately responsible, and delivers consistent service. To meet Scott and his team visit https://gravitate.travel/ or on social media @gravitate.travel.