Bridges to Better Business Event Celebrated Small Business Thursday Night

Also Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Immigrant Entrepreneur Award & Inclusive Employer Award Were Given Out!

Athens – This year’s Bridges to Better Business event recognized graduations, awarded business excellence and offered insights from experienced speakers at the Joshua Bates Centre on Thursday, October 23rd in Athens.

Celebrating its tenth year in 2025, the Starter Company Plus adult entrepreneurship program graduated seven Leeds Grenville entrepreneurs.

Participants received professional training in business fundamentals, business planning, and cash flow management.

Following the training phase, they pitched their business ideas to a local panel of business volunteers, all of whom received a grant of $5,000, which supported various business investments. Graduates continued to receive

This round’s businesses are:

Ian O’Brien, I/O Tech, City of Brockville:

A local telecommunications company specializing in the installation of high-quality network cabling and Wi-Fi equipment in both businesses and homes. From connecting workstations in the office to boosting your cell signal at the cottage, I/O Tech can help. Check out his services at www.ioinstalls.ca.

Bre Audet-Martel, Nature’s Hum Clothing, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal:

A Regenerative Clothing line for women, made of 100% linen that allows for natural breathability and temperature regulation. They are committed to planting five trees per garment sold, stepping beyond “sustainability” and into a cyclical process for Regeneration. Find out more at www.NaturesHumClothing.com.

Pattie Curran, Curran Reading Corner, City of Brockville:

A Master Reading Teacher licensed through Remediation Plus Systems, offering a Right to Read-approved, evidence-based literacy program. Specializing in empowering reluctant and struggling readers of any age, including those with dyslexia and learning disabilities. Reach out: www.curranreadingcorner.ca.

Mike Piovesan, Spicy Riffs Hot Sauce, Township of Front of Yonge:

A small-batch hot sauce company creating bold, flavour-forward sauces that highlight the unique taste and heat of the peppers used. Alongside hot sauces, Spicy Riffs also crafts BBQ sauces, spice blends, and rubs, all made with care and a passion for big flavour. You can shop online at www.spicyriffshotsauce.ca.

Sheri Hatherly, Lyfstyle Training & Consulting, City of Brockville

A mental wellness service offering two streams of support: one on customized training and consultation to help organizations build mentally healthy workplaces, and the other providing specialized support for Hoarding Disorder through treatment, education, and collaboration. You can reach her at www.lyfstyle.ca.

JD Van Allen, Eden’s Refuge, Town of Prescott:

JD helps clients turn empty lawns and forgotten corners into beautiful, low-maintenance edible landscapes and community orchards. These spaces grow groceries for just a few cents/lb, feeding people while building connection. JD is the author of Before the Design. Learn more at www.edensrefuge.ca.

Susan Howard, LightWater Sanctuary, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

A wellness practitioner and owner of Lightwater Sanctuary, a peaceful healing space dedicated to restoring balance in mind, body, and spirit. Sue offers holistic Reiki, massage therapy, and other specialized treatments tailored to each client’s unique needs. To book an appointment, email sue_howard@me.com.

Leeds Grenville Small Business would like to thank Community Futures Grenville for the additional support of $1000 granted to each of the Grenville County participants.

Starter Company Plus programs are funded by the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville.

As well, the Leeds Grenville Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur Award & Inclusive Employer Award were given out on Thursday night.

This Leeds Grenville Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary business owner who rises to the top through perseverance, a willingness to tolerate uncertainty, take risks, exercise patience and versatility, have a high energy level, and a strong need to achieve.

This year’s recipient is Jenn Winter, Ignite Printing, City of Brockville.

Founded in 2015, Ignite Printing began as a one-person design business and has since grown into a full-service print and design company with six team members and a state-of-the-art facility. Jenn and her team are known for their friendly service, fast turnaround times, and community-minded approach. Ignite Printing helps local businesses and non-profits bring their ideas to life through signage, apparel, and promotional products, all with the intention to make printing easy and enjoyable. This allows entrepreneurs to focus on running their business with confidence.

Jenn’s commitment to innovation, customer service, and giving back to the community by offering free signage and materials to local non-profits makes her an outstanding example of Leeds Grenville small business excellence.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award and Inclusive Employer Award are initiatives of the St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership’s Employment & Settlement Working Group.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, now in its eleventh year, recognizes immigrant business owners whose determination and innovation strengthen our local economy and enrich our communities.

This year’s recipient is Trang Vu, Janine’s Gardens, Township of Augusta.

After immigrating to Canada from Vietnam in 2011, Trang worked tirelessly to rebuild her career, overcoming language barriers and starting from scratch to create new opportunities for her family. During the pandemic, she and her husband relocated from Toronto to rural Leeds and Grenville, where she co-founded Janine’s Gardens, a thriving year-round agricultural business producing microgreens, lettuce, and Asian greens through innovative hydroponic systems.

Trang’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to community have helped Janine’s Gardens grow into a well-respected local supplier for farmers’ markets, restaurants, and families. Her journey reflects the perseverance and innovation that immigrant entrepreneurs bring to our region, turning challenges into success and strengthening the local economy.

The Inclusive Employer Award, in its second year, was created to highlight and recognize local employers who strive to make their businesses welcoming and inclusive to local immigrant employees.

This year’s recipient is Alin & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants, Town of Prescott.

Allin & Associates exemplifies what it means to be an inclusive employer. With 50% of their team consisting of newcomers, they have created a workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and every employee feels valued and supported.

The company’s inclusive approach encompasses flexible scheduling for families, open communication across cultures, and mentorship to help newcomers succeed. They go beyond standard onboarding, helping new employees secure housing, adapt to small-town life, and access community resources. Their efforts have not only enriched their workplace culture but also demonstrated how small businesses can lead in fostering inclusivity and belonging.

St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership’s Employment & Settlement Working Group includes members from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, CSE Consulting, UCDSB Settlement Services, the Employment + Education Centre, and Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence–Rideau. Each of these organizations is dedicated to creating supportive business environments for newcomers.

With over 75 in attendance, the evening included a structured networking program to maximize interactions and presentations from Fraser Hardy on AI adoption, followed by Theo Graham speaking to how digital adoption has changed his strategic business approach.

Throughout the year, Leeds Grenville Small Business staff provide free consultations, tools, resources, events, and workshops to support small businesses in the region. For more information, visit the Small Business webpage.