Celebrating Small Business Success Through Starter Company Plus

Prescott – Entrepreneurs across Leeds Grenville are celebrating an important milestone as they graduate from the Starter Company Plus program, an initiative that helps small businesses launch, strengthen and grow their operations.

Over the past several months, participants completed training in essential business fundamentals, including business planning, marketing, and financial management. Through the program, graduates were also eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to support startup or expansion costs.

The four-month program combines group learning sessions with guidance from business advisors, along with mentorship opportunities from experienced local professionals. These supports help entrepreneurs build confidence and resiliency as they establish and grow their businesses within the region.

Graduates from the most recent cohort, along with mentors, community supporters, and local dignitaries, gathered at Prescott Town Hall on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to celebrate their achievements. This year’s cohort represents a variety of sectors, including service-based businesses, trades, and creative industries, with participants located throughout Leeds Grenville.

The event highlighted the continued growth of small businesses across Leeds Grenville and recognizes the dedication of participants who are contributing to a strong and diverse local economy.

The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Province of Ontario with additional support from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville. The Small Business and Economic Development staff also provide ongoing support through free consultations, resources, events, and workshops, helping local entrepreneurs to connect, learn, grow, and strengthen their presence within the region’s business network.

The graduating participants, listed by Municipality are as follows:

Township of Augusta:

• Jennifer Slater, Hair She Goes is a boutique salon specializing in clean colour, advanced cutting, and personalized, eco-conscious hair services, built on over 20 years of experience and a commitment to quality and client care.

City of Brockville:

• Bianca Timmerman, Queen Bee’s Cafe is a mobile specialty beverage business serving handcrafted espresso drinks, matcha, teas, and seasonal offerings at markets, weddings, festivals, and private events.
• Heather Savage, Creative Practice Art & Wellness Studio is a community-based studio in downtown Brockville offering art and wellness programming for youth, adults, and seniors, supporting creative expression, mental health, and social connection.

Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal:

• Abby McIntyre, Abby McIntyre Consulting provides strategic communications and governance advisory, helping public-serving organizations align leadership, messaging, and operations to navigate complex challenges with clarity and credibility.
• Katie Malott, Epoch Acres is an organic farm and online food hub connecting communities with locally grown produce, eggs, and goods through a collaborative network of farmers and an innovative multi-farm marketplace.
• Kathleen Greenwood, Design Symphony is a creative business offering screen-free art kits, workshops, and camps that foster confidence, mindfulness, and connection, while giving back through its Create It Forward initiative.

Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley:

• Nick Weymouth, Weymouth Machine Works specializes in precision machining, machine restoration, and custom components, delivering high-quality, tight-tolerance solutions with responsive service and fast turnaround times.
• Brian Healy, Accent Landscape Services Inc. provides year-round property maintenance, including lawn care, landscaping, and snow clearing, with a focus on reliable service and planned growth across Eastern Ontario.
• Saria LaRocque, MerkaMa Rejuvenations provides mobile esthetic and wellness services focused on hygienic, compassionate care, especially for seniors, care facility residents, caregivers, and frontline workers.

Township of Front of Yonge:

• Alison Gibson, A 1000 Ways is a tour company offering curated small-group travel experiences that connect visitors with local food, culture, and artisans across South Eastern Ontario while supporting regional tourism and economic development.

Municipality of North Grenville:

• Patricia VanderLaan, Saltastic Salt Rooms & Wellness Spa is a community-focused holistic wellness centre offering salt therapy (halotherapy) alongside meditation, breathwork, restorative yoga, and alternative therapies to support physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• Sarah Nestor, The Nest Wellness is a wellness centre providing pelvic health physiotherapy and integrated family wellness services, offering accessible, holistic care while fostering strong community connection.

The Starter Company Plus program moves ahead with a once-a-year enrollment opportunity for those who are launching, in their early stages of operation, or are looking to expand their business.

The Counties’ Small Business and Economic Development staff continue to offer free consultations, resources, events, and workshops, assisting local entrepreneurs to continue to learn, grow and foster their presence within the region’s business network.