Region’s Small Business Programs Fuel Entrepreneurial Growth

Prescott – Summer Company and Starter Company Plus officially launched the start of their 2026 program journeys on the evening of Thursday, June 11 at the Prescott Town Hall Grand Room.

Dignitaries, mentors, program supporters, and community partners gathered to celebrate and welcome youth and adult entrepreneurs participating in this year’s programs through the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Small Business division.

“These programs continue to create opportunities for entrepreneurs across Leeds Grenville to build confidence, develop valuable business skills, and bring new ideas to life,” says Carol Hardy, Program Manager. “It’s inspiring to see participants take the first steps toward growing businesses that contribute to the strength and vitality of our local economy.”

Summer Company gives local youth the opportunity to start and operate their own businesses during the summer months. Successful applicants receive a grant up to $3,000, business training, and ongoing mentorship throughout the program.

This year’s Summer Company participants include:

Township of Augusta:

• Lexi Belanger, Nature Nook
• Owen O’Brien, Splash Squad

City of Brockville:

• Austin Ogilvie, River City Yardworks

Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley:

• Ava Andress, Next Rep

Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands:

• Cooper Hedderson, Peak Landscaping & Lawncare

Municipality of North Grenville:

• Forrest Swale, Forrest Fotography

Starter Company Plus participants receive training in core business fundamentals, develop business plans, and learn how to manage cash flow. Participants pitch their ideas to a panel of local business leaders and mentors for the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $5,000. Grant recipients also benefit from personalized coaching and ongoing mentorship.

This year’s Starter Company Plus participants include:

Township of Athens:

• Sarah Benning, EPICut Inc.

Township of Augusta:

• Thane Robyn, Thriving Creek Farm

City of Brockville:

• Aiko Mackie, Pau Hana Coffee Inc.
• Cara Dixon, The Unapologetic Femme
• Nihal Birden, CycleSpan Health Inc
• Siobhan Mullen, Aluminators Eastern Ontario
• Tatiana Nedecheva, The Locks Therapy Centre Inc
• Tyler Holmes, POOHDINI

Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal:

• Tim Markus, The Bedrock Depot

Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley:

• Candice Berseth, French Touch of Colour
• Lauren Hurley, Nurturing Roots Consulting

Township of Front of Yonge:

• Ian Burnett, I.S.B. Tree Consulting and Care Ltd.

Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands:

• Karen Lowry, Rideau Fit Co.

Municipality of North Grenville:Small

• Emily Grant, Emily Grant
• Kiera Maguire, Maguire Wellness
• Shannon Thompson, The Shanry Collective

Both programs are designed to support entrepreneurship through training and funding opportunities that help participants launch and grow successful businesses. Entrepreneurs completing the programs gain practical skills, industry connections, and resources that strengthen both their businesses and the regional economy.

Throughout the year, Leeds Grenville Small Business staff provide free consultations, business resources, workshops, and events to support entrepreneurs across the region. These programs are funded by the Province of Ontario, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Brockville.

Find out more at: Leeds Grenville Small Business.