18th Starter Company Plus 2024 Launched on Wednesday Night

Brockville – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville – Small Business launched its 18th Starter Company Plus on Wednesday, November 13th at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville office in Brockville.

This will be the 18th cohort in 10 years and will support 9 entrepreneurs by providing them with a solid foundation to grow their businesses. The 9 local companies from North Grenville to the Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands are currently training on the fundamentals of business, creating a business plan and understanding cash flows.

Once the initial training is complete, they will have the opportunity to pitch to a local panel of business volunteers for a grant of up to $5,000. which can be applied to various investments in their business.

The successful recipients of the grant will go on to receive coaching and mentorship.

Starter Company Plus is funded by the Province of Ontario along with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville. Throughout the year, Counties Small Business staff provide free consultations, tools, resources, events, and workshops to support small businesses in the region.

2024 Starter Company Plus participants are:

Sean Crozier, Unique Auto Accents, the City of Brockville, offers the sale and installation of roof and bike racks, tonneau covers and cargo boxes. The business plans to expand into the installation of trailer hitches, 5th wheel and Gooseneck hitches once a hoist is installed.

The business is currently situated off of California Avenue. Visit the website at https://uniqueautoaccents.ca/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/uniqueautoaccents/

David Goodknecht, DG Landscaping, the City of Brockville, provides customized, personal lawn care services in Brockville and the surrounding area. He has a warm, jovial personality that emphasizes his commitment to a personal touch. You can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/landscapewithdave/

Heather McLean, The Crafty Potter, City of Brockville, is a pottery studio offering open studio time for experienced potters to come to work independently in a community setting, as well as offering courses and workshops for beginners. The atmosphere is warm and creative.

You can check out the class schedule at https://www.thecraftypotter.ca/and follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecraftypotterbrockville/

Paige Morgan, Esthetics by Paige, City of Brockville, provides esthetics services to clients from her space at the Wedgewood in Brockville. Her services include relaxation massages, pedicures and manicures. Her goals are to make her clients feel at ease and pampered. To book an appointment https://esthetics-by-paige-101110.square.site/ and on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/esthetics_bypaige/

Judy Oomen, Oomen’s Fishing Tackle, Town of Prescott, sells top quality brand name fishing tackle along with hunting products that are not offered at other local stores. Judy Oomen, who has over 30 years of recreational fishing experience, along with 12 years of competitive fishing, has the knowledge and expertise to know what kind of fishing products both experienced and novice fishing enthusiasts will need to enjoy their fishing experience.

She is very passionate about the sport. Learn more at https://oomensfishingtackle.ca/ and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oomensfishingtackle

Jeff Robinson, Robinson Psychotherapy, Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley, helps men, youth, and their families achieve emotional wellness and improve life quality through effective and compassionate mental health treatment. Robinson Psychotherapy offers specialized, evidence-based psychotherapy and psychometric assessments. Services include traditional in-office therapy, virtual sessions, psychometric testing (e.g., ADHD, forensic risk), and unique “Walk and Talk” sessions that appeal to clients who may find conventional settings intimidating.

Jeff has over 15 years of experience in treating some of the most complex cases in Ontario. You can find out more at https://robinsonpsychotherapy.ca/

Robert Salm, Setanta Solutions, Municipality of North Grenville, specializes in IT support, procurement, training, and security services for the small-medium business market.

The company is distinguished by its commitment to “old-fashioned values” such as availability, approachability, and care. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including onsite and remote training, procurement installation, support, security, and vCITO services.

They also bundle services to streamline billing and enhance service delivery. To inquire about services email Robert at rsalm@setanta.ca and you can follow Setanta at https://www.facebook.com/SetantaInc

Mathew Twigg, 1000 Islands Cyclery, City of Brockville, is a vibrant business dedicated to enhancing the cycling experience in the 1000 Islands Region. Founded and owned by Mat Twigg, an avid cyclist and certified spin instructor, the company offers a unique blend of services that include a spin studio, mobile bicycle maintenance & repairs, and rental bikes.

The business aims to provide accessible and high-quality cycling solutions for both fitness enthusiasts to casual riders. You can reach Mat at https://www.1000islandscyclery.ca/ or by email info@1000islandscyclery.com

Chantal-Christine Valkenborg, CC Weddings, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Lansdowne, plans and coordinates bespoke weddings and events in and around Leeds Grenville, Kingston, Ottawa, and Prince Edward County. Chantal is certified by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and has over 15 years of event planning experience.

The services currently being offered are engagements, pop-up weddings, micro-weddings, wedding day coordination, and partial, and full planning support. Visit her at https://www.ccwe.ca/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ccweddingsevents