Community Futures Grenville Supports Starter Company Plus Graduates

Prescott – Several outstanding entrepreneurs from Grenville County are celebrating a major milestone, graduating this year from two cohorts of the Starter Company Plus program and each receiving a $1,000 award from Community Futures Grenville to bring their business plans to life.

Delivered by Leeds Grenville Small Business, Starter Company Plus is a 16-week program that supports full-time business owners with expert guidance, training, mentorship, and access to grants of up to $5,000. The additional $1,000 from Community Futures Grenville recognizes the dedication and hard work these entrepreneurs have invested in growing their businesses.

In total, eight participants from the Community Futures Grenville service area completed the program across the 2025–2026 cohorts.

Community Futures Grenville, a not-for-profit organization supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has been helping local businesses grow since 1990 through financing, advisory services, and community economic development initiatives.

“These entrepreneurs have invested in themselves and strengthened their businesses through this program,” said Wendy Onstein, Chair of Community Futures Grenville. “They are now better prepared for success, and we’re proud to support them with this award as they turn their business plans into reality.”

The award recipients this year are:

Bre Audet-Martel, Nature’s Hum Clothing, a regenerative clothing line for women, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

Kathleen Greenwood, Design Symphony, a creative business offering screen-free art kits, workshops, and camps, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

Katie Malott, Epoch Acres, an organic farm and online food hub connecting communities with locally grown produce, eggs, and goods, Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal.

Sarah Nestor, The Nest Wellness, providing pelvic health physiotherapy and integrated family wellness services, Municipality of North Grenville.

Jennifer Slater, Hair She Goes, a boutique salon specializing in clean colour, advanced cutting, and personalized, eco-conscious hair services, Township of Augusta.

JD Van Allen, Eden’s Refuge, helping clients turn empty lawns and forgotten corners into beautiful, low-maintenance edible landscapes and community orchards, Town of Prescott.

Patricia VanderLaan, Saltastic Health and Wellness Spa, a community-focused holistic wellness centre offering salt therapy alongside meditation, breath work, restorative yoga, and alternative therapies, Municipality of North Grenville.

CF Grenville also recognizes Board Director Abby McIntyre, of Abby McIntyre Consulting, a Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal business providing strategic communications and governance advice, for completing the program. Directors are not eligible for cash awards.

Together, these graduates reflect the talent, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Grenville County. Community Futures Grenville is proud to celebrate their achievements and looks forward to seeing their businesses continue to thrive.