Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron proudly announces the successful completion of the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, celebrating the achievements of 12 entrepreneurs who advanced through the intensive training and pitch process. This year, 10 businesses were awarded a combined total of $36,500 in grant funding to support the start, expansion, or purchase of a business in Huron County.
Administered locally by the County of Huron, the Starter Company Plus program provides entrepreneurs with business training, advisory services, and the opportunity to compete for micro-grants of up to $5,000.
“Completion of this program represents significant hard work and commitment, immense creativity, and a true entrepreneurial spirit,” said Vicki Lass, Director of Economic Development. “We are proud of the dedication each participant demonstrated throughout the process.”
The 2025 intake drew record-high interest, with 47 applications received. Following interviews and consultation, 12 businesses were selected to begin the program in September. All 12 participants successfully completed the program’s rigorous components and presented their business pitches to the Grant Review Committee, comprised of respected local business leaders.
This year’s cohort reflects the strong entrepreneurial momentum within Huron County. Of the participating businesses, the program supported:
- 5 start-ups (operating less than one year)
- 7 business expansions
- A combined 15 jobs contributed to the local economy
To graduate from the Starter Company Plus program, participants were required to:
- Complete a 12-week training program, including coaching, mentoring, and business management workshops;
- Develop a comprehensive business plan, including SWOT and cash flow analysis;
- Deliver a formal business pitch to the Grant Review Committee.
“Participants noted that the tailored advisory support, educational workshops, networking opportunities, and financial literacy were instrumental in enhancing their business growth, development, and sustainability,” said Tricia Denomme, lead Business Advisor for the program. “We continue to be inspired by the innovation and drive of local entrepreneurs.”
2025 Starter Company Plus grant recipients include:
Bakery Bliss – Jessica Bromley (North Huron)
Bakery Bliss offers specialty crafted baking mixes that make homemade treats easy, accessible, and delicious. From fluffy cakes to golden scones, each mix is thoughtfully prepared with quality ingredients and simple instructions, allowing customers to enjoy fresh-from-the-oven results without the stress of baking from scratch. Bakery Bliss products are available at Penny’s of Blyth and Eat Local Huron in Goderich, as well as at pop-up events and seasonal markets across Huron County. Customers can also place pre-orders through the business’s Facebook page. Bakery Bliss received $2,000 for equipment and eCommerce development.
Bakewell – Terri-Lynn Schell (Central Huron)
Bakewell is a dedicated gluten-free bakery offering a wide selection of delicious, high-quality baked goods crafted in a safe, gluten-free environment. The menu features scones, muffins, cookies, bagels, buns, personal pizzas, and more – providing flavourful options for those with gluten sensitivities or seeking gluten-free alternatives. Bakewell products can be found at the Goderich BIA Farmers’ Market and the Stratford Sunday Market from May to October, as well as at pop-up events and seasonal markets across Huron County. Customers can also place pre-orders through the business’s Facebook page. Bakewell received $3,550 for equipment.
Barmy Tech – Sarah Strome (Huron East)
Barmy Tech provides custom apparel decoration, sewing services, and locally made canvas tote bag manufacturing. Offering embroidery, screen printing, and heat-transfer applications, the business supports both personal and commercial branding needs with high-quality, customizable products. Barmy Tech’s signature tote bags are crafted in Huron East from 100% natural, unbleached, and un-dyed cotton, creating durable, machine-washable, and environmentally conscious alternatives to mass-produced options. Sarah’s workmanship and ability to tailor products to individual needs reflect the company’s commitment to quality and creativity. Barmy Tech received $3,850 for equipment.
Breaking Bread Bake House – Esthera Catana (Central Huron)
Breaking Bread Bake House Facebook Page
Breaking Bread Bakehouse specializes exclusively in handcrafted sourdough, offering freshly baked loaves made with quality ingredients and traditional artisan methods. From classic sourdough to specialty varieties infused with flavourful additions, each loaf delivers warm, oven-fresh goodness straight to customers’ tables. Breaking Bread Bakehouse products are available at Elliott’s Liquidation in Clinton from Wednesday to Saturday, at pop-up events throughout Clinton and Huron County, and through pre-orders arranged via the business’s Facebook page. Breaking Bread received $3,850 for equipment.
Elgin House Interiors and Handyman Services – Jesse Gill (Goderich)
Elgin House Interiors and Handyman Services Facebook Page
Elgin House Interiors and Handyman Services provides professional carpentry, painting, and general home maintenance solutions for projects of any size. From installing light fixtures to completing minor repairs or refreshing interior spaces with a new coat of paint, Jesse offers reliable, skilled support to help homeowners enhance and maintain their living spaces. Customers can learn more or request services by calling 519-441-8167. Elgin House received $5,000 for a trailer.
Life on the Footstool – Karen Rylaarsdam (North Huron)
Life on a Footstool Facebook Page
Located at 249 Josephine Street in Wingham, Life on the Footstool provides supportive, enriching adult day programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through hands-on activities, skill-building opportunities, and meaningful community involvement, participants develop everyday living skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The business also offers special interest workshops and events that foster creativity, personal growth, and social connection. Life on the Footstool received $ 3,850 for signage and equipment.
Mena’s – Mena Menary (Huron East)
Mena’s is a mobile beverage bar serving a vibrant selection of non-alcoholic specialty iced coffees, dirty sodas, energy drinks, and mocktails – each crafted to deliver great flavour and uplifting energy. Mena’s can be found at pop-up events and seasonal markets across Huron County and is also available for bookings at private and special events. Mena’s received $3,850 for a trailer.
Oats and Honey Homestead – Kayla Adams (Howick)
Oats and Honey Homestead Website
Oats and Honey Homestead is a sixth-generation farm business that blends agricultural heritage with modern craftsmanship. The business produces premium honey, 15 flavours of creamed honey, and a line of natural skincare products made with simple, sustainable ingredients such as whipped tallow. All products are crafted in small batches, reflecting her commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. Oats and Honey Homestead products are available at several local retailers across Huron County, through seasonal markets and pop-up events, and online. Oats and Honey Homestead received $3,700 for equipment.
Salt Mine Creamery – Brayden Lisiecki and Chase Richardson (Goderich)
Salt Mine Creamery Facebook Page
Salt Mine Creamery produces handmade, gluten-free premium ice cream crafted locally in Huron County, with dairy-free and vegan options available to ensure everyone can enjoy a scoop. Their small-batch flavours are available at the Goderich BIA Farmers’ Market from May to October, at pop-up events and storefronts throughout the region, and through pre-orders on select dates. Customers can follow Salt Mine Creamery on Facebook for updates and upcoming locations. Salt Mine Creamery received $3,000 for equipment.
The Preserving Chef – Connor and Laura Flynn (Huron East)
The Preserving Chef blends culinary expertise with a passion for food education. Connor, a Red Seal Chef and certified Master Food Preserver, leads the instructional side of the business while Laura manages operations. Together, they empower individuals to explore home food preservation with confidence, creativity, and a stronger connection to the ingredients they use and the community that produces them. The Preserving Chef offers both in-person and online classes covering canning, fermentation, sourdough, culinary skills, and a variety of other preservation techniques. The Preserving Chef received $3,850 for equipment and marketing.
The County of Huron congratulates all program graduates and grant recipients and looks forward to supporting their continued success.
Enrollment for participation in the next intake of the Starter Company Plus program is open in July 2026. To learn more visit: www.HuronCounty.ca/economic-development
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Disclaimer: Participation in or support of local businesses featured through the Starter Company Program does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by the County of Huron. The County of Huron makes no guarantees regarding the quality, performance, or success of these businesses.