Huron County, Ontario – The Starter Company Plus program, administered locally by the County of Huron, provides business training, mentoring, and grant opportunities for up to $5,000 for eligible participants to start, expand, or buy a small business. The 2021 fall Starter Company Plus program saw the highest participation levels in the history of the program with 10 participants. Four of these participants were successful in obtaining Starter Company Plus funding, totaling $15,000.
“The partnerships and business collaborations that have formed as result of the Starter Company Plus program are invaluable,” said Director of Economic Development, Vicki Lass. “Use of facilities, retail events, cross promotions, group tours of local wineries and restaurants, and sharing of products and services are a few highlights of the opportunities that have occurred during this program and from these budding entrepreneurs.”
To graduate from the Starter Company Plus program, each participant has successfully:
- Completed a 15-week training program that includes coaching, mentoring, and workshops covering all aspects of business management;
- Completed a business plan;
- Performed a SWOT and cash flow analysis;
- And presented a business pitch to the Grant Review Committee, comprised of respected business community representatives.
Participants were paired with Digital Service Squad experts to improve their use of digital technologies and enhance their online presence. Graduates of the program continue to have ongoing access to the business services offered through the Huron County Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC).
Congratulations to the ten graduates of the fall 2021 Starter Company Plus program, and Huron County’s newest business owners!
Advanced Block Corporation
advancedblockconstruction.com
Changing Gears (1)
changinggearsadventures.ca
Crichet Handmade Designs
crichethandmadedesigns.ca/
Farmhouse Treasures
Farmhouse-Treasures/facebook
Lake Affect Media
nick4233.wixsite.com/lake-affect-media
Little Bluestem Cottage
littlebluestemcottage.ca
Simply Divine Essentials
simplydivineessentials.net
Sole Purpose – Essential Foot Care (2)
facebook.com/julie.grimminck
To Your Table (3)
facebook.com/toyourtable.bykimberley
Weber Appliance Repair (4)
weberappliancerepairs.com
2022 Starter Company Plus funding recipients:
- Changing Gears to help develop eco-conscious, health and safety travel kits for participants.
- Sole Purpose – Essential Foot Care to purchase an autoclave.
- To Your Table for the purchase of a commercial fridge.
- Weber Appliance Repair towards the Gas Fitting training and certification.
To learn more, visit: www.HuronCounty.ca/economic-development
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