Applications Now Open for 2025 Starter Company Plus Program

Press Release – Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville)

The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the Summer/Fall 2025 intake of the Starter Company Plus program. Funded by the Ontario government, this dynamic program provides entrepreneurs with training, mentorship/coaching, and the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to help launch or grow their business.

“Starter Company Plus offers more than training—it empowers entrepreneurs to transform their vision and direction,” says Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre (SBAC). “We provide expert guidance, peer support, valuable connections, and possible funding.

The program is designed for entrepreneurs aged 18 and older who are launching a new business or expanding an existing one. It includes hands-on business training, individual mentoring, and business plan development, with the chance to receive a grant of up to $5,000 for qualified participants.

The centre is proud to recognize the following entrepreneurs from the most recent Spring 2025 intake:

• Quick Coat – Cole Gordon, Smiths Falls – www.quickcoat.ca
• Jabreezy’s Doughnuts – Jessica Bree, Smiths Falls – www.jabreezysdoughnuts.ca
• To The Moon and Back Almonte-Katrina Morrison, Almonte – www.tothemoonandbackalmonte.com
• Cedar and Light Yoga – Lindsey Lambden, Mississippi Mills – www.lindseylambden.com
• The Natural Tannery – Danielle Prophet, Maberly – www.thenaturaltannery.com
• Schofield Solutions Inc. – Amanda Schofield, Beckwith – schofieldsolutions@outlook.com
• Elizabeth Confections – Dale Robertson, Lanark Highlands – www.elizabethconfections.ca
• Trellis Mental Health Support Strategies – Beth O’Halloran, Almonte – www.trellishealth.ca

Participant Cole Gordon of Quick Coat shared: “The Starter Company Plus program has allowed me to work on my business instead of in it. The professional mentors/coaches ensured that this time was productive and focused on the exact areas of my business that needed attention.”

How to apply:

For more information and to apply, visit: www.smallbizcentre.ca/starter-company-plus/

About the Small Business Advisory Centre:

The Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville) is an Ontario government-funded initiative providing free advisory services to aspiring and current small business owners. Services include one-on-one business consultations, training sessions, and workshops throughout the year, www.smallbizcentre/events.