Supporting Local Dreams: $40,000 Awarded to 10 Entrepreneurs

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

The Small Business Advisory Centre, serving Smiths Falls, Lanark County and northern Leeds Grenville, is pleased to announce that 10 entrepreneurs from across the region have been awarded a total of $40,000 in funding through the Starter Company Plus program. 

Funded by the Government of Ontario, this program equips business owners with essential training, mentorship, and microgrants of up to $5,000—helping them start, expand, and strengthen their businesses.

“It’s inspiring to support such passionate and driven entrepreneurs throughout our region,” said Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville). “Their commitment to building strong, sustainable businesses reflects the growing energy and resilience of our local business community.”

Through initiatives like Starter Company Plus, the Small Business Advisory Centre continues to foster economic growth, support innovation, and empower entrepreneurs to succeed locally.

Erin Kentfield, owner of a new bridal boutique in Almonte, 88 and Ivory, shared what the impact of the program has meant for her business: “As entrepreneurs, we are all so full of great ideas. Having multiple entrepreneurs under one roof was thought-provoking and inspiring. Although I’ve been a business owner before, this program was a great reminder of how there is always room to learn more. I am so appreciative of all the tools and resources we were provided which will help my business flourish.”

Meet the winter/spring 2026 grant recipients:

Photo above, front row (from left):

• Berry’s Eavestrough – Matthew Berry, Montague, ON (https://berryseavestrough.com/)
• Complete Oral Wellness – Shannon Maitland, Carleton Place, ON (www.completeoralwellness.com)
• Brightspace Psychotherapy – Chandan Singh-Beatty, Carleton Place, ON (https://brightspacepsychotherapy.ca/)
• The Book’s Better – Jennifer Levac, Smiths Falls, ON (https://booksbetter.wixsite.com/the-book-s-better)

Back row (from left):

• Junibel’s Bakery – Chelsey Mohns, Montague, ON  (https://www.junibelsbakery.ca/)
• ECOBOU – Robyn Boynton, Perth, ON  (www.ecoboushop.com)
• The Dusty Rose Boutique– Carlie Hamilton, Perth, ON    (www.thedustyroseboutique.ca)
• Poppy’s – Tara St. Louis, Perth, ON   (@poppysperth on Instagram)
• 88 and Ivory- Erin Kentfield, Almonte, ON   (www.88andivory.com)
• Anya Perry, Maple Music Studios, Merrickville, ON   (https://maplemusicstudios.ca/)

About the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/North Leeds Grenville)

The SBAC provides free business advisory services to aspiring and existing small business owners. As a Government of Ontario initiative supported by the Town of Smiths Falls, the County of Lanark, and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Centre offers one-on-one consultations, business workshops, webinars, and programs throughout the year. Visit www.smallbizcentre.ca to learn more or contact us to book an appointment.