Huron County is celebrating the recipients of its Starter Company Plus grants.
The program provides business training, mentoring and grant opportunities of up to $5000 to start, expand or buy a small business.
The recent intake saw 8 businesses complete the program with $24,500 in grant dollars being dished out.
The 2023 intake for the program received 27 applications and after interviews and consultations, 20 businesses entered the 12 week training program. 17 graduates hit the program with 16 businesses pitching for the grant.
2023 was a big year for the Starter Company Plus program with 13 start ups, 4 expansions and 35 jobs added to the local economy.
2023 Starter Company Plus grant funding recipients include:
• Capella Meadows – Edda Boettcher, Brussels (Huron East)
Capellameadows.ca
Capella Meadows is a small, certified organic, family farm producing high
quality artisan cheese from happy goats. Grant funding will be used to offset
the purchase of cream cheese filler equipment, allowing them to expand their
product line.
• Decisolve – Justin Brunner, Brucefield (Bluewater)
Decisolve’s flagship platform, Assist, transforms emergency training by offering
an automated, intuitive workflow to aid training officers and educators in
orchestrating and executing practical training drills. Assist distinguishes itself
with its unique AI capabilities, to generate realistic scenarios mirroring actual
emergencies. Decisolve will use the grant funding to purchase trade show
booth items that will be used at industry events across North America.
• Elevations by Lindsay – Lindsay Skinn, Goderich (Goderich)
Elevations by Lindsay – Facebook Page
Elevations Hair Studio has established itself as a reputable salon in the local
community, providing exceptional hair care services, specifically with hair
extensions, hair additions and precision haircuts for their valued guests. The
grant funding will be used to develop a training program that will teach others
the skill of extensions to support increasing demand.
• Gifts to Britain – Jess Bickell, Exeter (South Huron)
GiftstoBritain.com
Serving customers since 1974, Gifts to Britain offers an easy and cost-effective
way for people in Canada and the U.S. to send gift baskets, jewelry, and flowers
to friends, family, and business associates in the U.K. The grant funding will be
used for a social media campaign to increase awareness of the service in the
United States.
• Great Lakes Property Management – MacDonald Laplante, Goderich (ACW)
Greatlakesesec.com
Great Lakes Property Management offers estate cleanout services, residential
and yard cleanup, decluttering, and assistance with downsizing. Free estimates
are also provided. The grant funding will be used to purchase a storage
container which will allow them to increase services.
• Mister Pristine – Mark Scrimgeour, Londesborough (Central Huron)
MisterPristine.ca
Mister Pristine Cleaning is a small business that specializes in providing
commercial and residential cleaning services. They are committed to offering
eco-friendly cleaning solutions, exceptional customer service, and a tailored
approach to meet each client’s unique cleaning needs. Mister Pristine will use
the grant funds to purchase a commercial floor cleaner.
• Old Railway Popcorn Company – Joleen Krebs, Clinton (Central Huron)
OldRailwayPopcorn.caOld Railway Popcorn Company produces popcorn that is the perfect snack for any occasion. Grown locally in Huron County, this popcorn is grown with utmost
care and attention for quality. This company focuses on providing a unique
product and grows popcorn with a variety of kernel colours. Additionally, this
business also offers pre-popped and pre-packaged classic kettle corn for sale to
consumers, to provide a value-added product. Grant funds will be used to
purchase equipment that will increase efficiencies.
• Suncoast Canvas – Craig Wark, Goderich (ACW)
Suncoast-canvas.com.
Suncoast Canvas is a custom canvas fabricator providing high quality, creative
solutions for protecting boat owners, their families, and their boats. Grant
funding will support sewing machine repair training to reduce delays in service
delivery.