Inspiring Entrepreneurship
Provides training, mentoring, and grant opportunities up to $5,000 for eligible entrepreneurs (18+) to start, expand or buy a small business.
Next intake Spring 2027!
OSBAC programs and services are delivered locally by Enterprise Renfrew County and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.​
Thank you for your interest in the Starter Company Plus business development training program. The 2026 training session has concluded.
Please note that the Starter Company Plus program has transitioned to a single annual intake. We encourage you to join the contact list below to ensure you receive and invite to the next information session and application opportunity!​​​​​​
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Generously Sponsored by:
Grant Award Recipients 2026
Enterprise Renfrew County is pleased to announce Starter Company Plus training has now concluded for 2026.
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This transformative business development program sponsored by Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation, guides small business owners through creating a full business plan and two years of cash flow projections with opportunity to compete through a business pitch for grant awards.
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To complete this program takes dedication, motivation, and perseverance! These 16 stand-out businesses were awarded grants totalling $80,000 in 2026:
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Town of Arnprior
David Meek – Mainbrace Studio – https://mainbracestudio.com
Tina Thompson – Temple 13 – https://temple13.com
Town of Deep River
Carolyn Mathews – Daisy's Butterfly – https://www.facebook.com/daisysbutterfly
Salina Vanderhorn – Saturday Morning Books & Analog –https://shopsaturdaymorning.ca
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Township of Laurentian Valley
Rebecca Paulson – Winter Fresh Harvest – (website under development)
Riley Thatcher – Valley Hair Artistry – https://www.facebook.com/valleyhairartistry
Town of Petawawa
Jolene Kellsey – In Fine Fettle – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586649195048
Valerie Proulx – The Blushing Reader – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592639969690
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Township of Madawaska Valley
Sarah Blakeney Malo – Seed and Stone Farmstead – https://seedandstonefarmstead.ca
Township of McNab/Braeside
Alice Banks – Alice Alishka Yarn Cake – https://alicealishka.com
Oliver Richards – Boa Engineering Inc. – https://www.boaengineering.ca
Dereck Wilson – Start 2 Finishes Construction – (website under development)
Township of Whitewater Region
Melissa Jardine Ridley – Natures Vesta Holistic Nursing – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593271132969
City of Pembroke
Matthew Chalifoux – Peak Digital Partners – https://peakdigitalpartners.net
Marina Neville – Neville Mediation – https://www.nevillemediation.ca
Stephanie Williamson – Beautifully Balanced Books – https://www.beautifullybalancedbooks.ca
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Testimonials
'Starter Company Plus has offered me and my small business an amazing opportunity, not just the chance to compete for a grant - but to learn, grow and hone my abilities to operate as a small business owner. I would recommend any new entrepreneur to this program and would even go as far to say it is a MUST before you launch!'
Alexis
"The Starter Company Plus program was incredibly beneficial for me as a new business owner. It provided a wealth of information on integrating legal aspects, taxes, marketing strategies, and business planning. This comprehensive program was extremely helpful in identifying areas where I still need to grow and focus on building my business successfully. The program equipped me with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of starting, running and building a business and I am truly grateful for the guidance and support, the entirety of the program provided. Big thanks for this incredible program for our growing community of entrepreneurs!"
Noelle
'As someone who didn't put in quite enough time into the program and who didn't have a clear vision at the start of the program, I still found the whole program incredibly useful. I may not have pitched but the info, advice and other stories from everyone has given me a clear vision for where I want to take my business. Highly recommend this program!'
Connor
Program Details
Starter Company PLUS participants in training write a full business plan, complete two years of cash-flow projections, complete sessions with insurance, legal, and accounting experts, and have opportunity to compete through a pitch for a grant of up to $5,000 to start, grow or purchase their business.
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Please Note: The award portion of the program is a competition; Not every applicant will receive a grant.
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Applicants can only compete for the grant during the time frame of their application and acceptance into the Starter Company Plus program.
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Applicants must be a resident of the County of Renfrew and the business must be based in and operating within the County of Renfrew.
Information Session Dates:
Please check the workshop calendar for info session dates and registrations or register below for an info session. Typically sessions are offered in the spring. All meetings and training sessions are held online via Teams.
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Mandatory Training Dates
To take part in the Starter Company PLUS Program you must be available to attend business training. All training will take place remotely via Teams. You must have Microsoft Office Suite to access program training templates and will require @gmail address to access google classroom.
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Application Process
- Choose a time and attend an Information Session
- Submit the application form (will be provided after attending an Information Session)
- Participate in a one-on-one telephone interview
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- If accepted into the training portion of the program, applicants must:
- Submit and sign an application form electronically
- Submit and sign a learning agreement
- Provide a copy of a business registration
- Write a business plan that includes two years cash-flow projections
- Attend all business training sessions
- Follow a personal learning plan
- Attend all sessions and complete all requirements to earn a pitch opportunity
- Applicants competing for the grant must provide 25% proof of financial contribution
- To compete for the business grant, you must prepare and pitch a fifteen minute presentation
to the Grant Review Committee.
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*Successful grant recipients will continue with an additional two month coaching and reporting period. All program participants may access individualized business coaching post program.
To discuss the program and ask any questions call at: 613.735.8224 or EMAIL ercinfo@countyofrenfrew.on.ca
