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RELEASE DATE:
February 9, 2026
Pembroke, (ON): Are you an entrepreneur ready to start a new business, expand or purchase an existing business in the County of Renfrew or City of Pembroke? Enterprise Renfrew County (ERC) is seeking applicants motivated to participate in the 2026 Starter Company Plus program.
Starter Company Plus provides three months of business coaching, business plan and cash flow projection development, mentoring and instruction from staff and professional trainers. This intensive training program has proven to be transformative for entrepreneurs with new business ideas and owners of businesses that have been operating for five years or less. At the end of the program there is an opportunity for participants to compete, by pitching their business plan, for a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 to be applied to their business operations. New for 2026 is an extended training period by a few weeks to expand learning opportunities and a single spring program intake (no fall intake) to accommodate program enhancements.
“When I first thought about launching Remind Media, I was focused on the vision – not the business plan or the financials,” says Matthew O’Leary, Founder of Remind Media Inc., a previous program participant. “The Starter Company Plus program forced me to think like a business owner, not just a creative. The grant funding also played a major role in reducing start-up pressure. It allowed me to invest in materials and services that I wouldn’t have been able to afford on my own, helping me launch with confidence.”
Virtual information sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursday, April 9, from 1-2 p.m. Participants must attend one Information Session to be eligible to apply to the program. The deadline for applications for the 2026 intake is Friday, April 17, 2026.
Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to email Heather Inwood-Montrose, Small Business Advisor, or sign-up by visiting www.enterpriserenfrewcounty.com/starter-company-plus.
Enterprise Renfrew County is a non-profit organization funded by the Government of Ontario, County of Renfrew, Town of Renfrew and the City of Pembroke. Its mandate is to encourage and contribute to the enterprising spirit and economic development of Renfrew County by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing companies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heather Inwood-Montrose Small Business Advisor 613-735-8224
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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