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RELEASE DATE:
December 15, 2025
Pembroke, (ON): The Starter Company Plus fall business training program recently concluded with six unique small businesses earning grant awards. This fast-track, intensive training program has proven to be transformational for entrepreneurs with new business ideas preparing to launch and owners of businesses that have been operating for five years or less.
Enterprise Renfrew County and program sponsor Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation are excited to welcome these businesses to the Starter Company Plus alumni! The following dedicated entrepreneurs received grant awards totaling $30,000:
- Steve Benoit, Benoit Anishinaabe Ventures (Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation)
- Laura Galenkamp, Lulo Gardens Inc. (Township of Bonnechere Valley)
- Tania Leclerc, Lost Loon Groundskeeping (Township of Horton)
- Sydney Montgomery, Flock’n Fleet Repair Inc. (Township of Whitewater Region)
- Matthew O’Leary, Remind Media Inc. (Township of Laurentian Valley)
- Kelsea Shore, Wool Witch Tattoo (Township of Horton)
“The program allowed me to take an optimistic idea and build it into a plan to make the business grow,” says Sydney Montgomery, Military Veteran and Co-Owner of Flock’n Fleet Repair. “My key takeaway is that pricing must be intentional and through the cash flow forecasting process calculated true costs of operating a business. I also learned, by meeting with the expert trainers and mentor. that it takes a village for a small business to succeed!”
Starter Company Plus provides three months of business coaching, business plan and cash flow projection development, mentoring and instruction from staff and professional trainers. 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.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying to the program are encouraged to contact 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.
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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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