The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (PREC) and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, enabled the start-up of six businesses during the summer of 2024. During the initial stages of their business creation, the young entrepreneurs were supported by the PREC’s Summer Company program, which provides start-up funding and mentoring sessions presented by professionals.
The beneficiaries of the Summer Company 2024 program were Dahlianne Waugh, Palace Pete, Benjamin Parent, Élissa Houle, Jacob Massicotte, and William Fiset. They have all successfully completed their entrepreneurial projects. The students participated in meetings with mentors Marc Lecompte (Kwik Tax) and Louis Béland (Eastern Ontario Training Board), who generously offered advice and knowledge, as well as shared their business experiences.
“We are proud to have such a fine group of up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the region. The participants were fortunate to receive support during their business start-up phase. They were able to demonstrate leadership and acquire important business skills,” said Liza Langevin, Project Officer for the PREC.
Under Summer Company, students returning to school the following academic year receive a grant of up to $3,000 to support their business start-up project.
LEVAC RENOVATION – WILLIAM FISET
William Fiset, along with his two friends Jolan Nadeau and Alex Levac, started a small renovation business, Levac Renovation. All students from the Embrun area, they joined forces to offer construction services. Resourceful and unafraid of a job well done, the three students have distinguished themselves through their renovation skills and strong work ethic.
HERO EXPERT – ÉLISSA HOULE
Élissa Houle is a 22-year-old student from L’Orignal. Covering the entire Prescott and Russell region, Élissa has enjoyed great success this summer with her in-home swimming lessons. The goal of her company, Hero Expert, is to teach young people essential skills so they can swim safely. With her certifications, she has provided an important service to the community by teaching children as well as people with special needs. She will continue to offer her services next summer and is already thinking of expanding her business due to high demand.
MASSCLEAN – JACOB MASSICOTTE
Jacob Massicotte is an 18-year-old student from Hawkesbury. Entrepreneurial by nature, Jacob launched a small residential and commercial window cleaning business. His company, MassClean, has been successful, thanks to a contract to clean windows in some local schools. Jacob has equipped himself with quality equipment to achieve better results.
THE WOOD NOOK – BENJAMIN PARENT
Benjamin Parent is a 16-year-old student from East Hawkesbury with a passion for crafts. Skilled with his hands, he began making wooden objects and furniture at home. Proud to serve his community with his small business, The Wood Nook, Benjamin has distinguished himself through his originality and creativity.
ALL CLEAN CARS CLUB – PALACE PETE
Palace Pete is a 19-year-old from Vankleek Hill and a car enthusiast. With an eye for cleanliness, he started a small business offering car detailing services. He provides interior and exterior vehicle cleaning services. Palace is proud of the quality of his services when his customers are pleased. Despite his return to school, he will continue his small business called All Clean Cars Club.
DOG WAUGHKERS – DAHLIANNE WAUGH
Dahlianne Waugh is an 18-year-old student from Clarence Creek. Passionate about animals and their well-being, she will be studying veterinary medicine in 2024. Her love of animals gave her the idea of starting a dog-walking business, Dog Waughkers. Dahlianne persevered over the summer and was able to diversify her services by adding pet sitting.
The PREC is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs thrive in Prescott and Russell. It offers training, tools, and support during the start-up and growth phases of local small businesses.