The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre ( the "PREC") is proud to congratulate the entrepreneurs from the Prescott and Russell region who have received grants totalling $40,000 through the Starter Company Plus program.
Offered in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, this program supports entrepreneurs through a series of training workshops focused on key business topics:
- Clarity of the problem, the value proposition, and the offering;
- Understanding the ideal client and their journey;
- Customer engagement strategy;
- Financial foundations for new businesses;
- Developing your human capital;
- Networking and partnerships: building meaningful connections; and
- Agility and growth: planning for success and scaling up.
These workshops were presented by business coaches, Antoine Carrière (Entrepreneur Lifestyle Academy) and Marc Lecompte (Kwik Tax), who shared their expertise with enthusiasm and dedication. In addition to participating in the training sessions, the entrepreneurs developed their business plans and presented their projects in front of a selection committee in order to qualify for a $5,000 grant. Louis Béland, Éric Charlebois, Raymond Brisebois, Marc Lecompte, and Georges Stéphane Nana were part of this committee.
"As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell and Parliamentary Assistant to the Associate Minister of Small Business as well to the Minister of Francophone Affairs, I am proud to support the Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre, along with the entire network of Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres. It is truly inspiring to see our region thrive thanks to programs like this, which empower small businesses to grow, innovate, and contribute to our local economy," said Stéphane Sarrazin.
“Having been an entrepreneur myself in various sectors, I understand the challenges of starting or growing a business. That is why the Entrepreneurship Centre, with its programs, support, and grants, is an essential ally for anyone looking to start a business. Not to mention, it is more important than ever to support our local and regional businesses. Every time I buy a local product or use a Canadian service, I am proud to contribute to our economy,” said Yves Laviolette, Warden of the Council of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.
This financial support will allow entrepreneurs to make purchases in equipment and merchandise, to invest in marketing, or to cover certain costs related to launching or expanding their businesses. “This program goes beyond the funding; it offers entrepreneurs a supportive space to grow, gain confidence, and connect with others going through a similar journey. We are proud to be part of a community that invests in its entrepreneurs and believes in their potential to drive local success,” said Liza Langevin, Project Officer at the PREC.
The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre is pleased to announce the eight entrepreneurs who received a grant, through the Starter Company Plus program, this year:
- Marc Dion – Marc of-all-Trades (Russell);
- Valérie Bédard – Studio Paramédical (Hawkesbury);
- Guy Mayer – Mayer Industrial Warriors (Hawkesbury);
- Donna Guerin – Le Saphir esthétique (L’Orignal);
- Laura Beauchesne – Soil & Green (Vankleek Hill);
- Edwige Agoi Colette Ainhin – IEI Collections (Wendover);
- Kelly Bragg – Ruby Treats (Alfred); and
- Jordan Brookes – Digital Memoirs Canada (St-Isidore).
ABOUT THE STARTER COMPANY PLUS PROGRAM
The Starter Company Plus program offers financial support and learning opportunities for launching a new business, growing an existing one, or purchasing a business. A new intake period for the program will begin in the summer of 2025. For more information, please visit https://en.prescott-russell.on.ca/invest/entrepreneurship_centre/our_programs.
ABOUT THE PRESCOTT AND RUSSELL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE (PREC)
The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (PREC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized business (SME) owners in the region. As a Small Business Enterprise Centre, the PREC provides entrepreneurs with the essential tools they need to start and grow their businesses.