The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (the “PREC”) is proud to announce the eight entrepreneurs who received grants totalling $40,000 as part of the 2026 cohort of the Starter Company Plus program.
Offered in partnership with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) and funded by the Government of Ontario, the program supports entrepreneurs in launching, purchasing, or growing their businesses.
Over the past few months, participants attended a series of workshops covering topics such as identifying the ideal customer, value proposition, marketing, innovation, negotiation, and financial fundamentals. These sessions were led by business coaches Antoine Carrière (Entrepreneur Lifestyle Academy), Marc Lecompte (Kwik Tax), Éric Charlebois (Apprends et entreprends), and Vicky Papineau (Gold Centre Coaching), who shared their expertise with energy and dedication.
The entrepreneurs developed and then presented their business plans to a selection committee composed of Nicolas Malboeuf (Prescott and Russell Development Corporation), Kathy Chaumont (Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien), Georges Stephane Nana (Centre d’établissement, de soutien et d’orientation communautaire), Renée Gendron (PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise), and Véronique Dupont (Employment Services Centre).
“Having been an entrepreneur myself, this program resonates with me personally. I know how important support, mentorship, and guidance are during the early stages of a project. I understand the challenges, but most of all, I understand the pride and satisfaction that comes when an idea turns into a successful business. To the recipients, continue to take bold steps, to innovate, and to believe in your projects. Your success is also the success of our entire community,” mentioned Stéphane Sarrazin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell and Parliamentary Assistant to the Associate Minister of Small Business and to the Minister of Francophone Affairs.
“I would like to congratulate the recipients of this cohort. You have chosen to invest your time, energy, and expertise here in our region, convinced that it is a place worth building in. Every business established in our region plays an essential role in creating jobs, strengthening our local economy, and helping build strong, dynamic, and resilient communities. I would also like to recognize the remarkable work of the PREC. Thank you to the partners who contribute to the success of this program,” said Mario Zanth, 2026 UCPR Warden.
The PREC is pleased to present the eight entrepreneurs who received a grant through this year’s Starter Company Plus program:
- Brandon Roussel – Fresh Vues (Hawkesbury)
- Destiny Lavoie – Clean Touch (Embrun)
- Lyane Pennell – HIRA A Centre for Wellness Inc. (Russell)
- Josée Dupuis – Willow Creek Gypsies (Hammond)
- Ikram Ahmed – Siti Organic Skin (Embrun)
- Tanya Dery – Box Homes (Bourget)
- Erin Gurski – Copyrightlaws.com (Russell)
- Kerry Smith – ApotheKerry & Co. (Russell)
The financial support will allow these entrepreneurs to invest in equipment, inventory, marketing initiatives, and other needs related to the growth of their businesses.
“Entrepreneurs play an essential role in the economic vitality of our region. Thanks to this program, they are able to develop their ideas and access resources that will help them grow their businesses. It is a privilege to see their projects take shape within our community,” mentioned Liza Langevin, Project Officer at the PREC.