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, have helped four students launch their business in 2023. These businesses were supported by the Summer Company program, which offers financial support as well as mentoring sessions with local professionals during the startup phase.
The recipients of the Summer Company 2023 program are Asha Thaleshvar, Vashuki Murugesapillai, Jordan Vick and Anabel Lamarche. They have successfully carried out their respective entrepreneurial project. The students took part in meetings with mentors Marc Lecompte (Kwik Tax) and Louis Béland (Eastern Ontario Training Board). They supported the students by sharing advice, knowledge, and business experience.
As part of the program, students returning to school the following academic year receive a grant of up to $3,000 to support their startup project. "We’re proud that these four small businesses got off the ground this summer. The participants had the chance to receive business coaching. They were able to stand out and grow through this experience. They all plan to continue their business after the summer," says PREC project officer, Liza Langevin.
Asha Thaleshvar is a 17-year-old from Plantagenet studying at École secondaire catholique L'Escale. Asha has been working hard on her small business, which she has named ABL FIT. She offers an educational service to improve e mental and physical health in young people aged 8 to 12, as well as personalized training for all. Asha’s strengths lie in her perseverance in launching her business. She has done the research and put in the effort to ensure her business is well planned, and to create her website. The mentoring sessions also enabled her to work on the pricing of her services. Her experience has been rewarding, and she has acquired the wealth of knowledge that will serve her well as she continues on her business path.
Jordan Vick is an 18-year-old student from Russell. Jordan is passionate about math and science, and will study engineering at university. Following his interests, he decided to help young students studying his favourite subjects. Jordan offers tutoring services for high school students in math and science. Jordan is committed to the success of other students in his community. Through his small business named PREPPOINT, he supports young people by helping them with their homework and exam preparation. He developed a summary document, lessons, and an exam preparation document for four courses. Jordan stood out because of his professionalism, his personality, and his dedication to his summer project. His summer was a success, and he is in the process of hiring an employee to help him next year.
Vashuki Murugesapillai is a 21-year-old from Hawkesbury. She is currently studying at university, where she is pursuing her passion for arts. Being a creative young woman, she has started doing graphic design. At the beginning of the summer, she launched a small business named Vasu’s Decor where she creates unique signs for special events, such as weddings, according to the customer’s tastes. She also incorporates her Asian roots into her designs. She targets a multicultural clientele and promotes her services by posting videos on TikTok. Despite the unexpected, Vashuki has persevered and never given up. She has acquired important knowledge that will help her throughout her business journey. Her artistic talent will continue to set her apart in future projects.
Anabel Lamarche is a 17-year-old student from L’Orignal, studying at École secondaire publique Le Sommet. Anabel has always loved fashion and expressing herself through makeup. Consequently, she began offering her talents as a makeup artist. Her talent for creating makeup for everyday or special events made her stand out from her peers. With a flair for business, Anabel started her own business named Sabelli Makeup and Cosmetics. Over the summer, she did makeup for young women at their graduation. Anabel has big ambitions for the future. She would like to expand her business and create her own beauty products. She has very selective criteria to offer quality products. This summer was rewarding for Anabel as she received advice from business mentors. She had the opportunity to address her concerns. She continues her search to create a team and achieve her long-term vision.
The PREC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support small business owners and entrepreneurs to succeed in Prescott and Russell by providing information, tools and support during their startup and growth phases.
-30-
Liza Langevin
Project Officer
Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre
59 Court street, P.O. Box 304, L’Orignal Ontario K0B 1K0
Tel. : 613 675-4661
Email: [email protected]