Local Budding Entrepreneurs Pitch For Business Startup Grants In Summer Course
/Twelve entrepreneurs were selected for the Summer 2021 Intake of Starter Company Plus offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC).
Photo Courtesy of the BAC.
The program provides a five-week course in business training from business experts across Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
It is funding by the Government of Ontario and has been running through the BAC since 2017. This program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs of all levels in Peterborough County who are launching a business or expanding an existing business (that has been operating for five years or less).
"I am excited to kick off this intake of Starter Company Plus. The group of entrepreneurs and small business owners joining us are varied in backgrounds, experience and have each created a unique business,” explains Hillary Manion, entrepreneurship officer.
Six of the participants will be awarded a grant of $5,000 based on the overall strength of their business plan and pitch.
“When we discussed why they were starting their businesses on the first day of the program, we heard stories of people new to Peterborough and people who are turning their hobbies into a full-time business,” said Manion. “COVID-19 has given people time to think about following their passions.”
All workshops and consultations will be done online with a focus on digital platforms, marketing and communication as well as financial acumen and mental well-being.
"These entrepreneurs are a testament to the strong business community in the City and County of Peterborough,” added Manion. “They are all confident and looking forward to joining their fellow small businesses owners in supporting the residents of Peterborough and the Kawarthas."
An overview of the 12 participants follows and full biographies for each business can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.
April Roy: Shopkwe – a personal shopping business dedicated to helping busy people
Barry Wiskel: Bearcat Games – developer of original card and board games for all ages
Chris Carvalho: East City Knife Sharpening – knife sharpening for all types of knives with 24-hour turnaround service
Emily Nigro: Dead End Lures – a family-owned eco-friendly fishing lure company
Jeremy Pastic: The Karma Hammer – a natural builder, specializing in the use of healthy, sustainable building materials
Kelsey Watts: Worthy Truth Wellness – mindful movement yoga classes offering a kind space of compassion and non-judgmental awareness
Ken Seaboyer: Ask Transport – quality, reliable and on-time transportation service
Lucas Graham: Countdown Creative – a full-service E-Commerce agency that helps small businesses start selling online
Mike Mullin: Double M Contracting – a year-round property maintenance and management business
Sam and Nate White: Nateure’s Plant Based Food Company – producing plant-based meat and cheese alternatives
Suzanne Schmidt: Suzanne’s Hot Stuff – hand-crafted, small-batch gluten-free hot sauces, pepper jellies, jerk marinade, mango salsa and more
Tuncay Alkan and Laura Wilson: MEZE – a vegan deli and café serving traditional Turkish food and drink
