Starting a business requires motivation, dedication, research, and planning. The Town of Renfrew recognizes that small businesses are at the heart of the local economy and is encouraging opportunities for local businesses.
Enterprise Renfrew County (ERC) is seeking applicants motivated to participate in the 2024 Starter Company Plus program, funded by the Government of Ontario.
Are you an entrepreneur ready to start, expand, or purchase an existing business in the County of Renfrew or City of Pembroke?
This fast-track, intensive training program has proven to be transformational for entrepreneurs with new business ideas and for owners of businesses that have been operating for five years or less. Starter Company Plus provides three months of business coaching, business plan, and cash flow projection development, mentoring, and instruction from staff and professional trainers. At the end of the Starter Company Plus program, there is an opportunity for participants to compete, by pitching their business plan, for a grant of up to $4,000 to be applied to their business operations.
“Starter Company Plus provided an opportunity to objectively break down my business, instilling confidence to know that I had a plan. It was eight weeks well spent! I highly recommend this program for new business owners,” states Krisanne Mascarenhas, co-owner of Ottawa Valley Sport & Spine and past program participant.
Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact Heather Inwood-Montrose, Small Business Advisor, at Hinwoodmontrose@countyofrenfrew.on.ca, or sign up by visiting https://www.enterpriserenfrewcounty.com/starter-company-plus to obtain an invite to register for an information session. Participants must attend one information session to be eligible to apply to the program. Information sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, from 10-11 a.m. or Thursday, April 4, from 1-2 p.m. via Zoom.
The application deadline for the spring intake is Friday, April 19, 2024.
Enterprise Renfrew County is a non-profit organization funded by the Government of Ontario, the County of Renfrew, the Town of Renfrew, and the City of Pembroke. Its mandate is to encourage and contribute to the enterprising spirit and economic development of Renfrew County by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing companies.
Enterprise Renfrew County (ERC) is recruiting students who are ambitious and eager to delve into entrepreneurship and kickstart their own businesses!
The Summer Company program presents a distinctive chance for students returning to school, aged 15 to 29, to establish their own businesses and assume the role of an entrepreneur. This program empowers participants to become their own boss and guides them in understanding the intricacies of entrepreneurship.
Successful applicants receive financial support of $1,500 towards their business start-up and partake in business training and mentorship to assist in successfully running a business. Upon completing the program, participants receive an additional financial grant of up to $1,500.
Past Summer Company entrepreneurs in Renfrew County have included a variety of businesses such as handmade artisanal items, graphic art production, branded apparel, baked goods, market gardens, lawn care services, auto detailing, dog grooming, esthetics, firewood processing, upcycled clothing, handcrafted cottage décor and rustic furniture, children’s entertainment, photography, photo restoration and small engine repair. Many Summer Company entrepreneurs continue to run their businesses year ‘round and/or over consecutive summers.
The Summer Company program is delivered by Enterprise Renfrew County on behalf of the Province of Ontario. It is a highly sought-after initiative; therefore, interested students are strongly urged to submit their application at their earliest convenience.
The application deadline is midnight on May 15, 2024.