$40,000 in funding to boost local entrepreneurs across Lanark County and North Leeds Grenville
Ten local entrepreneurs are getting a major boost to grow their businesses, thanks to a $40,000 investment through a provincially funded program designed to support small business success across Lanark County and North Leeds Grenville.
Earlier this week, The Small Business Advisory Centre announced the latest recipients of funding through the Starter Company Plus program, which provides training, mentorship, and micro-grants of up to $5,000. The initiative, funded by the Government of Ontario, aims to help entrepreneurs launch, expand, and strengthen their operations.
According to a release from the Town of Carleton Place, the program continues to play a key role in fostering economic growth and supporting innovation in communities across the region, including Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Perth, Almonte, and Merrickville.
“It’s inspiring to support such passionate and driven entrepreneurs throughout our region,” said Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre. “Their commitment to building strong, sustainable businesses reflects the growing energy and resilience of our local business community.”
According to town officials, Starter Company Plus participants not only receive financial support but also gain access to business planning tools, networking opportunities, and expert guidance—resources that can be critical in the early stages of business development or expansion.
Among the recipients is Erin Kentfield, owner of 88 and Ivory, a new bridal boutique in Almonte.
“As entrepreneurs, we are all so full of great ideas. Having multiple entrepreneurs under one roof was thought-provoking and inspiring,” said Kentfield. “Although I’ve been a business owner before, this program was a great reminder of how there is always room to learn more. I am so appreciative of all the tools and resources we were provided, which will help my business flourish.”
For Jennifer Levac, owner of The Book’s Better, this funding will help her streamline operations behind the scenes, creating an even better experience for customers as her business continues growing. “I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected for the Starter Company Plus program. The business coaching has been such a valuable part of the experience, and I’m excited to be able to apply what I’m learning directly to my store,” Levac told Lanarkist. “I’ll be using the grant to invest in a new book-centric point-of-sale system and customer website.”
“The funding that I received will be used to purchase audio equipment to support the expansion of recording services and percussion instruments for workshops with young children,” said Anya Perry, owner of Maple Music Studios. “Some of the funds will also be used for business development in marketing and web design. This has been a wonderful opportunity that I would highly recommend to any new small business owner,” she told Lanarkist.
The Winter/Spring 2026 cohort highlights a diverse range of businesses contributing to the region’s economy. This year’s grant recipients include:
- Berry’s Eavestrough (Matthew Berry)
- Complete Oral Wellness (Shannon Maitland)
- Brightspace Psychotherapy (Chandan Singh-Beatty)
- The Book’s Better (Jennifer Levac)
- Junibel’s Bakery (Chelsey Mohns)
- ECOBOU (Robyn Boynton)
- The Dusty Rose Boutique (Carlie Hamilton)
- Poppy’s (Tara St. Louis)
- 88 and Ivory (Erin Kentfield)
- Maple Music Studios (Anya Perry)