Kincardine area business receives Starter Company grant

A Kincardine area business has received a $5,000 Starter Company grant from the Business Enterprise Centre.

Rebecca Farrell of The Back Forty Baker is one of three Bruce County entrepreneurs named as recipients during a meeting held by the granting committee, Wednesday, Jan. 20. The other two, are Laura Detzler of His Style in Walkerton, and Caleb Hull of The Wiarton Tea Company in Wiarton.

Starter Company is a program that helps young entrepreneurs start their own business, or expand their existing business. With the goal of assisting youth, between the ages of 18 and 29, build smart, feasible businesses capable of long-term success, Starter Company offers financial support, individualized training, and mentorship opportunity. Participants in the program take part in an individualized and unique training program, supporting them in the development of a strong business plan, and the opportunity of applying for an award of up to $5,000.

“The Starter Company not only offers participants the opportunity to secure a financial grant, it also provides them with valuable training and mentorship.” says youth programs co-ordinator Caitlin Stone. “The goal of this program is to help support and develop these entrepreneurs which will promote long-term success and sustainability for their businesses.”

“I have had a great experience with the Starter Company program.” says Farrell. “The training courses I have attended at the Business Enterprise Centre have been very informative and helpful in building my business management skills and business knowledge in general. The consultations with Caitlin Stone and mentoring from fellow business owners have given me a lot of insight and inspiration for different areas of my business and I appreciate the enthusiasm of the staff members at the centre.” For more on The Back Forty, log on to the Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/thebackfortybaker/info/?tab=overview

Grant recipient Caleb Hull explains the benefit the program serves in assisting young entrepreneurs: "There is no doubt that every developing entrepreneur will make mistakes. The Starter Company program offers many resources to reduce these missteps, nurture a network of local businesses in Bruce County, and provide financial support to successfully launch a small start-up. "

Currently, the Business Enterprise Centre has helped secure $55,000 in grant funding for program participants in Bruce County, as well as delivered countless trainings and mentorship opportunities to program participants.

Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment provides funding for Starter Company. The Business Enterprise Centre in Saugeen Shores is the program service provider for Starter Company in Bruce County. The centre is a part of Ontario’s ONE network.