Starter Company Plus
What is the Starter Company Plus Program?
The County, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, recognizes the importance of supporting entrepreneurs of all ages through their journey into entrepreneurship and through business expansion. It is for this reason that the County of Huron and the Province of Ontario have invested in providing training, mentorship and monetary funds to local small business owners in the form of the Starter Company Plus program.
Starter Company Plus provides training, mentorship, and grant opportunities up to $5,000 for eligible participants to start, expand, or buy a small business. The program aims to address local and/or regional economic development needs, and where appropriate, focuses on specific industries and sectors.
Program Enrollment – Open July 1 – 31, 2024
Enrollment for the 2024 program will be open for the month of July. The program will run from September to November 2024.
Please see the 2024 Intake Enrollment Form. To be considered for participation in the Starter Company Plus program in Huron County, all interested candidates MUST fill out this Enrollment Form and commit to completing all program requirements. When completed, please email to smallbusiness@huroncounty.ca to be considered for the program.
Program Guidelines
See an overview of the Starter Company Plus program for the 2023 intake, including eligibility, training, and more.
Program FAQ
This document provides responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Starter Company Plus program.
Meet Past Participants
Boundary Roasting Co.
Arend and Paige Haverkamp
Boundary Roasting Co. is a family business founded by Arend and Paige Haverkamp. Located on the boundary between Huron and Perth Counties, this micro roastery transparently sources coffee from Brazil, Columbia, Ethiopia, and Honduras. Their locally roasted coffee is available from their online shop, local retailers and for pickup at their farm.
HopeWell Counselling
Hannah Uyl
Hopewell Counselling located in Blyth, Ontario offers a variety of counselling services including psychotherapy, faith-integrated counselling, and parenting consultations. Owner and Registered Social Worker Hannah Uyl launched the business last December with the intention to walk alongside clients and lend hope.
We R Strategic
Maureen Cole
Maureen Cole is the founder of We R Strategic which offers strategic planning, consulting and coaching services for nonprofits and charities. A retired nurse and hospital administrator, Maureen knows the important place that nonprofits play in rural communities, from helping purchase costly equipment to providing much-needed support for the community to contributing to the economic growth of Huron County.
Inherit the Earth Apparel
Pete Meades
Inherit the Earth Apparel, owned by Pete Meades, is an environmentally conscious running and recovery wear company. Encouraging environmental stewardship in their mission, the running and activewear clothing company is based out of Holmesville and their clothing line is available online through their website, at Runner Choice Waterloo, and at pop-up shops and fun runs throughout Ontario.
Jolt Fitness
Katie Sigurdson
Located in Centralia, the Jolt Fitness team consists of preventative health care professionals offering fitness education through personal fitness training and classes. “We serve the entire community with specialized programs, for youth, beginners, adults, and seniors. We offer a variety of cardio and strength classes, along with wellness-based classes such as mobility and yoga. We also have chronic pain rehab and pain management support classes,” said Katie Sigurdson, owner of Jolt Fitness.
Coastal Coffee
Ben and Bri Gingerich
Coastal Coffee is on a mission to bring the best specialty coffee the world has to offer to Ontario’s West Coast. Partnering with global coffee farmers who produce the highest quality of premium, specialty coffee, Coastal Coffee is a small batch roastery located on the shores of Lake Huron, near Amberly. Proudly offering crazy fresh, ethically sourced and artisan roasted coffee, they offer their customers “the good stuff.”
How Can We Help?
Huron County is always excited to support new and innovative ideas and businesses.
We’re here to help!
Find Us
57 Napier Street,
Goderich, ON
N7A 1W2
Canada
Phone
+1 (519) 524-8394 ext.6