Kawartha Lakes Celebrates Starter Company PLUS Graduates

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes is proud to celebrate the achievements of local entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the Starter Company PLUS Program, a provincially funded initiative that supports aspiring and existing business owners as they launch and grow their ventures.

This year’s graduates represent a diverse group of innovative and driven individuals who have demonstrated commitment, resilience, and creativity in building their businesses. Through the Starter Company PLUS Program, participants received business training, mentorship, and a grant of up to $5000 to help turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises that contribute to the local economy.

“This program has been incredibly valuable to my business,” said Dave Granic, of Thirteen Contracting. “Having ongoing support, expert guidance, and a fresh set of eyes on my operations has been truly game-changing.”

To recognize their success, graduates will be formally honoured at an upcoming Council ceremony, where Mayor Doug Elmslie will present each participant with a certificate of completion on behalf of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

The ceremony will take place on January 27, 2026 at 1pm, during the regular Council Meeting at City Hall (26 Francis St. Lindsay). The ceremony will celebrate the 15 program participants who successfully completed the program requirements.

“We are so excited to see these businesses grow,” said Sandy Greenberg. “We are proud of the accomplishments of these graduates and look forward to seeing their businesses continue to grow and thrive in Kawartha Lakes. This program continues to inspire new business owner from all sectors.”

Graduates of Starter Company PLUS 2025

Autumn Donnelly: Autumn Wood Creations

Custom, original hand-burned wood art. Each piece is unique and handcrafted.

Contact Information

Email: autumn.donnelly.wood.creations@gmail.com
Website: autumnwoodcreations.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/autumn.wood.creations

Holli Wilson: The Loaded Spud Potato Bar

A customizable loaded baked potato bar located at 233 Kent Street West, Lindsay, focused on fresh toppings and community.

Contact Information

Email: crazy4spuds@outlook.com
Facebook: facebook.com/p/The-Loaded-Spud-Potato-Bar-61559743227126/
Instagram: instagram.com/theloadedspud.potatobar

TikTok: (search @theloadedspud.potatobar on TikTok)

Fiona Baird: KBS Group

Professional bookkeeping services for individuals and businesses in Kawartha Lakes and beyond.

Contact Information

Email: info@kbsgroup.ca
Website: kbsgroup.ca

Ryan Kindree: Kindree Field Service

Mobile heavy equipment repair services specializing in diagnostics and mechanical repairs.

Contact Information

Email: ryan@kfsltd.ca
Website: kfsltd.ca

Brittany Goodfellow: Brittany the Doula

Certified doula and social worker offering compassionate perinatal care and support.

Contact Information

Email: hello@brittanythedoula.com
Website: brittanythedoula.com
Facebook: facebook.com/brittanythedoula

Instagram: instagram.com/brittanythedoula

Dave Granic: 13 Contracting

High-quality composite deck installations and interior renovations.

Contact Information

Email: thirteencontracting@gmail.com
Website: thirteencontracting.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/13contracting
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578152094773

Wade Bond: Cross Creek Contracting

General contractor specializing in decks, framing, siding, windows, and renovations.

Contact Information

Phone: 705-341-5173

Bob Edwardson: Broken Dreams Motorcycle Garage

Harley-Davidson parts, service, and repairs in Kawartha Lakes.

Contact Information

Email: brokendreamsinc@outlook.com
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564938944854

Brian Clelland: Kawartha Lakes Massage Therapy Clinic

Wellness centre in downtown Lindsay with evidence-based massage services.

Contact Information

Address: 18 Cambridge Street South, Unit 3, Lindsay, ON
Phone: 705-821-2900
Email: KLMTC.ca@gmail.com
Website: klmtc.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/klmtc.ca

Facebook: facebook.com/klmtc

Kevin Harper: Harper Homes

Exterior renovation specialists focusing on siding, soffit, and fascia installations.

Contact Information

Phone: 289-943-7479
Email: Harperhomes75@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/share/16wdAjf6rG/

Claudia Gaboury: Salvaged and Seamed

Sustainable fashion transforming pre-loved fabrics into unique clothing and accessories.

Contact Information

Instagram: instagram.com/salvaged_and_seamed
Facebook: facebook.com/SalvagedandSeamed

Judy Briglio: Judy Briglio Respite Care

In-home respite care services for seniors, focused on dignity and comfort.

Contact Information

Phone: 705-928-8003
Email: judybriglio7@gmail.com
Website: judybriglio.ca

Facebook: facebook.com/judybrigliorespitecare

Emily Hopkins: Nourish Your Soul

Somatic and energetic healing support through trauma-informed practices.

Contact Information

Phone: 289-404-2390
Website: nourish-your-soul.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/nourish.your.soul

Jessani Jewell: Half Baked Cookies

Gourmet cookie company with unique flavours based in Kawartha Lakes.

Contact Information

Website: halfbakedcookies.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/halfbakedcookies

Geoff Loosemoore: GL Accounts

Provides tax, bookkeeping, and payroll services for businesses in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough.

Contact Information

Phone: 705-619-1075
Email: connect@glaccounts.ca
Website: glaccounts.ca

About the Starter Company Plus Program and Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre

The next cohort will be in the Spring of 2026. For more information, visit the Starter Company PLUS page or email Sandy Greenberg at sgreenberg@kawarthalakes.ca.

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) offers a no cost, confidential and customized advisory service for launching and growing your business. KLSBC is your first stop for advice or resources for your entrepreneurial journey. For more information visit the web page or contact Christine McLean at cmclean@kawarthalakes.ca.