Starter Company PLUS 2024 graduates receive certificates on February 4

January 29, 2025

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes is proud to announce the 2024 graduates of the Kawartha Lakes Starter Company Plus program. The graduates were officially recognized and received their certificates during a special ceremony at the Kawartha Lakes Committee of the Whole meeting on February 4, 2025.

This marks an important milestone for these local entrepreneurs who worked diligently to develop and grow their businesses with the support of the Starter Company Plus program. The program, offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, is designed to assist new entrepreneurs by offering training, mentorship and funding opportunities to help turn business ideas into successful ventures.

A second part of the graduation celebrations will take place on March 1, 2025 at the Lindsay Square Mall. Graduates will showcase their businesses and display their products and services. This event offers the community a chance to learn more about these new businesses in Kawartha Lakes and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives local innovation.

Em and Grace Forbes, the vibrant sister duo and the heart of BÉS Fifty Seven, are graduates of the Starter Company PLUS 2024 program. They’ve turned their lifelong love of style into a space in Fenelon Falls where every piece is hand picked with care, combining classic sophistication with fresh, on-trend designs.

Here’s what they say about the program: “Starter Company PLUS has provided us with more than just financial support—it has connected us with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering invaluable idea exchange and collaboration. Sandy Greenberg’s one-on-one guidance has been instrumental in offering fresh perspectives, igniting new ideas and motivating us to continue growing our business.”

The graduating cohort represents a diverse array of industries, including retail, construction, healthcare and service sectors. Their passion for business is sure to make a lasting impact on the community.

Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating the hard work and achievements of the graduates at the Lindsay Square Mall event on March 1 from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

The graduates of the 2024 cohort of the Kawartha Lakes Starter Company Plus program are:

Jamie Atherton – Saturday Scotch Designs
Lindsay Browne - Footcare by Lindsay B
Shannon Feir - Willow Organic Beauty Wellness and Laser Inc.

Emily and Grace Forbes - BÉS Fifty Seven
Paige Layle Hennekam – Paige Layle
Gina Horswood - The Lady G Tattoos
Danielle Hutchinson - Eye Love Lashes by Danielle
Samuel Jenkinson - Sam Jenkinson Custom Woodworking
Bill Kavanagh and Ken Shaw - CherryStone Landscaping and Construction Inc.
Graeme Morrison – Morrison Music
Sarah Newhouse - Sarah's Mobile Foot Care
Jeremy Stuart – SCC Builds
Shaun Toutant - Woods Avenue Digital
Kyla Vitek - Kyla Vitek Jewellery

Follow the Small Business Centre webpage for updates. The next opportunity to participate in Starter Company PLUS will be in March 2025.

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