Seven small businesses across Leeds and Grenville have completed the Starter Company Plus program, gaining essential training and financial support to strengthen their operations. The program, funded by the Province of Ontario, with additional support from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the City of Brockville, offers participants up to $5,000 in grants, personalized coaching, and mentorship.
A graduation event was held on March 27, 2025, at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville offices in Brockville, where business owners from various sectors, including health services, trades, technology, arts, and event services, gathered to celebrate their achievements.
This four-month program equips entrepreneurs with business fundamentals such as creating a business plan, cash flow management, and long-term growth strategies. The initiative continues to support local businesses, fostering economic development in communities like Brockville, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, and North Grenville.
Information sessions for the next intake are scheduled for April 2 and April 8.
The graduating participants are:
Sean Crozier, Unique Auto Accents – City of Brockville, offers sales and professional
installation of roof racks, cargo solutions, floor liners, rooftop tents, winter and water sport
carriers, along with expert vehicle detailing, and more. They emphasize quality service and
functional upgrades tailored to each client’s lifestyle. You can reach Sean at 613-266-6727 or
info@uniqueautoaccents.ca. Visit their Website at https://uniqueautoaccents.ca
Jeff Robinson, Robinson Psychotherapy – Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley, provides
psychotherapy services for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Jeff
provides a compassionate and supportive environment, using evidence-based approaches to
help clients improve their mental well-being. You can reach Jeff at (343) 339-5233 or
info@robinsonpsychotherapy.ca. Visit his website at www.robinsonpsychotherapy.ca
Chantal Valkenborg, CC Weddings and Events – Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands,
specializes in full-service wedding and event planning. She offers full or partial planning, microwedding, and wedding day coordination services tailored to each couple’s unique vision.
Chantal creates unforgettable experiences with a calm, professional touch. You can reach her at
613-929-1823 or ccweddingsandevents@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.ccwe.ca
Robert Salm, Setanta Solutions Inc. – Municipality of North Grenville, provides reliable and
stress-free IT support. Some of their services include managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud solutions,
and tech consulting to keep your business secure, connected, and running smoothly. Robert
helps businesses stay secure, connected, and focused by making technology easy to manage.
You can reach him at 613-230-3923 or visit their website at www.setanta.ca
David Goodknecht, DG Landscaping – City of Brockville, specializes in professional lawn
maintenance services. Known for reliability and attention to detail, David helps homeowners and
businesses keep their outdoor spaces neat, healthy, and well-maintained throughout the season.
You can reach him at 613-349-4456 or via Facebook at facebook.com/landscapewithdave
Paige Morgan, Esthetics by Paige – City of Brockville, offers personalized beauty and skincare
services, including waxing, brow tinting, manicures, pedicures, and more. Paige combines
professional technique with a welcoming atmosphere to help clients feel confident and
refreshed. You can reach her through Facebook at facebook.com/estheticsbypaige
Heather McLean, The Crafty Potter – City of Brockville, offers a fun and welcoming studio
where people of all ages can explore their creativity through clay. The studio hosts a variety of
classes, kids’ workshops, themed ladies’ nights, private group sessions, and birthday parties. You
can reach Heather at 647-282-1439 or thecraftypotterbrockville@gmail.com. Visit her website at
www.thecraftypotter.ca
Information sessions for the next Starter Company Plus intake are occurring April 2nd and April
8th, visit the website to register. The Counties’ Small Business and Economic Development staff
continue to offer free consultations, resources, events, and workshops, assisting local
entrepreneurs to continue to learn, grow and foster their presence within the region’s business
network
(By: Tim Baltz)
