Deadline approaching for Kawartha Lakes entrepreneur program

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, in Kawartha Lakes, have until Wednesday, October 15th, to apply for the Fall intake of the Starter Company PLUS (SC+) program. Applications opened on September 15th, and spots are limited, offering local business owners a chance to access valuable training, mentorship, and funding to grow their ventures.

SC+ is designed to support entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, including construction, arts, retail, agriculture, wellness, food service, tech, beauty, and professional services. Participants work on every aspect of their business, from completing a Business Lean Canvas and developing a one-year marketing plan to creating cash flow projections for two years and establishing company policies and procedures. One-on-one monthly consultations, during the first six months, provide personalized guidance, while training covers financial forecasting, sales techniques, digital marketing, and operations management.

“Starter Company PLUS gave me the tools, support, and confidence I needed to grow my business,” said Hannah Brouwer, owner of Brouwer Bake Shop and Coffee Roaster. “The mentoring and workshops helped me focus on every aspect of my business, from marketing to sales techniques, and helped set me up for long-term success.”

Eligible entrepreneurs must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, aged 18 or older, running businesses under three years old, in the Kawartha Lakes area, and prepared to operate full-time. Applicants cannot have participated in other government-funded entrepreneurship programs or received funding from local Small Business Enterprise Centres in the past three years. Businesses must be independent, operated at arm’s length from family ventures, and the program requires a contribution to the business of 25 percent of the grant amount.

The program provides grants of up to $5,000 which can be used for a variety of business needs, including: introducing new products or services, building or enhancing a website, purchasing equipment, renovating space, developing marketing materials, implementing POS systems, and hiring staff. The Autumn of 2025 program begins in early November, with expert-led workshops, mentoring, and ongoing support, to help participants build strong, sustainable businesses.

“We’re committed to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage, helping them turn their ideas into thriving businesses,” said Sandy Greenberg, program coordinator. “Starter Company PLUS gives participants the tools, guidance, and funding needed to succeed here in Kawartha Lakes.”

For more information or to apply, visit the Starter Company PLUS web page or email Sandy Greenberg, at sgreenberg@kawarthalakes.ca.