County Of Huron Congratulates Successful Starter Company Plus Program Grant Recipients

by Bob Montgomery

The Starter Company Plus program is administered by the County of Huron and provides business training, advisory support, and grant opportunities of up to $5,000 for eligible participants to start, expand, or buy a business.

The 2024 program awarded 11 businesses a total of $37,250 in grant funding. “Completion of this program represents significant hard work and commitment, immense creativity, and a true entrepreneurial spirit,” said Director of Economic Development, Vicki Lass.

Of the 23 applicants for the 2024 program, twelve were accepted to participate in the program, which began in September. All twelve participants graduated from the program and competed in a pitch competition for the chance to secure micro-financing grants of up to $5,000. Overall, the 2024 program supported 7 start-ups, 5 business expansions, and contributed 16 jobs to the local economy.

To graduate from the Starter Company Plus program, each participant must have successfully:

• Completed a 12-week training program that includes coaching, mentoring, and workshops covering all aspects of business management;
• Developed a comprehensive business plan, complete with a SWOT and cash flow analysis;
• And presented a business pitch to the Grant Review Committee, comprised of respected business community representatives.

2024 Starter Company Plus grant recipients include:

• A. Scott Agricultural Services – Amanda Scott (South Huron)
Scott Agricultural Services offers contract crop inspection services to third party certification bodies and authorized seed crop inspection services in Canada operating out of southwestern Ontario. A. Scott Agricultural Services received $1,715 in grant funding for training and personal protective equipment.

• Ashfield Speech & Language – Amanda Miltenburg (Ashfield-Colborne- Wawanosh)

Amanda Miltenburg with Ashfield Speech and Language offers expert speech and language assessments and therapy for children, using a child-led, play-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approach. Her therapy services address a variety of needs, including articulation, phonology, expressive and/or receptive language, phonemic awareness, and early intervention. Amanda also supports Gestalt Language Processors through specialized training in Natural Language Acquisition. Ashfield Speech and Language received $4,100 in grant funding for office equipment.

• Bluevale Auto Repair – Mark Bridge (Morris-Turnberry)
Bluevale Auto Repair is a trusted, locally owned and operated automotive shop run by Mark Bridge, a licensed technician with over 20 years’ experience. Mark specializes in comprehensive vehicle care, offering expert repair and maintenance services, from routine oil changes and tire replacements to advanced diagnostics and general repairs. Bluevale Auto Repair received $5,000 in grant funding towards an automotive vehicle lift.

• Huron County Landscaping – Sarah Williamson (Huron East)

Creating beautiful outdoor spaces is Sarah’s specialty! Based in Walton, Sarah and her team offer personalized landscaping solutions to help you bring your dream yard to life. Whether it’s lawn care, garden design, or property maintenance, Huron County Landscape combines expert knowledge with a down-to-earth approach to make your property shine. Huron County Landscaping received $5,000 towards a landscaping trailer.

• InPower Generator Services Inc – Matt Good (Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh)

Based near Lucknow, Matt Good from InPower Generator Services provides top-notch service, repair, and sales for standby generators in Huron and Bruce counties. Whether it’s for your home, business, or farm, Matt and his team ensure your power needs are covered, keeping your investments protected during power outages. InPower Generator Services received $4,800 in grant funding for a trade show booth kit.

• Small Town Paralegal – Hayley Bettles (Central Huron)

Hayley Bettles from Small Town Paralegal provides expert guidance and representation to clients guiding them through every step of the legal process. They currently provide representation in Provincial Offences Act, Traffic Tickets, Small Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant Board as well as Notary Public and Commissioning Services. Small Town Paralegal received $4,400 in grant funding for training in family law and office equipment.

• Maitland Heights Apiaries – Jonathan Cucksey (Central Huron)

Jonathan Cucksey is the owner and operator of Maitland Heights Apiaries. This business is deeply rooted in the world of beekeeping. With a passion for crafting exquisite seasonal honey, Jonathan is dedicated to bringing you the finest offerings from his bee yards across the Maitland Valley. Maitland Heights Apiaries received $4,000 in grant funding for bee breeder hives.

• JT Creative Works – Jacob Bierg and Taylor Jones (Central Huron)

JT Creative Works are your full-scale event experts! They don't just rent – they bring your entire event to life with full-scale event planning and coordination. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, festival, or private party, Jacob Bjerg and Taylor Jones will turn your vision into reality. JT Creative Works received $2,700 in grant funding for event rental items.

• Kings Crown Detailing – Keifer King (Goderich)

From everyday commuter vehicles to weekend cruisers, Keifer King from Kings Crown Detailing does it all by providing high-quality cleaning for his customers vehicles that make them look and smell like new – all at an affordable price! Kings Crown Detailing received $750 in grant funding for training.

Enrollment for participation in the next intake of the Starter Company Plus program is open in July 2025. To learn more visit: www.HuronCounty.ca/economic-development

Back Row: Matt Good, In-Power Generator Servies Inc., Keifer King, Kings Crown Detailing, Mark Bridge, Bluevale Auto Repair, Jonathan Cucksey, Maitland Heights Apiaries

Front Row: Ally Campbell-Main, A Life That’s Good, Taylor Jones, JT Creative Works, Jacob Bjerg, JT Creative Works, Leonie Dolmage, Lunar Lounge Salon, Amanda Miltenburg, Ashfield Speech & Language, Hayley Bettles, Small Town Paralegal, Sarah Williamson, Huron County Landscaping

Photo courtesy Starter Company Plus program