KINGSTON — Eleven local companies are to each receive up to $5,000 in support as part of a micro-investment program.
Kingston Economic Development Corporation’s Starter Company Plus program is meant to fund training, coaching and mentoring for business owners who are launching or have been in business for less than five years.
In the past, the program has awarded seven grants, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic compelled KEDCO to broaden the scope of the program’s awards.
“This flexibility has allowed us to reach more businesses in need,” said Ian Murdoch, KEDCO’s business development officer for business retention and expansion.
“I’m pleased to see that we were able to provide some level of grant funding to 11 young businesses this spring.”
Debbie Fitzerman of DFC BBQ Sauce, Jenna Richmond of BSE Skateboarding, Brendan Cregg of Tree of Life & Restoration and Native Plant Nursery, Cynthia Kennedy of Hunter’s Creek Golf Course, Jonathan Zelt of Black Rose Waterproofing Inc., Laura Oomen of Wiggie Wizzle Club, Megan Blay of GreenWell Design Co., Sarah Botros of Yoga LunaSol, Sean Monteiro of Bounce, Suzanne Garrett of Travel Health Experts, and Tammy Watson of Trillium and Maple Woods received funding.
“Building a company is already a daunting feat for many individuals, but when coupled with a global pandemic, it’s exponentially more difficult,” Monteiro said. “The Starter Company Plus program did an incredible job helping Bounce focus on adapting to these unprecedented times and how to continue building a sustainable business.”
Applications for the fall session open on Sept. 1. Details can be found on KEDCO’s website.
