LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS RECEIVE GRANT SUPPORT FOR START-UPS

The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (CEPR) awarded grants totalling $40,000 to several entrepreneurs across the United Counties of Prescott and Russell region through its Start-Up Company Plus Program.

As part of the Start-Up Plus program, offered in collaboration with the provincial Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, these entrepreneurs attended several training workshops, covering topics including clarity of demand and supply, the ideal customer, engagement strategy, innovating, building and

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#VTJOFTT DPBDIFT "OUPJOF $BSSJÍSF (Entrepreneur Lifestyle Academy) and Marc Lecompte (Kwik Tax) offered the training to the entrepreneurs.

To be chosen for the grants, in addition to participating in the workshops, participants EFWFMPQFE UIFJS CVTJOFTT QMBOøBOEøQJUDIFEøUP B TFMFDUJPO DPNNJUUFF NBEF VQ PG -PVJT #ÊMBOE $PNNJTTJPO EF GPSNBUJPO EF M &TU POUBSJFO 3FOÊF (FOESPO 1BSP $FOUSF QPVS M &OUSFQSJTF EFT GFNNFT ø 7JDUPS 6SCBJO /HPMMP /HPMMP -B $JUÊ EFT BGGBJSFT BOE )BMJNB 5BPVBPVø 4PDJÊUÊ DPOPNJRVF EF M 0OUBSJP

5IF àOBODJBM BTTJTUBODF BXBSEFE JO UIF form of a non-repayable grant, will support the businesses with the purchase of equipment and merchandise, marketing expenses as well as with costs related to the launch and expansion of a new business.

‘‘During these training workshops, entrepreneurs planned the next operational steps of their business and exchanged with each other, which allowed them to build relationships, develop a professional network and acquire relevant

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with the CEPR.

A total of eight entrepreneurs received grants

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Bailey Playfair, who launched her own business, Playfair Cleaning Services, based

PG in Rockland two years ago, said as a new

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opportunities.

She went to the CEPR for help and guidance and wound up participating in the Start-Up program.

“The whole process was very interesting, and I am so grateful this opportunity was made available,” said Playfair. “I got everything I need from [the Start-Up Company Plus Program].”

Playfair said the money will be used to promote her business by creating promotional items such as t-shirts and stickers.

“I got all the information I need, and this program really guided me on how to operate my business,” added Playfair. “It become very stressful with initial fees and accounting and getting a chance to ask questions to experts and professionals, was such a great learning experience.”

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support and learning opportunities to start a new business, expand an existing business or purchase a business. A new application period

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mission is to help owners of small and medium

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The other grant recipients are Karine Lalonde

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Bonjean who runs Sweet Billy›s in St-Isidore, Stephanie Pete who owns Art & Dream Studio

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of Chin Chin Coffee Roasters in Russell, Eric and

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Special Bakery in Plantagenet.