Ten local entrepreneurs have been awarded a total of $40,000 in provincial funding to help grow their businesses in Mississippi Mills and surrounding communities. The grants were announced in March 2026 through the Starter Company Plus program, which is managed by the Small Business Advisory Centre.
The program is an initiative of the Government of Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It provides business owners with coaching, mentorship, and access to workshops in addition to financial support. To qualify for a grant of up to $5,000, business owners must contribute at least 25 per cent of the total grant amount through personal cash or in-kind investments.
Cindy James, manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre, said the funding supports a variety of ventures. This year’s recipients operate in several communities, including Almonte, Carleton Place, Perth, Smiths Falls, Montague, and Merrickville. Local business owner Erin Kentfield, who operates 88 and Ivory in Almonte, received funding through the program and noted that the experience offered valuable learning opportunities for established and new business owners alike.
This latest round of funding follows a similar initiative in March 2025, where eight entrepreneurs received $38,250. The program, which is co-located with the Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, continues to provide consistent support for regional innovation and local economic growth.
The 2026 grant recipients include:
- 88 and Ivory (Almonte)
- Complete Oral Wellness (Carleton Place)
- Brightspace Psychotherapy (Carleton Place)
- Berry’s Eavestrough (Montague)
- Junibel’s Bakery (Montague)
- The Book’s Better (Smiths Falls)
- ECOBOU (Perth)
- The Dusty Rose Boutique (Perth)
- Poppy’s (Perth)
- Maple Music Studios (Merrickville)
