Eight new entrepreneurs are ready to do business after getting some advice and help on their projects.
Le Cente d’entrepreneurship de Prescott-Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (CEPR/PREC) presented the newest members of Prescott-Russell’s business community and graduates of the Starter Company Plus program.
The program is a partnership between PREC and the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR), with funding provided through the provincial government. The focus of the program is to help support new entrepreneurs with preparing and launching their business plans, whether it involves starting a new business, buying an existing one, or expanding their current operation.
“Each of you is contributing in your own way to the economic life of Prescott-Russell,” said Mario Zanth, UCPR warden, during the March 24 presentation event in L’Orignal for this year’s eight Starter Company Plus graduates.
In a video message during the presentation, MPP Stéphane Sarrazin recalled his own experience as an independent businessman and said programs like Starter Company Plus are essential to helping new small businesses develop.
“I know how important support and mentorship is,” said Sarrazin. “You are directly contributing to a strong, local economy.”
Participants accepted into the Starter Plus Program spend several months taking part in workshops with experienced local business mentors. The workshops deal with topics like identifying the ideal customer, marketing, negotiation, financial fundamentals, and other subjects. Serving as mentors for this term of the Starter Company Plus program were Antoine Carrière of Entrepreneur Lifestyle Academy, Marc Lecompte of Kwik Tax, Éric Charlebois of Apprends et entreprends, and Vicky Papineau of Gold Centre Coaching.
Following the workshops, participating entrepreneurs then presented their final business plans to a selection committee. Successful proponents received a $5000 grant to invest in equipment, inventory, marketing plans, and other identified needs to get their new business started.
“Entrepreneurs play an essential role in the economic vitality of our region,” said Lisa Langevin, CEPR/PREC project officer. “Thanks to this program, they are able to develop their ideas and access resources that will help them grow their businesses.”
This term’s graduating Starter Company Plus program entrpreneurs are: Brandon Roussell of Hawkesbury; Destiny Lavoie and Ikram Ahmed, both of Embrun; Lyanne Pennell, Erin Gurski, and Kerry Smith, all from Russell; Josée Dupuis of Hammond; Tanya Dery of Bourget.
Roussell’s business, Fresh Vues, specializes in residential and commercial window cleaning and gutter cleaning. He set up his business in 2025 and has developed a reputation for professional and quality service.
Destiny Lavoie developed her business, Clean Touch, to provide personalized and affordable cleaning service and has grown a client base of seniors, families, and individual homeowners with regular or specialized cleaning needs.
Ahmed owns and operates Siti Organic Skin, now an award-winning Canadian brand of natural skincare and haircare products, including oils and cleansers, and specialized items that deal with the hormonal needs of postpartum women following after their pregnancy. The products feature non-toxic and safe ingredients for women during their post-natal recovery.
Pennell’s HIRA A Centre for Wellness Inc. provides a variety of aesthetic treatments for her clients, including thermotherapy, skincare, massage, energy/reiki treatments, and also organizes workshops and retreats for clients with a focus on holistic healing.
Gurski manages Copyrightlaws.com, an e-learning company that specialized in copyright training for non-legal professionals. The company offers certification programs and online e-tutorials, and a series of self-paced courses that help serve clients in Canada, the United States, and other countries.
Smith’s business, ApotheKerry & Co., is a wellness and intentional gift shop that offers handmade soaps, body products, craftwork from local artisans, and other items. The businss combines retail sales with workshops and custom products.
Dupuis manages Willow Creek Gypsies, a specialized Gypsy Vanner horse breeding operation that is integrating Equine Assisted Learning service into its operation. The business provides personal development, leadership, and wellness workshops for clients, and also leverages its herd of Gypsy Vanner horses, a breed known for its calm temperment, to provide bilingual programs for youth, various organizations, and first responders.
Dery’s Box Homes is a construction and property management company involved in the growing tiny homes market sector. The company creates and builds tiny homes grouped into long-term rental communities owne and operated by the business. The goal is to provide stable, energy-efficient and affordable housing for families, professionals and retirees.
