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The entrepreneurs of the Starter Company Plus Program 2025. Photo via Kingston Economic Development Corporation.<\/p>\nThe entrepreneurs of the Starter Company Plus Program 2025. Photo via Kingston Economic Development Corporation.<\/p>\n
Kingston Economic Development Corporation has announced the 10 ambitious entrepreneurs selected through the Starter Company Plus Program.<\/p>\n
According to a release from the organization, following an intensive business bootcamp and competitive selection process, these promising businesses have secured a total of $30,000 in micro-grants to fuel their growth and success.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis cohort exemplifies the diversity and innovation that defines Kingston\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem,\u201d said Donna Gillespie, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation, in a press release on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom clean beauty products to intelligent training simulations, from accessible spa services to high-end carpentry, these businesses demonstrate how entrepreneurship creates opportunities across every sector of our economy. Their success strengthens our community and contributes to Kingston\u2019s reputation as a city where ambitious entrepreneurs can build sustainable, meaningful ventures.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Starter Company Plus program, funded by the Government of Ontario, empowers entrepreneurs with comprehensive business training, personalized coaching, and micro-grants of up to $5,000. Participants benefit from essential business skills development, covering crucial topics such as market research, financial management, digital marketing, strategic planning, and leveraging AI for small businesses, according to the release.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat stands out about this cohort is the combination of deep expertise and fresh perspective these entrepreneurs bring to their industries,\u201d Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager, Start-ups & Entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development, said in the release.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s bringing 18 years of corporate experience to management consulting or combining Red Seal certification with entrepreneurial vision in carpentry, these participants demonstrate how Starter Company Plus serves entrepreneurs at various stages.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kingston Economic Development shared that during 2025, Starter Company Plus has supported 20 entrepreneurs in the Kingston region, distributing a total of $60,000 in funding to help transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses. This latest cohort reportedly continues that legacy, representing diverse sectors from wellness and sustainability to technology and skilled trades.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe program has pushed me to refine my business with real clarity and confidence,\u201d shared Starter Company Plus participant Beth Wylie of Girl Friday Kingston.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe guidance around building a stronger business plan has been especially valuable, giving me the structure and tools to strengthen Girl Friday Kingston\u2019s foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the release, each participant in the program is paired with an experienced local business mentor who provides personalized guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey. This combination of structured training, hands-on mentorship, and financial support creates a comprehensive foundation for long-term business success.<\/p>\n
Kingston Economic Development shared the following details on the fall 2025 Starter Company Plus recipients:<\/p>\n
MoriCat by Shirley Chen<\/p>\n
MoriCat, founded by Shirley Chen and Rebecca Li, is a science-backed cat lifestyle brand creating modular collars, handmade wool toys, and cat personality boxes. Blending feline behaviour research with thoughtful craftsmanship, the brand offers safer, smarter products that enrich daily life and strengthen the bond between cats and their owners. As a new Canadian immigrant and longtime cat rescuer, Shirley leads product design, visual identity, and offline distribution, bringing deep care and creativity to every handcrafted piece.<\/p>\n
LOLIFIT.CO by Lilian Estafanous<\/p>\n
Lolifit.co, founded by natural competitive bodybuilder and researcher Lilian Estafanous, crafts organic dark chocolate and snacks made with real ingredients such as cacao butter, cacao nibs, monk fruit, and dates. Handmade in a certified Kingston kitchen, the brand partners with local retailers and community events to offer clean-label, no-added-sugar treats that support brain and body health. Lilian blends evidence-based nutrition with community-focused entrepreneurship to create functional, guilt-free chocolate people can feel good about.<\/p>\n
Manajoy by C\u00e9lia Galas<\/p>\n
Manajoy, led by bilingual consultant C\u00e9lia Galas, helps entrepreneurs overcome a key barrier to growth: unstructured operations. Through management consulting and targeted training, she clarifies leadership approaches, streamlines processes, and builds simple systems that work. With 18 years of combined corporate and consulting experience, C\u00e9lia streamlines operations so founders can grow without burning out. Her goal is to create businesses that run smoothly, scale sustainably, and operate without relying on the founder\u2019s constant presence.<\/p>\n
VirtuEd by Rielly Keeler & Cesar Hernandez<\/p>\n
VirtuEd, founded by Rielly Keeler and Cesar Hernandez, specializes in intelligent training simulations and digital twin technology that transforms education and culture. Through 3D object scanning, custom virtual environments, and a strong focus on accessibility and compliance, the company creates immersive digital experiences for sectors such as cultural\u00a0heritage, education, and\u00a0health\u00a0care.<\/p>\n
The Dutch Spice Mill, Sjoukje van\u00a0der Lann\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Dutch Spice Mill, founded by Dutch-born creator Sjoukje van der Laan, is a woman-led social enterprise in South Frontenac crafting high-quality, mostly organic spices and Dutch-inspired blends. Rooted in tradition, storytelling, and the culinary history of the Netherlands, the business focuses on ethical sourcing, sustainable agriculture, and nature restoration. Sjoukje blends art, science, and cultural heritage to create flavourful, meaningful products that connect communities through food and shared history.<\/p>\n
Elevate Collective by Michelle Lawrence<\/p>\n
Elevate Collective, founded by brand strategist Michelle Lawrence, supports female entrepreneurs through strategic branding, Showit web design, and business development. With 13 years of corporate marketing experience with brands such as Boston Pizza, Mark\u2019s Work Wearhouse, and CAA, she blends clear strategy with refined, conversion-driven design to help women attract aligned clients and scale sustainably. Clients appreciate her in-person guidance, often noting how conversations with her bring clarity, direction, and renewed confidence in their next steps.<\/p>\n
Lake + Main by\u00a0Alyson\u00a0Charrette\u00a0& Lisa\u00a0Taylor<\/p>\n
Lake + Main, a Canadian clean-beauty brand founded by wellness experts Alyson Charrette and Lisa Taylor, crafts plant-based facial oils and natural skin care. They create toxin-free, high-performance products designed to transform daily routines into luxurious self-care rituals. Committed to effective, intentional formulas, they honour the skin\u2019s natural wisdom while delivering visible, trustworthy results.<\/p>\n
Macaila\u2019s Mudhouse Spa by Macaila McLeod<\/p>\n
Macaila\u2019s Mudhouse Spa, founded by esthetician Macaila McLeod, is a women-owned, inclusive spa located in Harrowsmith dedicated to accessible self-care and community well-being. With training from St. Lawrence College and a Skills Canada gold medal in Esthetics, Macaila offers personalized, affordable treatments in a safe and welcoming space. Her focus on comfort, quality, and care ensures everyone can enjoy the wellness services they deserve.<\/p>\n
B2B Carpentry by James Wydryk<\/p>\n
B2B Carpentry, founded by Red Seal carpenter James Wydryk, provides high-end finish carpentry in Kingston and surrounding areas. Specializing in custom trim, doors, panelling, built-ins, and detailed woodwork, they deliver precise, Red Seal-certified craftsmanship on every project. As an owner-operated business, James focuses on quality, reliability, and exceptional results for homeowners and contractors seeking premium carpentry done right.<\/p>\n
Girl Friday Kingston by Beth Wylie<\/p>\n
Girl Friday, founded by community-minded entrepreneur Beth Wylie, provides non-medical support to seniors and busy families. Offering companionship, errands, meal prep, and home organization, Beth delivers thoughtful, personalized assistance that helps clients maintain independence and reduce daily stress. With a background in client service, fundraising, and relationship-building, she brings compassion, reliability, and genuine care to every household she supports.<\/p>\n