Spring 2025 cohort showcases diverse entrepreneurial talent across Kingston Region
Kingston, Ontario – June 23, 2025 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce that a group of 10 ambitious entrepreneurs have been selected for the Starter Company Plus program to receive training, mentorship and funding. Following an intensive business bootcamp and competitive selection process, these promising businesses have secured a total of $30,000 in microgrants to support their growth that when combined with their own contribution amounts to $280,000 of new business investment in the community.
The Starter Company Plus program, funded by the Government of Ontario, empowers entrepreneurs with comprehensive business training, personalized coaching, and microgrants of up to $5,000. Participants benefit from essential and trending business skills development, covering topics such as market research, financial management, digital marketing, strategic planning, and AI for small businesses.
“One of the key aspects of entrepreneurship is identifying opportunities even in unlikely scenarios, and this cohort exemplifies that principle,” says Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager, Start-ups & Entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development. “The strength and diversity of businesses is remarkable, from sustainable lumber operations to luxury travel consulting, from innovative sleep solutions to professional tree services. These entrepreneurs demonstrate how you can exploit opportunities when you combine vision, determination, and the right support system.”
“This program goes beyond the grant,” says Simon Denford, Business Programs & Community Outreach Coordinator at Kingston Economic Development. “Cohort after cohort, participants thank us for the training, the mentorship, and the connections. The Corporation’s strong network, enable us to match the participants with experienced business leaders to tap into their knowledge and experience. Over time, the participants who leverage the training and mentorship are the most successful.”
“With over 30 years of experience in retail, I found this course extremely valuable,” said Margaret Millar, founder of Back-Slide. “It has deepened my understanding of market research, marketing strategies and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.”
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort of Starter Company Plus will open in September. To learn more about Starter Company Plus and these exciting businesses, visit www.investkingston.ca/startercompanyplus
Meet the 2025 Spring Starter Company Plus businesses
Back-Slide by Margaret Millar
Back-slide™ is a quilted sleep mat made from fine, durable 100% polyester materials, designed to reduce friction and support smoother movement during sleep. Created to improve sleep quality and ease lower back stiffness, it offers a practical, affordable solution for those with sleep-related back pain. Developed by a retired retail professional with over 30 years of experience and former co-owner of Stitch by Stitch, Back-slide™ blends thoughtful design with proven expertise.
Caird Lumber Ltd. is a small-scale, locally owned lumber mill providing high-quality, custom-cut wood from sustainably harvested timber. Serving builders, contractors, and DIYers across Frontenac County and beyond, the company is expanding with a new Kingston retail store opening in May. Founded by a registered veterinary technician born in Kingston, the business was launched with her husband to raise their son close to home and build a lasting family legacy rooted in craftsmanship and community.
Castle Museum Solutions by Benjamin Oakley
Castle Museum Solutions Inc., located just half an hour north of Kingston, is a family-owned business specializing in the design and fabrication of museum-quality fine art shipping crates. The company also offers expert art services including exhibition preparation and installation, pedestal and mount making, and modern art conservation and restoration. Founded by Benjamin Oakley in 2020—a visual artist, woodworker, and professional exhibition technician who relocated from Toronto to South Frontenac—CMS brings craftsmanship, care, and curatorial precision to every project.
DesignScape Luxury Travel Consulting by Alex Kriss
DesignScape Luxury Travel, founded by Alex Kriss, designs bespoke travel experiences for those who value exclusivity, comfort, and exceptional service. With over a decade of hospitality experience and a passion for exploration, Alex delivers high-touch, personalized journeys grounded in operational excellence. From tailored itineraries to discreet concierge support, each trip is thoughtfully curated to reflect your pace, preferences, and definition of luxury—making travel seamless and unforgettable.
Frontenac Forest School by Rebecca Klapwyk
Frontenac Forest School, founded by certified elementary teacher Rebecca Klapwyk, offers inclusive, nature-based learning experiences that support children’s curiosity and development. Serving families in Frontenac, the school provides outdoor programs such as forest school sessions, loose parts play, and educational workshops. Rooted in play, respect, and child-led exploration, Rebecca creates joyful, welcoming environments where all children can thrive through meaningful, hands-on connection with the natural world.
JRS Audio & Production by Jordan Shew
JRS Audio & Production, founded by lifelong musician and audio professional Jordan Shew, is a boutique music studio offering recording, mixing, songwriting, and production services. With experience working under top industry engineers in both music and film, Jordan brings rare studio insight, technical expertise, and creative intentionality to every project. His refined ear and deep knowledge of the recording arts ensure a personalized, high-quality experience for artists at every stage.
Little Dot HR Inc. by Stephanie Little
Little Dot HR, founded by Steph Little, provides Fractional HR services for small to mid-sized businesses navigating growth, change, or challenge. With 20+ years of experience, Steph brings humour, business sense, and genuine care to help founders and teams access great HR when they need it most—flexibly and affordably. Her mission is to build strong, thriving workplace cultures through tailored, people-first solutions.
Santa Mia by Emily Green
Santa Mia Cosmetics, founded by Emily Green, offers a luxurious ritual of self-care for mature women on a journey of unapologetic self-rediscovery. With nearly 20 years of experience in natural cosmetics and herbalism, Emily crafts effective, handcrafted skincare that unlocks radiant, healthy skin through exceptional formulations and the magic of embracing your authentic self. Santa Mia builds community by celebrating the matriarchy and empowering women to Never Fade.
Smith & Smith Tree Services by Emily Smith
Smith & Smith Tree Services Inc., founded by ISA-certified arborist Emily Smith, delivers professional, reliable tree care to homeowners and businesses in Kingston and surrounding areas. With five years of industry experience and a Forestry degree from Sir Sandford Fleming College, Emily brings technical expertise, safety-first leadership, and a customer-focused approach to services including tree removal, pruning, hedge trimming, storm cleanup, and arborist reports. Emily’s mission is to set a new standard for excellence and employee care in the tree services industry.
WM Rentals by Mandy Fleming
WM Rentals, founded by healthcare professional and entrepreneur Mandy Fleming, provides reliable tool and watercraft rentals in Gananoque, Ontario. Offering equipment like pressure washers, cement saws, paddleboards, and kayaks, WM Rentals serves both residents and tourists with easy, accessible solutions for home projects and outdoor fun on the St. Lawrence River. Mandy brings a passion for community wellness and hands-on vision to local business development, filling a vital gap left by recent closures.
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
