The 2024 Fall Cohort Showcases the Diversity and Innovation of Kingston Entrepreneurs
Kingston, Ontario – January 29, 2025 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce that 10 ambitious entrepreneurs were selected and have received funding through the Starter Company Plus Program. Following an intensive business bootcamp and competitive selection process that saw 29 applications, these promising businesses have been paired with a local business entrepreneur mentor to drive their growth and success.
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. In this cohort, Kingston Economic Development distributed a total of $30,000 to support these emerging businesses, representing sectors ranging from technology and education to healthcare and retail.
“From innovative desserts to cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, this cohort truly represents the incredible diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of Kingston,” says Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager, Start-ups & Entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development. “What’s particularly inspiring is how each cohort of participants continues to raise the bar, making our program increasingly competitive and amplifying the positive impact these businesses have on our community. This group’s range of innovative solutions and services promises to create lasting positive changes in our society.”
“The success of Starter Company Plus lies in its proven methodology,” says Simon Denford, Business Programs & Community Outreach Coordinator at Kingston Economic Development. “Through a structured approach combining intensive training, mentorship, and funding, we equip entrepreneurs with the fundamental tools and knowledge they need to transform their business dreams into sustainable ventures.”
“Thanks to the Starter Company Plus Program, I have accessed invaluable resources and financial support that have given me the confidence to launch and grow my business,” shares recipient Jennifer O’Neil of Giving Space. “The educational modules and planning tools have been essential, and I look forward to the mentorship component and the value it will bring in setting my business on the right path for success.”
Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort of Starter Company Plus will open on February 26, 2025. To learn more about the program, visit investkingston.ca/startercompanyplus
Meet the Fall 2024 Starter Company Plus Recipients
Visually Speaking by Melissa Choquette
Visually Speaking Inc., is an innovative online platform founded by Melissa Choquette, a neurodivergent educator. It empowers Learning Coaches with rich visuals, professional learning, and community support through the Thriving Learner Ecosystem, fostering development across physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains with tiered membership options.
Drivisa by Fares Al Bonai
Drivisa connects students with MTO-approved driving instructors in Ontario, streamlining the process of obtaining a driver’s license. Students can hand-pick instructors, schedule lessons, and start learning without delays typical of traditional driving schools. The platform offers flexibility and convenience, revolutionizing how Ontarians prepare for their driving exams.
Giving Space by Jennifer O’Neil
Giving Space offers personalized life enhancement and change management services, including coaching, productivity, and organizing. We help clients navigate transitions positively and build a fulfilling personal and professional life. Services include envisioning a better future and creating tools, strategies, and spaces to achieve and sustain that vision long-term.
Acoshia by Abha Chiyedan
Acoshia designs trendy, chic office tools that blend fashion with organization. Featured in Chatelaine, The Kit, and Toronto Star, Acoshia creates stylish stationery to boost productivity and creativity. On a mission to reinvent the stationery industry, Acoshia plants a tree for every order, combining style with environmental impact.
CB Butterlicious by Chanelle Blair
CB Butterlicious creates all-natural skincare products, including whipped shea butter, scrubs, soaps, oils, and lip gloss. Born from a passion for wellness, our products promote healthy, glowing skin for all genders and ages. Committed to eco-conscious ingredients, we support our community through mindful, sustainable skincare solutions.
Dessert of the Deyo by Melissa Deyo
Dessert of the Deyo is a downtown Kingston bakery specializing in tarts, cupcakes, cookie kits, and more. Known for unique flavors at great prices, it combines delicious treats with a mission: raising awareness for addiction recovery through owner Missy Deyo’s inspiring sobriety story.
Brightminds by Vidyut Bannerjee
Brightminds empowers young learners by fostering skills in STEM and robotics through innovative education and development programs. Founded by Vidyut and his son, Ahan, Brightminds was created to address the lack of programming in these fields, inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
Credence Home Healthcare by Denisha Patel
Credence Home Healthcare, delivers compassionate, high-quality in-home care for seniors. With a caring local team, services include skilled nursing, personal support, respite, palliative care, therapy, and non-medical assistance. We empower seniors to live with dignity and independence, ensuring comfort and support in their own homes.
Tourny by Ben Lammers
Tourny is tournament management software that keeps participants informed with real-time updates and streamlines scheduling for organizers. Serving Canadian sports organizations, from youth clubs to adult leagues, Tourny’s mission is to simplify logistics, allowing teams to focus on building connections and celebrating the love of play without unnecessary challenges.
Vulnscanner AI by Simone Onorato
Vulnscanner AI is a cybersecurity platform that secures WordPress websites for individuals, SMBs, and non-profits. Using AI, it detects vulnerabilities, offers clear remediation steps, and enables one-click fixes. Designed for non-experts, Vulnscanner makes website security simple, empowering organizations to safeguard their online presence effortlessly and focus on what matters.
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
