Ernie Perrin, Owner, Ernie's Auto Clinic, Prescott:
“With support and advice reached through a simple
phone call or a visit from GCFDC’s Business
Development Officer, Mike O’Keefe, and Small
Business Consultant, Ben TeKamp, I was able to
obtain benefits through the Loan Program and
also the Self-Employment Benefit Program.
Having both programs available has assisted me
greatly in the start up and successful continuation
of my business.”
Ernie's Auto Clinic Ernie Perrin 3361 County Road
26, R.R.#2,
Prescott, ON, K0E 1T0
Tel: (613) 340.8494
Gayle Poapst, Owner, Bodhi Tree Yoga Inc.,
Kemptville:
“I sought out and received the services of GCFDC to
assist me with the development and progression of my
business. The Commercial Loan Program,
Self-Employment Benefit Program, and Eastern
Ontario Development Program have all provided me
with the assistance I was seeking for my business to
thrive in my community. I feel fortunate to have
received the support and guidance that GCFDC has
provided.”
“The support I received
from the Self-Employment Benefit Program in my
first year of operations has proven to be
invaluable to my business. While I had many of
the tools I needed to be successful, the education
and financial support they gave me ensured it. It
took the pressure and mystery of start-up off my
shoulders and allowed me to focus on building my
client base and my business.
Just as importantly, it introduced me to
numerous like-minded individuals, many of
whom I still turn to for support and advice.”
Krista
King-Holmes, Owner, Cup After Cup, Prescott:
"With GCFDC's assistance and support through
the Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program,
my dream of operating my own business was
fulfilled. The SEB Program helped me develop my
business skills and provided me with the
confidence and knowledge to succeed. I would
recommend the GCFDCproducts and services
to anyone seeking support for their business
venture."
Cup After Cup Krista King-Holmes
179 King Street West,
Prescott, ON, K0E 1T0
Tel: (613) 925.0503
Oliver Crate, Owner, VTF Vacuum Thermal Forming:
"In 1995 I was laid off from my position as Maintenance Manager at a local manufacturer of acrylic bathware. By the end of 1995, I had negotiated with a Kemptville based Telecommunications manufacturer to produce their Radomes (weather covers) for their antenna systems. We officially launched our business Jan. 1996 from our shop at home and
then we moved to our current location of 4000 square feet of manufacturing space. Our process is the vacuum forming of sheet plastics over or into the forms of our clients specific needs. We do production and prototype work of all kinds as well as some fabrication work.
The Self Employment Benefit Program was of great assistance in the start up of our business as it allowed us to concentrate on running the business without the usual financial hassles. The courses that I attended through the program taught us how to
prepare a Business Plan, accounting practices, marketing strategies, inventory control, purchasing strategies and others. This is probably the best program that has been set up to assist Small Businesses start up. Once you have launched your business the support from the program administrators is ongoing and there is also financial assistance available in the form of loans should it be required.
Thank you GCFDC for your support."
VTF Vacuum Thermal Forming
Oliver JG Crate 7000 County Road 18,
RR#2 Spencerville, ON, K0E1X0
Tel: (613) 658.3300
Fax: (613) 658.3200 ocrate@vtfinc.ca www.vtfinc.ca
Sara Harley, Owner, The Barking Biscuit:
"I started The Barking Biscuit Company in 1998 after losing my job in bank management. We make all natural dog biscuits by hand, and currently supply over 60 natural food stores and pet stores with our biscuits. We also have a web site set up and have sent our biscuits throughout Canada and the United States, and as far away as England and Jordan!
Participating in the Self Employment Benefit Program provided me with income support during the crucial first year of starting up my business. I strongly recommend this program to anyone starting a new business."
