Eleven new student-run small businesses were officially unveiled on Friday as part of the annual Summer Company program.
Run through the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, local entrepreneurs from Stratford and Perth County receive business training, a $3,000 grant and expert mentorship.
“Every year, the sheer energy and creativity of these young entrepreneurs completely blows me away,” said Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford.
Gerber said provincial funding and increased regional partner collaboration gives students the ultimate platform to test their ideas, build real-world skills, and invest directly in the future of the local economy.
Program graduates include:
Lucy Webster, Art-to-Heart: Stratford-based company offers personalized art lessons, portfolio prep, academic tutoring, and creative respite programming. Webster offers creative community events and accessible drop-in sessions on Tom Patterson Island.
Vincent Macisaac, Stratford Green Scapes: A full-service lawn maintenance company located in Stratford that provides professional mowing, weed trimming, core aeration, and seasonal yard cleanups.
Mandy Cacic, Miscellaneous Art: Located in Stratford, where Mandy turns her creative passion into vibrant, custom merchandise. She creates and sells original paintings and highly detailed, handmade custom pins featuring unique illustrations and animal designs.
Oliver Johnstone, OnDeck Marine Care: Provides premium, recurring dockside cleaning services designed to keep boats clean, protected, and ready to use all season long. Servicing boats directly at a local marina with no hauling or prep required.
Kieran Johnson, Green Side Lawn Care: Located in Stratford and offers a wide selection of property care. Services include routine mowing and trimming, extensive yard cleanups, seeding, and precise mulch installation.
Cindy Yuan, Portraits by Cindy: Located in Stratford. Specializes in high-quality visual art. Custom commission artwork tailored to your vision using graphite, watercolours, and acrylics, perfect for meaningful gifts or statement home decor.
Ben Ewing, besportsphotography: Located in St. Marys, where Ben captures high-energy action shots for local athletes, parents, and community leagues.
Ryan Clark, Ryan’s Lawn Care: Located in St. Marys. Provides dependable, routine residential lawn maintenance right across the community.
Nathan Preston, Green Productions: Located in St. Marys. Helping businesses across the area and neighbouring communities elevate their digital presence with custom video production.
Jayda Houben, Grounded Firewood Supply Co.: Located in Wartburg. Takes an eco-conscious approach to campfires.
Logan Bajtos, LB Custom 3D Parts: Located in Atwood. Operating as a high-precision 3D printing business specializing in durable automotive components, custom prototypes, and personalized printed products made at home.
