Success Stories

In 2018, Catherine Ferrar, owner of Our Kitchen Brantford (OKB) received a pivotal grant that set the stage for the thriving business she celebrates today. Marking seven years of successful operation, Catherine's journey has been one of resilience, growth, and community impact.

The grant provided Catherine with the necessary resources to invest in critical kitchen equipment, enhancing her ability to serve clients and expand her offerings. She credits much of her success to the invaluable courses and support she received through the BRC. This assistance played a key role in her business's growth, particularly through the process of incorporating her company and connecting her to mentors, resources, and professionals across the city. The BRC’s expertise in marketing, pricing strategies, business planning, and connecting her to the right legal and accounting professionals helped Catherine navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Of course, the road to success wasn’t without its hurdles. OKB faced several challenges, including a year-long wait for equipment and construction completion. The business was also deeply impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted many of the in-person events and gatherings where Catherine had been showcasing her food. However, her determination and adaptability allowed her to pivot quickly. She developed a food shop that featured her members’ products, creating a new and immediate market for local food entrepreneurs.

Despite these setbacks, Catherine and OKB have achieved remarkable success. Many of her members have gone on to open their own brick-and-mortar locations, with OKB currently supporting 25 local food businesses. Beyond business growth, Catherine’s commitment to the community shines through her partnerships with organizations to cater events, provide meals for seniors, and contribute to children’s programs.

Catherine’s entrepreneurial journey is filled with invaluable lessons, and she shares some advice for aspiring business owners: "Invest in legal services to navigate contracts and negotiations, regularly review your costs, and take the initiative to market your product. A solid business plan is crucial— but be open to adjusting it as needed. Always have a Plan B and C. Be charitable with your profits but only give what you can afford. Most importantly, don’t give up on your dream— just keep planning, planning, and planning."

Catherine’s unwavering passion and commitment to her vision are a testament to the power of perseverance and thoughtful planning. We look forward to the continued success of OKB and the positive impact Catherine will undoubtedly continue to make in her community.

To learn more about Our Kitchen Brantford, visit ourkitchenbrantford.ca or following them on Facebook and Instagram.

In 2016, Eric Nease, owner of Infinium Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, participated in our Starter Company Plus Grant Program, setting the foundation for what would become the largest Brazilian jiu-jitsu facility in Brantford. Infinium BJJ promotes a positive training atmosphere that allows people of all levels to join in and grow at their own pace

At the time, Eric was starting his business in a new city with no capital, no business background, and limited local connections. While he brought exceptional talent to the training aspect of his work, navigating the operational and financial side of business ownership was a new and challenging experience.

Through the grant program, Eric found immense value in being required to develop a comprehensive business plan. The process helped him move from intuition to intentional strategy. He learned how to forecast finances, manage expenses, and project revenue, the skills that gave him clarity and control in the early stages of his venture. Working closely with the Business Resource Center (BRC), Eric gained the tools and insight needed to turn his passion into a sustainable enterprise. The much-needed grant funding helped propel his business forward at a time when he needed it the most.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Eric faced one of his toughest challenges yet. However, Eric was able to pivot, and due to the  the solid planning, he had previously done, Infinium Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu not only survived—it thrived.

Today, the business operates out of a 4,000 square foot facility and boasts over 200 active members. It has undergone multiple expansions and become a cornerstone of the local fitness and martial arts community.

Reflecting on his journey, Eric offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Don’t ever just wing it. If you have a passion, set a plan in motion. Weather the storm, adjust when needed, and keep building. Create a strong foundation and work from there.”

Eric also emphasizes the importance of team culture: “Build a dynamic team and create a community of leaders. Your tribe is key—if you treat them with respect, they’ll work hard. Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your customers. That’s the real secret to success.”

Eric’s journey is a testament to the power of planning, perseverance, and people—and a reminder that with the right support and mindset, success is always within reach. To learn more, visit www.infinumbjj.com or visit Infinium Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Facebook or Instagram. 

Krystal Schouten, founder of Fitness Reset, was a successful candidate in the Starter Company Plus Grant Program back in 2016. When Krystal first connected with the BRC, she was an expert in her field, but new to the world of entrepreneurship. While her knowledge of health and fitness was exceptional, she recognized the need for support in building the business side of her vision.
 
From the beginning, Krystal leaned into the program’s mentorship opportunities and the supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs. Being surrounded by others who were also pursuing the grant not only provided inspiration but also gave her a sense of accountability and collaboration. She credits the program with helping her craft a business plan that gave her purpose, direction, and long-term clarity.

Like many entrepreneurs, Krystal’s journey has not been without its challenges. She describes business ownership as a true emotional rollercoaster. It requires resilience, grit, and the ability to adapt. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted her operations, pushing her to rebrand and reposition her services to meet evolving client needs. In the process, she expanded her offerings to reach a broader audience of women, ultimately mastering her niche and thriving as a result.

Over the years, Krystal has found her voice as a confident leader and community advocate. She has successfully hosted events, been invited as a guest speaker, led seminars, and built a respected presence in the local business and wellness scene. She is a strong believer in collaboration, particularly with other like-minded women entrepreneurs, and continually seeks ways to align her business with others that share her values.

Krystal now shares the powerful lessons she’s learned with other aspiring business owners. Her advice is both heartfelt and wise:
 
“Overcome the fear. Put yourself out there! It’s scary, but you have to just jump in. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Ignore the outside voices of doubt and always reach out for support. Surround yourself with other business owners to share ideas, talk things through, and remind yourself you’re not alone.”
 
She also emphasizes the importance of continuous growth: investing in training, coaching, and personal development; journaling goals and reflections; listening to empowering podcasts; and always protecting your time and energy.
 
Krystal encourages entrepreneurs to understand the rhythms of their business, recognizing when to push forward and when to step back and work on the business, not just in it. Her journey is a powerful example of resilience, reinvention, and the rewards that come from betting on yourself.
 
Fitness reset is a successful business that is always adding new programs to their lineup.  Looking forward to what the future holds for them. To learn more, visit www.fitnessresetinfo.com or visit Fitness Reset on Facebook or Instagram.

Terra Wilton, the founder of the beloved Brantford Bagel, participated in the BRC’s grant program in 2021, embarking on a transformative journey that would shape the future of her business.
Like many small business owners, Terra initially found the task of writing a business plan daunting and overwhelming. However, with the BRC’s guidance and mentorship, she credits their support as a game-changer in her business’s long-term success.

Following the successful receipt of the Summer Company Grant Program, Terra leveraged the resources available to her during and after the grant process. This support proved invaluable, especially as she transitioned to a brick-and-mortar storefront in the challenging post-COVID landscape. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the economy, Terra remained committed to her entrepreneurial dreams.

Through the BRC’s mentorship, Terra gained the confidence and expertise needed to take a significant step forward expanding from a commercial kitchen to her very own storefront. She also invested in key equipment that propelled her business to new heights.

Fast forward to today, and Terra is celebrating the third anniversary of From Scratch, a thriving downtown Brantford restaurant where she’s partnered with a professional chef to offer fresh, never frozen meals. With a unique rotating menu, customers eagerly anticipate each new creation, making From Scratch a standout in the local dining scene.
Terra’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful – “Take the leap and follow your dreams, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.” She emphasized the importance of sticking to your business plan, adjusting it as needed, and securing a reliable accountant from the start to ensure your financials stay in order. Above all, Terra advises new business owners to surround themselves with a supportive and trustworthy network—a strong team can make all the difference.

To learn more about From Scratch, visit fromscratchcafebistro.com, or following them on Facebook and Instagram.

In 2020, Caroline Cowper, owner of C3dar Labs, received the Starter Company Plus Grant, a milestone that proved to be truly game-changing for her business. The grant allowed Caroline to invest in new technology that enhanced her services, while the mentorship and training sessions equipped her with valuable skills in marketing, budgeting, and long-term decision-making. 

Like many entrepreneurs, Caroline faced early challenges, including learning to delegate, trusting others with her vision, and finding effective ways to build awareness of her business. Through perseverance and growth, she has built a strong and reliable team and gained the confidence to lead while letting others shine. She also learned the importance of focusing her ideas and growing at a manageable pace.

From humble beginnings in a shared 15x16 space, C3dar Labs has expanded into a 4,000-square-foot facility, now home to 40 to 60 regular students, with fully booked summer camps year after year. Caroline continues to expand her offerings and classes, inspiring creativity and innovation in every student who walks through her doors.

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Be patient. You can’t do it all yourself, and growth takes time and nothing good happens overnight.”

Caroline’s entrepreneurial spirit has even inspired her son, who participated in the BRC Summer Company Grant Program, launching a successful 3D printing business that has opened exciting opportunities for his future.

Congratulations to Caroline and C3dar Labs on your continued success, a true example of how passion, perseverance, and community support can turn dreams into thriving businesses!

To learn more about C3dar Labs, visit www.c3darlab.ca, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Altitude Coffee Roasters proudly received the Starter Company Plus grant in 2021. A milestone they credit as a powerful launch point. Completing a comprehensive business plan and leveraging the expertise and resources of the BRC, including accounting support, in‑person classes, and mentorship sessions, helped set the foundation for their growth.

Like many local entrepreneurs, their journey has not been without challenges. They’ve had to adapt quickly, stay organized, and push harder than they ever imagined, balancing ownership responsibilities, building the right team, and managing daily operations with dedication and resilience.

Altitude thrived through the in‑person engagement provided by the BRC. The Starter Company program opened the door to meaningful connections, new collaborations, and a vibrant network of like‑minded business owners and entrepreneurs.

Altitude Coffee Roasters has now achieved every goal outlined in their original business plan. This is an accomplishment that reflects both their vision and determination. Their wholesale business is flourishing, and their direct‑to‑consumer market continues to grow steadily. They are constantly innovating, setting new goals, and exploring fresh opportunities for expansion.

Community involvement remains at the heart of their mission. From day one, giving back has been a core value, and that commitment continues to guide their decisions and actions.

Their advice for new entrepreneurs is to be patient. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Show up consistently, follow your plan, and communicate clearly with your team and everyone who supports the business. With dedication and hard work, success will follow.

Altitude Coffee Roasters is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and community support can fuel extraordinary growth.