Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
Meet the owners of Waggin’ Tails Co. – Curtis Franke, Jessie Paul and CEO, Lizzie (their dog)! If you have a furry friend, you have thought at one point that you could use someone to walk your dog, run a daycare service, train and even board overnight. You might have even dreamed of having a service that could bring your dog to your wedding day for the ceremony and pictures for you. Well, if you have thought about any of those services, you’re in luck, as Waggin’ Tails does it all!
As lifelong pet owners, Curtis and Jessie understand the importance of finding a reliable, trustworthy and dedicated pet service for your fur baby. With over five years of various pet care experience combined with their commitment to continuous learning and improving their skillset, they promise to treat your pets as if they were their own. It’s been a pleasure to have them in the 2022 cohort of Starter Company Plus presented by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia.
Read the Q+A to hear more about their story.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
Seeing the business grow with each step of the way and having the flexibility of determining the schedule. We are really enjoying building connections with customers and their pets but also seeing their stress lower when their pets are in our care because of our accommodations, constant updates and transparency.
What inspired you to start a business?
My mom was an entrepreneur and a single mom of three boys. She inspired us to invest in ourselves and work just as hard as she did to become the best at what we do.
What products or services do you offer?
We’re excited to offer dog walking, overnight care, daycare and wedding packages. We are currently taking courses to be able to offer obedience training!
What has been your funniest story with your dog?
Coming home to see our dog had gotten into our arts and crafts bin and was COVERED in blue and pink paint. It was like dealing with a toddler - she was so happy and exhausted from her fun day of arts and crafts so it was tough to be mad!
How did you come up with your business name?
We always wanted our logo to include a sign of a happy dog and one of those signs is a wagging tail, then one thing led to another!
What is a cause that you deeply care about?
Healthy and treatable animals should always be cared for until they find their fur-ever home. Waggin' Tails Co. will always be a passionate advocate of limited-admission (or no-kill) shelters. We also hope to spread awareness on the supports, services and training available to families who may be experiencing a stressful homelife because of their pets. Waggin' Tails and many others are here to help.
What is unique about your business?
The wedding services! As dog parents, we can completely understand wanting your pet with you on your special day. Services for this include:
- Pet taxi to and from the venue
- Time for potty breaks and walks
- Time before or after the ceremony for pictures
- 2 nights of house sitting
Where do you see your business going in the next 12-24 months?
We want to own property to expand our business where we can increase our capacity limits. We also plan on offering obedience training with the certifications we are currently taking. This way, you can avoid coming home to your puppy doing arts and crafts!
If you could ask your dog anything and have it respond, what would it be?
Who is their favourite human?
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
Building connections and becoming more confident in ourselves.
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Learn more about Waggin’ Tails Co. and get your furry friends booked in here.
Website: https://waggintailsco.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waggintailsco_/
Phone number: 705-323-8053