Our Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Ontario Government and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, valuable training and networking, and the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grant funding.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies that completed the program this past June 2025.
Meet Bill Foutris and Powerhouse Jeeps
Powerhouse Jeeps Inc. is fueled by passion and built for adventure—offering high-performance engine builds, driveline systems, and custom off-road Jeep builds for thrill-seeking Jeep owners across Ontario and beyond. Born from a love of horsepower and the great outdoors, Powerhouse Jeeps tackles the challenge of unreliable off-road performance head-on, delivering custom engine builds, expert installation, and fully personalized rigs that conquer the trails while staying smooth on the streets. Backed by over 36 years of high-performance engine building and competitive racing experience, the company is charging ahead—expanding into in-house manufacturing and new product lines to elevate the off-road experience for its growing community.
Interview with Bill
- What inspired you to start your business?
After decades of building high-performance engines and living life at full throttle in the motorsports world, I felt a calling to do something more—something that fused my passion for precision engineering with my love for off-road adventure. I saw a growing demand for Jeeps that could dominate the trails but still handle the road with ease. That’s when Powerhouse Jeeps was born—a bold move to bring next-level performance, reliability, and customization to off-road enthusiasts across Canada.
- What services/products do you offer?
Powerhouse Jeeps delivers fully custom off-road Jeep builds, high-performance driveline systems, precision engine builds, expert installation, and top-quality aftermarket parts. We’re now shifting gears into manufacturing our own components—designed from experience and built to perform—so we can serve our community even better.
- What makes your business unique?
What sets us apart is the experience behind every build. With over 36 years in high-performance engine building and competitive racing, we bring unmatched expertise to the table. Every Jeep we touch is purpose-built—engineered for the individual and fine-tuned to strike the perfect balance between comfort, capability, and raw trail-dominating power.
- How did you come up with your business name?
“Powerhouse Jeeps” says it all—it’s about strength, performance, and unstoppable force. The name comes from my roots in engine building, where power is everything. We wanted something that captured our commitment to rugged reliability and high-performance builds that push boundaries.
- What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I’ve discovered just how rewarding it is to bring someone’s dream Jeep to life—and how much I love being a part of this incredible off-road community. It’s not just about the builds; it’s about the connections, the challenges, and the satisfaction of watching a vision come to life. I’ve also learned that running a business is as much about growth and adaptability as it is about skill.
- If you could offer one piece of advice to others thinking of starting their own businesses, what would it be?
Go all in on something you believe in. If you're solving a real problem with real passion, everything else will start to fall into place. Stay focused, stay consistent, and never lose sight of why you started.
- What is a dream opportunity or collaboration you’d love to have come your way?
Collaborating with a major off-road event series like The Great American Crawl or partnering with a big-name overland brand would be a dream come true. It would be an incredible opportunity to showcase what Powerhouse Jeeps is all about—unrelenting performance, true craftsmanship, and a deep love for the off-road lifestyle.
- What do you hope to achieve from the Starter Company Plus program?
I'm excited to build a powerful toolbox of skills, insights, and resources that will fuel the growth of Powerhouse Jeeps. With every piece of knowledge gained, I’m driven to craft a high-level business plan that reflects the passion behind our brand. My goal is to gain the tools and support needed to scale—from refining our business structure to expanding our marketing and manufacturing capabilities.
Ultimately, I’m committed to building a rock-solid foundation for long-term, sustainable growth that drives Powerhouse Jeeps to new heights.
Explore Powerhouse Jeeps Today
To learn more about Bill and Powerhouse Jeeps, you can reach out via email at powerhousejeeps@gmail.com or head to their website powerhousejeeps.ca.
Follow Powerhouse Jeeps on social media to stay informed about their services.
Facebook Page: facebook.com/powerhousejeeps
Instagram: Instagram.com/powerhousejeeps
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Learn More About the Starter Company Plus Program
To learn more about the Starter Company Plus program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445, or visit the program info page.