Becky Kurtz completed the Starter Company Plus program five years ago. Since then, she has continued to advance her business, Aspire Services, after learning key principles and building a strong business network during her time in the program. Becky created Aspire Services to support neurodiverse youth, adolescents, and adults develop key life skills and celebrate the important wins in life!
Recently, we sat down with Becky to learn more about her experiences participating in the Starter Company Plus Program and why she chose to pursue her business in the City of Barrie.
Becky’s passion for working with neurodiverse individuals started early in life and grew into a full career path. From working in various sectors, including the school board, intensive behavioural intervention services, and applied behaviour analysis intervention programs, Becky gained hands-on experience across different age groups and needs.
Then, after relocating to Barrie, she noticed a significant gap: very few services were available for adolescents aged 12-18 and beyond.
“People don’t just stop growing at twelve years old,” Becky says. “There was almost nothing in place to help teens or young adults develop life skills.”
Rather than waiting for change, she built it herself—launching a business focused on helping neurodiverse youth and adults build independence, confidence, and real-life skills.
“My passion lies in working with humans. Teens are really fun. They’re in a big transition, and I love being there to support them through it.”
What is unique and special about your business?
Aspire Services focuses on life coaching and life skills development, offering both in-person and virtual support to clients in Barrie, Simcoe County, and across the country.
“I want to be someone’s cheerleader. I’m here to support people and teach them the life skills they need.”
What impact do you hope to make on children and youth through your business?
Becky’s goal is simple, yet powerful: to help each person become the best version of themselves.
She looks to empower independence and confidence in individuals with neurodiversity, which means learning key life skills that fit everyone's individual goals. Her business provides tools and guidance that lead to lasting transformation—both in daily life and long-term outcomes.
Why did you choose to grow your business in Barrie?
Now in its fifth year, Aspire Services has become a vital part of the Barrie community. Becky chose the city because it had real and immediate need.
“There were so few support services for adolescents in this area. Barrie gave me the opportunity to create something that didn’t already exist.”
How did you hear about the Starter Company Plus Program?
Becky learned about the Starter Company Plus Program while working with a business coach, and through connections with the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Centre. She also did her own research online.
“Starting a business is a whole new ball game. I had no background in business, so having that extra support made all the difference.”
What was the most valuable lesson you took away after graduating from the program?
“Ask for help and keep learning. Business is always changing. I still reach out to the Small Business Centre when I need support.”
Starter Company Plus was a launchpad for Becky’s business growth. Since participating, she has expanded her virtual offerings, built partnerships with federal initiatives, scaled her small group programming, and grown from a solo operation to a full team.
“At the time, it was just me. Now I have a whole team and that’s helped me serve more people in more ways.”
What does “community” mean to you as a business owner in Barrie?
“It’s about staying connected to people both in your field and outside of it. It’s about finding your own cheerleaders and building a strong network.”
Even though she participated in the Starter Company Plus Program during COVID, when everything was virtual, Becky still built lasting relationships.
“I’ve created a space for myself at the Small Business Centre where I feel supported. That sense of community has stayed with me.”
What’s next for your business?
The next exciting chapter includes a new federally funded program called Employment Works. This program is designed to help neurodivergent individuals prepare for the workforce.
If there was one piece of advice you’d give someone to start their own business, what would that be?
“Get yourself someone who can help you learn about business. I had no clue how to run a business because that wasn’t my background.”
“Whether it’s the Starter Company Plus Program or a business coach, find someone who can teach you and support you.”
Becky Kurtz’s journey with Aspire Services is a powerful example of what can happen when passion and purpose and is paired with the right support. Through participation in the Starter Company Plus Program, Becky gained not just business skills, but the confidence and community she needed to build something meaningful.
Today, with new programs like Employment Works on the horizon, Becky’s vision continues to grow along with the community she’s helped shape.
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The Starter Company Plus Program is available to all entrepreneurs who are looking to start, grow, or buy a business!
Those who meet the criteria and are accepted into the program receive benefits and access to training and business development skills, mentorship from local business leaders, and the opportunity to receive a grant of up to 5,000 dollars to help boost your business.
Learn more about Starter Company Plus.