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 Eleanor Brodie-mends and FWE Media
Ellie and FWE Media offer tailored social media marketing and content creation services for independently owned restaurants. Their services solve a key pain point for restaurant owners. They address lack of time, skill, and strategy in digital marketing by providing visually compelling, results-driven content and consistent online management that attracts customers and builds a community. Drawing from Ellie’s background in accounting and the food industry, FWE Media combines creative storytelling with strategy to help these restaurants grow and thrive. As the company enters its launch stage, Ellie is focused on building relationships, delivering tangible value, and scaling a business that champions small businesses.
Interview with Ellie
- What inspired you to start your business?
Through my work with @foodwithellie, I came across many amazing food spots with little to no online presence. I wanted to use my creative skills to help these businesses reach more customers and thrive!
- What services/products do you offer?
We offer social media strategy and management, food photography and video content, monthly content planning, digital audits, and customized packages for restaurants.
- What makes your business unique?
We combine a deep understanding of food with visual storytelling and business strategy. It’s not just about making food look good, it’s about using that content to build loyal customers and drive growth.
- How did you come up with your business name?
FWE stands for Food With Ellie, my current blog. As I shifted from content creation to working directly with restaurants, the brand evolved into FWE Media to bridge food, media, and entrepreneurship.
- What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I’m more resourceful and resilient than I thought. Building something from scratch, especially in a creative industry, takes constant problem-solving and confidence, even when the outcome is uncertain.
- If you could offer one piece of advice to others thinking of starting their own businesses, what would it be?
Start with what you have, test it out, and stay close to your network. You don’t need to be perfect, you need to be clear about the value you offer and ready to adapt.
- What is a dream opportunity or collaboration you’d love to have come your way?
Partnering with a tourism board or food festival to create content that highlights a city’s food culture while supporting and promoting independent restaurants along the way.
- What do you hope to achieve from the Starter Company Plus program?
I want to grow my network, gain the structure, mentorship, and funding needed to officially launch and scale FWE Media. My goal is to land my first 3–5 clients, refine my pricing model, and establish a strong portfolio and business foundation.
Explore FWE Media Today
To learn more about Ellie and FWE Media, you can reach out via email at hello.fwemedia@gmail.com or head to their website: fwemedia.ca.
Follow FWE Media on social media to stay informed about their services.
Instagram: @fwemedia.ca
TikTok: @fwemedia.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/fwe-media
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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.