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 Harrison Cowden
Harrison Cowden is a 25 year old, driven entrepreneur and the founder of Clam Digger, a high-volume mobile Caesar bar operating out of a vintage 1958 Airstream. With a passion for hospitality and brand experiences, Harrison has grown Clam Digger into a standout presence at festivals, fundraisers, and private events across Ontario. His entrepreneurial journey is rooted in creativity, grit, and a hands-on approach to building memorable businesses. In addition to Clam Digger, Harrison is developing Eterna Studios, a personal storytelling service that helps families preserve their loved ones' memories. Harrison’s work blends innovation with authenticity, always aiming to create impact through meaningful experiences. Harrison is in love with the entrepreneurial process and plans to continue making a lasting career out of starting and growing businesses.
Interview with Harrison
1. What inspired you to start a business?
I was in my final year of university with no clear career path, I had no idea what I wanted to do or even what I was qualified to do. I honestly felt like no one would hire me after graduation because I lacked real-world experience. The idea for Clam Digger came up during a family conversation, and I quickly became obsessed with it. It wasn’t just a business idea I believed in—I genuinely felt like I was the one who could bring it to life. Starting Clam Digger became my way of proving to myself (and maybe others) that I could build something from the ground up.
2. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey so far?
I didn’t anticipate how much I would love the entrepreneurial process and the constant push for growth. I like to call it “moving the needle.” Every day is a slow burn—with big ups and downs—but watching an idea evolve into something real is incredibly fulfilling. One year it’s just a concept, the next you have seed funding, and another year later you’re hitting revenue milestones. I’ve realized that I’m truly energized by building things from the ground up, and I know I’ll start multiple businesses in my lifetime because the process is just so addictive.
3. If you could offer one piece of advice to others thinking of starting their own businesses, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable or to fail, both are part of the journey. Try things, learn from what doesn’t work, and keep going. You grow the most, both personally and professionally, through the tough moments. Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs, and successful founders usually have a strong tolerance for risk and setbacks. My advice? Start small, get used to the uncertainty, and treat every challenge as a learning opportunity.
4. What is a dream opportunity or collaboration you’d love to have come your way?
I don’t have one specific dream opportunity but what really drives me is the chance to be in rooms with successful, experienced entrepreneurs. I want to be part of those conversations, to learn from people who are building incredible things, and to eventually be seen as someone who brings value to that table as well. For me, the dream is about earning that kind of respect and access through the work I do.
5. What do you hope to achieve from the Starter Company Plus program?
I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship, and I definitely did. This was my second accelerator program, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect and learn from fellow entrepreneurs, business professionals, and colleagues. I truly feel that I’ve come out of the Starter Company Plus program a stronger and more confident entrepreneur.
Learn More
To learn more about Harrison Cowden, you can reach out via email at harrisoncowden@gmail.com or head to his website clamdigger.ca. Follow Harrison on social media to stay informed about his businesses and services.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harrison-cowden-043804224
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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.