The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario 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, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall.
Meet Sarah Achtenberg and Achtenberg Design
At Achtenberg Design, Sarah believes that successful design starts with understanding their client's unique needs. With nearly a decade of experience, Sarah creates spaces that are beautiful, functional, and reflective of the people who inhabit them. Achtenberg Design’s mission is to transform living and working environments into timeless, unique spaces that enhance quality of life. Whether it’s a new build, a remodel, or styling a single room, Achtenberg Design guides clients through every step of the design process with the philosophy of collaboration acting as the anchor.
Behind the Design: Learn More About Sarah and Achtenberg Design
- What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
The interaction of changing my client’s lifestyle and seeing a vision come together.
- What inspired you to start a business?
My father, who is a general contractor, inspired me to start my own interior design business. Seeing interior designers flourish as CEOs was another motivator.
- What services/ products do you offer?
My services range from Interior Design, Programming, Planning, Staging, Styling, and Home Organization.
- Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
My vision board of inspiration includes powerful women and financial success.
- How did you come up with your business name?
Currently, my company name incorporates my last name, making it easily identifiable with myself and my work.
- What is unique about your business?
My services come with a white glove experience, ensuring that my clients receive the utmost care and attention to detail when looking to bring their vision to life.
- What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
I am more motivated about interior design now being on my own. I was previously sitting in the "wrong seat" at workplaces and determined my unique ability was better served by being the face of the company, as opposed to sitting in the background.
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
Don't give up when things get hard, it's all a part of the process! Try to make it a goal for yourself to meet a new person every day to expand your knowledge and network.
- What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
Through this program, I hope to gain insight into the financial aspects of owning a business that I can then put forth toward creating a very strong business plan.
Explore Achtenberg Design Today
To learn more about Sarah and Achtenberg Design, you can reach out via email at
achtenbergdesign@outlook.com or head to her website https://achtenbergdesign.com. Follow Achtenberg Design on social media to stay informed about their services.
Instagram: @achtenbergdesign
Facebook: @achtenbergdesign
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.