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 last fall.
Meet Thomas Parker and the Barrie Archery Tag League
Thomas Parker and the Barrie Archery Tag League will offer a weekly game of archery tag in a recreational sports style format. Played a like dodgeball—but using a bow and foam-tipped ‘arrows’ instead of a ball—Archery Tag allows players to enjoy the thrill of competition and work on improving their archery skills while remaining safe and focusing on having fun. Also available to create fun, private events for bachelor/ette parties and corporate team building events, Thomas is excited to bring this popular new sport to Barrie and the surrounding area.
Interview with Thomas
- What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is getting to create an experience for people that didn’t exist before.
- What inspired you to start a business?
My desire to start a business comes from a desire to play archery tag on a weekly basis, and there’s nowhere to do that nearby! I want to create a community around a fun sport!
- What services/ products do you offer?
The Barrie Archery Tag League is going to offer weekly archery tag sessions starting in2025. We are also available for bookings to create fun events for you for a bachelor party or corporate event.
- Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
I look up to my brother who has always been entrepreneurial and creative with his approach to life!
- How did you come up with your business name?
Barrie Archery Tag League’s name is pretty self-explanatory! It also has the coolest acronym around - BATL!
- What is unique about your business?
BATL offers a unique recreational sport experience that combines the skill and cool factor of archery with the active aspect of dodgeball!
- What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
Learning that I can create the experiences for myself that I want to have rather than relying on other people!
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
If there’s a product that you want and you can’t find it, there are probably others out there who want that thing too—or don’t know that they want it yet!
- What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
I hope to launch my business successfully with the information I’ve learned and make connections with fellow small business owners across Barrie!
To learn more about Thomas Parker and the Barrie Archery Tag League, you can reach out via email at info@barriearcherytag.ca or head to their website barriearcherytag.ca. Follow Barrie Archery Tag League on Facebook to stay informed about their services: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557965685631
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.