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 White Pines Academy
White Pines Academy is Barrie's leading skills development centre for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. White Pines Academy's staff believe their students each have their own unique strengths and areas for growth, and they are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive and achieve their goals - in their own unique way. White Pines Academy offers many in-class programs, including Success Through Structure, Rise and Thrive, Drop-In Wednesdays, Masters of Self Management, Pathways to Employment, and a Summer Camp coming in 2025.
Branching Out with White Pines Academy's Director
- What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
The most exciting and favourite part of being an entrepreneur – for me – is that it allows me to take responsibility of my own life; it also allows me to be creative in my endeavor of building something that is very much needed in the community.
- What inspired you to start a business?
I was laid off twice in a two-year period – only having worked for six months in each job before I was laid off. I did not want to put my life in another person’s hands again and I knew that there was a service void in the community for the special needs population that I now serve.
- What services/ products do you offer?
White Pines Academy is Barrie’s leading skills development centre for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. At WPA, the students work hard to increase their independent living skills, communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), fine and gross motor skills – and everything in between! The curriculum includes goals that are taught in a group setting, as well as individualized goals that are determined by the students and their family/caregivers.
- Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
Codie Sanches – an unconventional entrepreneur and business investor on a mission to create financially free and free-thinking humans. She founded a media company called Contrarian Thinking that teaches people to think critically and cashflow unconventionally with boring businesses. One of her quotes that I love is: “Betting on myself over making money for other people. Main street over wall street”.
- How did you come up with your business name?
White Pines are my favourite type of tree!
- What is unique about your business?
While there may be individuals and/or recreational ‘day-programs’ that provide families or group homes with respite, White Pines Academy offers friends and fun, as well as skills development – geared toward pushing the students to be more independent and become their very best selves! Furthermore, an assessment is facilitated upon registration – which guides goal development and gives the teacher a better understanding regarding the best-individualized approach on how to teach each student.
- What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
That where there is a will – there is a way! When you know that you will not let yourself down, there is no stopping you from achieving any goal! I have learned that I can wear many hats – and they all look and feel great!
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
Taking your life into your own hands will be the best decision you will ever make. You are not hoping that your boss appreciates what you do for him/her; you are the boss; you and your family appreciate what you do – and that is all that matters. Just do it. You will be amazed by what you are capable of.
- What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
My main goal is to broaden my horizons and learn about marketing, how to write a business plan, how to keep track of financials (cashflow, projections, payroll, etc.), and how to scale my business. This is business number one out of many more for me! I also look forward to the networking component of this program that allows me to meet other entrepreneurs and learn about business through the scope of each unique individual that is part of the Starter Company Plus journey.
Lastly, I hope to acquire the $5,000 grant – which will be used purchase more programming materials for the students – that will help launch them into independence at an even faster rate!
Explore White Pines Academy Today
To learn more about White Pines Academy, you can reach out via email at director@whitepinesacademy.ca or head to their website: whitepinesacademy.ca. Follow White Pines Academy on social media to stay informed about their services.
Instagram: @white_pines_academy
Facebook: White Pines Academy
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.