St. Catharines Enterprise Centre

06/15/2026

June is flying by, but there’s still time to register for one of our upcoming small business seminars!

Whether you're taking the first steps toward entrepreneurship, validating your business idea, or learning how to price your offerings with confidence, we have a session for you.

Spaces are limited - head here to sign up and register for the seminars that fit your needs: https://bit.ly/3M8Fs4U

05/29/2026

Congratulations to three of our Starter Company Plus alumni on being named recipients of this year's 23rd Annual Niagara 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Carly Brenton (Paperscript), Katrina Stuppiello-Streiss (The Profit Gals), and Eleanor Pineau (Myco Pet) on this well-deserved recognition. Their businesses may be very different, but they share a common thread: exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to building something remarkable.

We're proud to have been a part of their entrepreneurial journey and excited to see their continued success across Niagara.

We’d also like to extend our congratulations to all of the other St. Catharines recipients who were recognized this year! Your hard work and contributions are making a real impact across our community.

Have a business idea of your own? 💡

Explore our program and discover how mentorship, training, and funding support can help turn your idea into reality: https://www.investinstc.ca/site/startercompany



InvestinSTC

05/11/2026

Are you wondering what a summer of entrepreneurship can lead to?

For Bennett O'Connor, it meant turning an idea into a real business, building practical skills, and creating meaningful connections while serving customers across the community.

Through Summer Company, students can receive funding, mentorship, and training to launch and run their own business over the summer.

If you’re a student with an idea, or a parent encouraging the next step, this could be where that journey begins.

Applications will close on or before May 15. If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time.

Learn more and apply today:
https://www.investinstc.ca/site/summer-company

InvestinSTC Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

05/08/2026

What can a summer of entrepreneurship lead to?

For past participant Ben Enns, it meant building a business from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience, and turning hard work into a real entrepreneurial journey.

Through Summer Company, students can receive funding, mentorship, and training to launch and run their own business over the summer.

If you’re a student with an idea, or a parent encouraging the next step, this could be where that journey begins.

There is only one week left too apply! Applications will close on or before May 15. If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time.

Learn more and apply today:
https://www.investinstc.ca/site/summer-company

InvestinSTC Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

04/15/2026

An evening of networking at Greater Niagara Chamber Business After Five event hosted by Kingpin St. Catharines | bowling • bar • arcade • mini putt

There were a large number of new business owners in attendance and it was great see them making connections.

Pictured are Fred Leppard leppardinspections, and Irfan Khan Pegasus Driving Academy (PDA)🚗🪽, both are with our Small Business Consultant, Rob

03/18/2026

We just left the Innovate Niagara screening of Show Her The Money - a documentary about the power of funding women owned businesses and their opportunities for success. And the challenges women face in raising capital.

The film was followed by a panel of strong, successful women entrepreneurs who shared valuable insights. A core message we left with was the value of sponsorship - meaning opening doors for women entrepreneurs and supporting them, especially when they are not in the room.

Panelists:
Dr. Deborah Rosati, Founder & CEO, Women Get On Board

Champion for board diversity, governance, and funding access for women entrepreneurs.

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, CEO, Women Funding Women | Founder, Profound Impact

Tech entrepreneur and innovation leader working to close the funding gap.

Julie Ellis, Co-Founder, Mabel’s Labels | Author, Big Gorgeous Goals

Entrepreneur, speaker, and coach helping women scale boldly and sustainably.

This event was hosted by The Film House and supported by Women in Niagara and the City of St. Catharines

03/16/2026

📅 ⏰ New date for our upcoming session with Candice Rousseau MSW, BSW, RSW; Founder and owner of Reflect Reset Renew Therapy Services!

Running a small business means wearing all the hats.
Leader. Marketer. Accountant. Visionary. Problem-solver.

And sometimes… professional self-doubter.

Even when things look successful on the outside, many business owners quietly wonder:
“Am I really cut out for this?”
“I’m just making this up as I go…”

You’re not alone.

Join our upcoming session as we gently unpack imposter syndrome and build practical tools to move forward with steadiness and self-trust; and take a step toward confidence and success. 💛

Sign up link here: https://bit.ly/4lefPkT

St. Catharines Economic Development provides resources and support services for your new or existing business in St. Catharines.

03/05/2026

🚚🌮 Food trucks are rolling back into our parks this summer!

The City of St. Catharines is now accepting applications for Food Truck and Mobile Vendor Permits. From June 1 to September 30, vendors have the chance to serve up their signature dishes at some of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces.

📅 Apply between March 1–31, 2026

📍 Limited spots available - apply early to secure your preferred location

🌱 Preference given to accessible, environmentally friendly, and Niagara Region-based businesses

Successful applicants will need a municipal Hawkers and Peddlers Licence, a mobile vending permit, and must pay an environmental fee before operating.

Ready to bring your flavour to the parks? Apply now at stcatharines.ca/2026VendorPermit

Tag your favourite local food truck below 👇

03/02/2026

Running a small business means wearing all the hats.

Leader. Marketer. Accountant. Visionary. Problem-solver.

And sometimes… professional self-doubter.

Even when things look successful on the outside, many business owners quietly wonder:
“Am I really cut out for this?”
“I’m just making this up as I go…”

You’re not alone.

Join our upcoming session as we gently unpack imposter syndrome and build practical tools to move forward with steadiness and self-trust.

Take a step toward confidence and success. 💛

Presented by: Candice Rousseau MSW, BSW, RSW; Founder and owner of Reflect Reset Renew Therapy Services.

Register today here: https://bit.ly/4lefPkT

02/26/2026

We had a chance to visit one of our alumni from the Starter Company Plus program with Mayor Mat Siscoe today.

Up Yur Quilt is a lovely shop and community hub for quilters. You can find them at 395 Ontario Street.

Starter Company Plus gives newer business owners and startups access to business training, mentoring and networking opportunities, some of the program participants receive up to $5000 in funding. This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade