WESTPORT - Walk into the new Starlet location and it’s clear this is more than just a place to shop. Soft sunlight streams through large windows, highlighting bright and cheerfully coloured displays, comfortable spaces and a pink vintage phone booth that's become a popular selfie spot.

Starlet is a boutique that offers thoughtfully curated collections of women's and men's apparel, footwear, accessories, body care, housewares, gifts and treats to the heart of Westport. Owners Jefta and Cat Monster source quality products, prioritizing Canadian suppliers and complementing them with carefully selected European brands. Cat's eye for distinctive finds ensures shoppers of every budget can discover something special in-store and online.

The couple has built on the success of their Napanee location, which opened nearly 20 years ago, with their new store. Having lived in Westport for more than a decade, they first recognized an opportunity when they purchased Pinecone boutique before eventually acquiring the property at the corner of Church and Bedford Streets.

“We saw great potential to open a Starlet location here,” said Jefta. “Our family loves Westport. It has that small-town appeal with shops run by local families. When visitors come and are in a happy mood, they tend to spend more on supporting local businesses so its important to build loyalty.”

Open year-round, the renovated space is a bright, open-concept layout where shoppers can wander comfortably and discover something new around every corner. Starlet provides the personal service and welcoming atmosphere that fulfills what they desire.

The new location introduces their first full men’s collection in the Lounge area, a dedicated space featuring apparel, footwear and accessories from brands like A Fish Named Fred, Blundstone, and Pyrrha. Complete with an oversized tufted leather sofa and television, the comfy area invites clients to relax while browsing.

This retail store offers something for the entire family. Whether you're stopping by to pick up a thoughtful gift or simply shopping for yourself, Starlet has something procured especially for you.

Jefta’s passion for quality extends beyond sourcing products. After years of customer requests, he has collaborated with a skilled Turkish cobbler to develop Monstera Barefoot Shoes, now available exclusively at Starlet. The handcrafted low-profile grounding footwear features natural materials, reflecting Jefta’s dedication to creating thoughtful products that respond to customer needs. Offering one consistent price across the line also makes the collection accessible to a wider range of customers.

Since opening in April, Starlet has been warmly welcomed. There's no wonder that the store is a main draw for residents and visitors alike. Jefta’s upbeat energy is impossible to miss and it's the genuine hospitality offered by the team that brings a little extra sparkle to the destination village of Westport.

REDI Pilot Wraps Up in Leeds Grenville

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) - Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot officially concluded on June 26, 2026. Over the course of the program, employers across Leeds Grenville received 128 nominations, a strong result for the region's workforce attraction efforts.

The OINP is changing with the introduction of a new Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The program is not currently accepting new applications at this time. All employers with applications in progress should already have received direct notification from OINP.

The Counties have re-applied to participate in the next version of REDI, with an outcome expected by early fall 2026. We will share any updates here as details become available.

North Grenville Business Featured in OBJ

A recent Ottawa Business Journal feature highlights entrepreneur Sarah Nestor and her vision for The Nest Wellness in North Grenville. Beginning with the support from the Leeds Grenville Starter Company Plus program, the article showcases how mentorship, business training, and funding helped Sarah build confidence, expand services, hire professionals and grow community connections. Sarah's story is one of many demonstrating how Leeds Grenville's entrepreneurial ecosystem helps small businesses launch, grow, and succeed.

B&B Receives Bike-Friendly Designation

Newboro House Bed & Breakfast, the historic 1880s home in Rideau Lakes, has received its Ontario By Bike designation, recognizing it as a certified cyclist-friendly stop with secure bike storage and washing supplies on site. The program connects small businesses like Newboro House B&B to Ontario's growing cycle tourism market, helping draw visitors and extend stays in rural communities.

Starter Company Plus Information Sessions

Starter Company Plus Program is a free program designed to help entrepreneurs launch, expand or grow their businesses. This competitive program provides free business training, mentorship and the opportunity to pitch for a small grant. To be eligible for this program, you must attend one of our in-person or virtual information sessions.

Are you thinking about the future of your business? Whether you are planning to retire, transition ownership, or simply want to understand what your business is worth, succession planning support is now available through Leeds Grenville Small Business. Our advisors can work with you one-on-one to assess your business's readiness for sale or transfer, identify gaps that could affect your valuation, and help you take practical steps to protect what you have built. Sessions are free and confidential.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional business owner who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to business excellence. This award celebrates a Leeds Grenville entrepreneur who has successfully grown their business while making a positive impact on the local economy and community.

Nominees should exemplify vision, determination, and integrity through their entrepreneurial journey. They create opportunities for others, contribute to the vitality of Leeds Grenville, support community initiatives, and serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through their achievements and community involvement, they help strengthen the region as a place to live and work.

Photo: 2025 recipient Jenn Winter of Ignite Printing

Eligibility details:

• a Leeds Grenville resident 
• actively operating a business within the geographic area of Leeds Grenville
• owner of the business and legally registered (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation)
• in business for at least 2 years and demonstrating business growth and success
• the business must employ fewer than 10 employees
• is a Starter Company Plus graduate
• the nominee must demonstrate a positive impact on the community through employment, involvement, or contribution
• the nominee must be of good character, showing integrity, leadership, and professionalism

Nominations are welcomed from individuals, organizations, business leaders, elected officials, and municipal and county staff. The award will be presented at the 2026 Small Business Success Forum (formerly Bridges to Better Business). For more information, call Small Business Assistant Meagan Metcalf at 613-342-3840 ext. 5363. To submit a nomination, please send the completed form to Carol Hardy, carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca.

The deadline to submit: Friday, August 21 at 4 p.m.

Nominations are now open for the Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur Award. Help to celebrate and recognize the amazing work our local immigrant entrepreneurs do.

Eligibility details:

• Have been born outside of Canada
• Be an active owner/operator of an active business in Leeds Grenville
• Live in Leeds Grenville
• Demonstrate characteristics of a successful entrepreneur

Submissions are welcome from individuals, organizations, business leaders, elected officials, and County and municipal staff. All you need is the name of the business/person you want to nominate.

New this year, you can nominate online, via email, or call/text 613-213-4455.

Be in the heart of Merrickville with this exceptional mixed-use opportunity at 211 St. Lawrence Street. This charming property features a street-facing retail space with excellent visibility along the village’s vibrant shopping corridor, ideal for your boutique retail, gallery space, or a service-based business. A two-bedroom residential unit offers added flexibility for owner-occupancy or rental income. Located steps from the Rideau Canal, this property provides a rare opportunity to live, work, and invest in one of Eastern Ontario’s most celebrated destination communities.



View map for 211 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville.

Apply Now for Greatest Entrepreneur / Sponsorship Opportunities

Futurpreneur Startup Programs

The Core Startup Program provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.

• Up to $75,000 in financing (in partnership with the BDC), an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage and grow your business.
• Collateral-free loans at better interest rates than most banks.
• For more information on eligibility or to apply, visit the Futurpreneur Canada website.

More Programs:

Both the Black Entrepreneur and the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Programs offer up to $75,000 in accessible loan financing and two years of mentorship. The Side Hustle Entrepreneur Startup Program offers up to $25,000 in financing to help launch or grow your side business and keep your full-time job

CF Grenville Green Advantage Pilot

Could your business uncover hidden savings?

Community Futures Grenville is partnering with Green Economy Canada to help local businesses turn an emissions inventory into a competitive advantage. Space is limited.

• Cost-shared Green Economy Canada membership
• Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs
• Improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness
• Receive a customized action plan to guide future investments
• Access EcoFutures financing of up to $300,000 for eligible projects

The Importance of Paid Advertising in the Digital Space

Advertising in the digital space can be complicated, especially with different ad formats, multiple platforms, budgeting, and the emergence of AI. If you are not sure where to begin or are confused about what kind of ad to run, this session is for you. In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad from Toronto will share key insights for Small Businesses into Google Ads, Meta Ads, and how you can use AI to help your campaigns.

Learn about:

• Utilizing AI for your campaigns 
• Google Ads
• Meta Ads
• Target audiences
• Which ads to run for your business

Support for Women-Owned Businesses in Ontario

Join the Government of Ontario for an informative session exploring the supports available to women-owned businesses across Ontario. The session will also include a presentation from Paro, an organization that prioritizes diversity, builds cultural inclusivity, and incorporates gender analyses into their programs and services for women-owned businesses at every level. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with valuable resources and strengthen your business journey.

Webinar will include:

• Available funding opportunities
• Programs for entrepreneurs and established companies
• And organizations designed to uplift women-led businesses