Client Success Stories at Nottawasaga Futures

At Nottawasaga Futures, we take immense pride in celebrating the success stories of our clients who demonstrate remarkable resilience and entrepreneurship. These narratives of determination and achievement highlight the impactful journeys of individuals and businesses that we have had the privilege to support. From overcoming pandemic-related obstacles to creating vibrant community hubs, each story showcases the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines our region's entrepreneurial landscape. Join us in honoring the accomplishments of our clients as they continue to inspire and contribute to the economic vitality of our community.

Don’t forget to support these fantastic local businesses by visiting their websites or stopping by in person.

Celebrating Resilience: The Journey of 9 Round

Titilayo (Titi) Akinsanmi and Olumakinde (Olu) Bolarinwa, newcomers to Canada, established 9 Round Innisfil with a vision to contribute to the community through a 9 Round kickboxing gym. With support from Nottawasaga Futures, they overcame pandemic challenges, including closures and capacity restrictions, to maintain operations and create jobs.

Despite pandemic obstacles, Titi and Olu's dedication has made 9 Round a cornerstone of Innisfil's economic landscape, attracting a growing clientele and promoting community wellness. Their resilience and commitment inspire success and embody the spirit of entrepreneurship in Innisfil. Explore more about their kickboxing gym on their website. 

 

Celebrating Good Hawk Corp.: A Culinary Journey in Hockley Valley

Good Hawk Corp., founded in 2018 by Sean MacMahon and Natasha Priest, has become a culinary gem in Hockley Valley. Despite challenges, including environmental assessments and the pandemic, Sean and Natasha persevered. They accelerated renovations during lockdown and successfully launched on New Year's Eve 2021, operating Thursdays to Sundays.

Today, Good Hawk Corp. boasts glowing reviews for its quality and ambiance. Sean and Natasha diversified revenue with an Airbnb above the restaurant, attracting nature enthusiasts.

Their story exemplifies adaptability, innovation, and perseverance in realizing their culinary dream in Hockley Valley. Join us in celebrating Sean and Natasha's journey at Good Hawk Corp. Discover the flavors of their passion and explore more about their culinary adventure on their website. 

 

Celebrating Innovation: The Success of Trooper Pet

Rebecca Bartley, a dedicated Veterinary Technician, founded Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing in 2016 to transform pet care with in-home services that reduce stress for pets and their owners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebecca’s mobile business model proved invaluable, driving a 69% sales increase in 2020 as demand for in-home pet services soared.

With funding from Nottawasaga Futures, Rebecca expanded her team, achieving a 50% growth in sales between 2022 and 2023. Trooper Pet now serves over 2,000 recurring patients across Simcoe County and Muskoka, offering comprehensive services such as medical care, grooming, and specialized therapies like canine massage.

Rebecca’s innovative approach was inspired by a "light-bulb moment" when she successfully treated a stressed German shepherd at home after it had resisted care at a clinic. This moment, which she described in Barrie Today, shaped her mission to make veterinary care more accessible and less stressful for pets. Now, with a team of four and a 100% mobile model, she is working toward her ambitious goal of expanding Trooper Pet across North America.

Recognized for her groundbreaking work, Rebecca has received accolades including RVT of the Year, Female Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and most recently, Small Business of the Year from the Barrie Chamber of Commerce.

Trooper Pet continues to thrive, creating jobs and providing compassionate, innovative care that enhances pets’ well-being and owners’ peace of mind.

 Learn more about Trooper Pet’s inspiring journey on their website and on their Instagram @trooperpet.

 

Celebrating Community and Quality: The Story of Decano Meats

In 2024, Martin Cotarelo and Nicolas Aguirre Acosta founded Decano Meats in Bradford to bring people together through high-quality, locally sourced meats. With support from Nottawasaga Futures and the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (DCIP), they opened a vibrant butcher shop, meeting the growing local demand for premium meat options.

Specializing in fresh cuts of beef, pork, poultry, lamb, sausages, and pre-made meals, Decano Meats quickly became Bradford's go-to destination for exceptional products. Their head butcher, Gustavo Castro, and unique offerings like chimichurri seasoning celebrate the owners' Uruguayan heritage.

Through local partnerships, community events, and delivery services to neighboring towns, Decano Meats has created jobs, supported local farms, and revitalized the downtown area. Their success story highlights resilience and community spirit, contributing to Bradford's culinary and economic growth.

Read more about their grand opening in Bradford Today and the Town of Bradford's contribution.

Follow Decano Meats on Instagram: @decanomeats.

 

Filling the Gap: The Story of The Pink Peony Cafe

Leona Hoffer identified a significant gap in Alliston's dining scene, where residents often traveled outside the area for quality, locally sourced food. In response, she opened The Pink Peony Cafe, offering a bakery-style café experience with locally sourced ingredients, artisan sandwiches, soups, and a dedicated space for high tea events. The cafe received support from Nottawasaga Futures to finance renovations and startup costs.

The cafe has since created 5 jobs, become a community hub, and supported local agriculture by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms. It has also helped stimulate foot traffic in downtown Alliston. Despite initial challenges such as staffing shortages and supply chain issues, the business is growing, with plans to expand catering services and host more community events. The Pink Peony Cafe continues to enhance Alliston's culinary landscape and strengthen local ties.

Explore more about The Pink Peony Cafe’s offerings and community impact on their website and on their Instagram @pinkpeonycafe.

 

Celebrating Innovation: The Success of K9 Pawvengers

Founded by Christina Deyogolos, K9 Pawvengers has redefined pet care in Barrie, Innisfil, and surrounding areas with its unique one-stop-shop model. Offering a comprehensive range of services—including retail, daycare, grooming, in-home care, and shuttle services—the business provides unmatched convenience and personalized care for pet owners.

Nottawasaga Futures has played a pivotal role in supporting K9 Pawvengers’ growth by providing essential business guidance and funding to facilitate its transition from a service-based model to a full-service retail and brick-and-mortar location. This support has enabled the business to expand its capacity, serve more clients, and strengthen its market presence.

K9 Pawvengers now caters to over 230 loyal customers and plans to further enhance its offerings with hydrotherapy rehabilitation services, solidifying its position as a leader in specialized pet care. Through partnerships like APL Cosmetic Teeth Cleaning and its dedicated team of professionals, the business has created new jobs and fostered strong community ties, making it a valued contributor to the local economy.

An active online presence also highlights the business’s success, with a vibrant Instagram account engaging 10.6k followers and a user-friendly website for service information and booking.

Learn more about K9 Pawvengers and their exceptional pet care solutions by visiting their Instagram or their website.