Whether you have an idea for a new business or are an existing business looking for advice, the Elgin Business Resource Centre has someone that can help your business reach its full potential.
Here goes your text ... Select any part of your text to access the formatting toolbar.
We are your one-stop location for FREE business counselling, business planning, business loans and great networking opportunities in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Our office is conveniently located close to you in St. Thomas. Appointments are recommended.
We are the Elgin Business Resource Centre
FACILITATING PROSPERITY, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.
Since 1986.
You Can See Who We Are
As a Community Futures Development Corporation, we are part of a national network of not-for-profit, community-based organizations funded by the federal government. Branded as the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC), our name reflects the essence of who we are and what we do.
We are a one-stop business resource serving St. Thomas and Elgin County. We are all about developing sustainable businesses and promoting community economic development in our communities. At the EBRC, we are here to meet the needs of your business … where you are at now, and into your future.
Do you have an idea for a new business? Are you thinking of purchasing an existing business? Need direction on growing your current business? We are here to help.
We provide business support services through one-on-one counselling, networking and self-employment workshops.
We offer flexible lending to qualified applicants, including start-up loans as low as 2% over prime.
We have office space available. If you need a location for your business, we have professional suites available for rent. If you are looking for meeting space, we have that too.
The EBRC’s skilled staff is here to help you! Check out our ANNUAL REPORT 2023.
Meet Our Staff
Click On Image To View Bio
Sarah Foshay
General Manager
Sarah Foshay is the General Manager and past Assistant General Manager. Prior to her management role, she was the Community Engagement & Business Advisor for EBRC and has been with the Centre since March 2021. Sarah has a background in Human Resource Management, Preventive Dentistry, Public Health, and successfully ran her own independent dental hygiene clinic business, “Smart Dental Hygiene”. Sarah also serves as a Board of Director for the local St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce in addition to the CFWO Governance Task Force Committee, Chair of the CFWO Regional Economic Development Working Group, the 2025 CFNC National Event Planning Committee, and Co-Chair of the CFO Strategic Direction Working Group.
Contact Sarah Foshay:
Sarah Foshay
Tara McCaulley
LOANS MANAGER
Tara is no stranger to helping businesses throughout Elgin County and St. Thomas. She previously worked for St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation overseeing the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Horton Farmers Market. She has in-depth knowledge of the programs and services available to businesses that are starting or expanding. Tara is passionate about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Elgin County and St. Thomas and nurtures collaboration and connectivity. She is well connected with all levels of government and her previous experience working for a large financial institution for 15 years has provided her with in depth knowledge of the lending and financial environment.
Contact Tara McCaulley:
Tara McCaulley
Lisa King
ACCOUNTING / REPORTING ADVISOR
Lisa King is the Accounting & Reporting Advisor and has been with the Centre for over 14 years. She brings many years of accounting and auditing experience to her role as a Chartered Professional Accountant. Lisa manages the accounting and reporting functions for EBRC.
Contact Lisa King:
Lisa King
Jennifer Grigg
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & BUSINESS ADVISOR
Jennifer Grigg is the Community Engagement & Business Advisor and is in her second year with the Centre. Prior to her advisor role, she was the Digital Main Street Service Squad lead for EBRC. Jennifer leads the social media, website, graphic design, advertising, branding, and event planning initiatives for EBRC. Jen has a strong background in sales and marketing and has been a successful business owner for the past 12 years, “Social Dragon Marketing”.
Contact Jennifer Grigg:
Jennifer Grigg
Felicia Brice
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Felicia Brice is the Administrative Assistant. Her educational background includes the completion of her Business Human Resources Diploma where she completed her final mentorship placement at the Elgin Business Resource Centre. Felicia is currently pursuing her Certified Human Resources Professional designation (CHRP) designation through the HRPA. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and customer service, Felicia has a true passion for occupational health and safety and all things policies and procedures related.
Contact Felicia Brice:
Felicia Brice
Tanya Wilson
BUSINESS AND LOANS ADVISOR
Tanya Wilson is one of our Business and Loans Advisors. She has extensive experience in the franchisee development industries, charitable organizations, and education field. Tanya has a strong background in small business entrepreneurship, social media marketing and has been a successful business owner for the past 4 years, "MAZ Elevated Experiences.”
Contact Tanya Wilson:
Tanya Wilson
Tiena Bartsch
Custodial Services
Tiena Bartsch
Learn About the Board of Directors
The Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC) is overseen by a 13 member Board of Directors rich in business knowledge and experience and committed to promoting entrepreneurship and economic development in Elgin County. Providing strong leadership are 11 area business professionals, many of whom currently own and operate local businesses. Two youth professionals bring a fresh perspective to the table. These 13 dedicated volunteer Directors give many hours of their time to attend regular EBRC Board and Committee meetings, to represent EBRC at functions throughout the year, and to promote business growth in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
Are you interested in joining our volunteer Board of Directors? If so, contact our Administrative Assistant, Felicia Brice at fbrice@elgincfdc.ca.
Board members must live or work in St. Thomas or Elgin County to serve as a Board of Director according to the EBRC By-Laws.
Scott Birkby
President
Kate Burns Gallagher
Vice President
Bob Ashcroft
Secretary
John Gurr
Treasurer & Loan Committee Chair
Mira Grkavac
Director
Chris Waite
Director
Warren Silverthorn
Director
Jessica Goodall
Director
Lisa Jarvis
Director
Hetty Teuber
Director
Abbey Taylor
Youth Director
Lisa Johnston
Director
Abigail Moore
Youth Director