Sarah Abell has been officially running Adapt365 for about a year and a half, but she has been working as a personal trainer for the last seven years. "I have been in the fitness industry for, oh my gosh, at least ten years," Sarah explained. "I started out as a fitness instructor, and then I got more into group fitness and personal training." Sarah then started to have her own kids, and transitioned into working with postpartum women, stroller fit classes, and mom and baby type classes in facilities in the London area. Then, COVID-19 happened, and the gym she had been previously working for shut down. "By then I had two more kids, and when COVID-19 started ramping down I had people coming to me asking if I was going to start running stroller fit classes again," Sarah recalled. "So I thought let's start running some stroller fit classes again, see how it happens, and it was great! It branched into people that have been coming to different classes of mine from years ago, and now they have moved on from that stage in their life, but they wanted to work out with me again." Sarah then started to do women's only workouts and increased her availability for personal training to fit the demand of her clients. "It all kind of naturally blossomed into what it is now, and then an opportunity came up to sublease a gym space here in Aylmer and I went with it." Sarah has now been at her Aylmer gym location for over a year, and Adapt365 is now her full-time business (in addition to being a full-time mom). ​

You’ve taken the leap. You’re finally working for yourself.
No more boss. No more rigid 9 to 5. Just you, your ideas, and the freedom to build something meaningful.

Just you and the vision of independence that Insta - Entrepreneurs are selling.

But here’s the truth that catches most new entrepreneurs off guard:

Starting your own business is an exciting journey—but it can also feel overwhelming. At the St Thomas and Elgin Small Business Enterprise Centre, we guide entrepreneurs through each step of the process. Whether you're launching a side hustle or diving into full-time entrepreneurship, here’s a simple 10-step guide to help you get started in Ontario. ​

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenia was forced to close her beauty bar business in Toronto due to health and safety concerns. With a background in finance and business, Kenia knew she wanted to start another small business, but she was wary about what kind of business and services she would offer. "When I moved [to St. Thomas] in 2022, I wanted to have a different type of business," Kenia explained. "I was looking for something that if another pandemic happened, the business would still thrive." Kenia grew up being her grandmother's caregiver (and she still is today); helping her with cleaning, cooking, and other household tasks. "My grandmother was always telling me that I did a really good job because I would have more attention to detail with the way I'd clean," Kenia said with a smile. "She told me this could be a business idea. And we would joke around and call it something like 'Ken's Clean and Go', because I would come and clean then go home".  After moving to St. Thomas, Kenia revisited her potential business ideas, and the cleaning company popped back up in her mind. "I thought back to that moment when I was helping my grandmother when I was like 10," said Kenia. "I thought ok, this cleaning thing could actually work, I just have to make sure I create my business plan properly." 

In today’s business world, sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy that can drive growth, boost brand loyalty, and even reduce costs for small businesses. Implementing sustainable practices doesn’t always mean big investments or complex overhauls. Here’s how embracing sustainability can benefit your small business and help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.