2026 Clients

Tell us about yourself.

I am an animal health professional and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the dairy industry, spanning animal nutrition, genetics, veterinary solutions, and farm equipment. My work has always been driven by a passion for improving herd health and farm performance through practical, science-based innovations.
I hold a BSc in Animal Science, an MSc in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Tehran University, and an MBA, which together have shaped both my technical expertise and business approach. Throughout my career, I have worked across international markets, building and managing businesses, developing veterinary products, and collaborating closely with farmers, veterinarians, and industry partners.

Before moving to Canada, I founded and managed a dairy-focused business in the Middle East, growing it into a multi-million-dollar operation representing leading global brands. I also developed and patented veterinary supplements designed to support animals during critical periods such as calving.

Today, I am based in London, Ontario, where I lead SciTech Animal Health, focusing on developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for dairy farmers, particularly for transition cow health. My work combines hands-on industry experience with scientific knowledge to address real challenges on farms.

On a personal level, I value resilience, continuous learning, and the building of meaningful relationships, principles that have guided both my professional journey and my entrepreneurial path.

Tell us about your business

SciTech Animal Health is a London, Ontario–based company focused on developing practical, science-driven solutions for the dairy industry. The business was established in 2024 with a clear mission to improve animal health and farm performance, particularly during critical periods such as the transition phase in dairy/beef cows.

Our primary focus is on innovative veterinary supplements and farm solutions that address key metabolic challenges, such as hypocalcemia and ketosis in fresh cows. One of our flagship developments is a calcium and energy capsule, FRESH FORCE,  designed to support cows immediately after calving, helping improve health, productivity, and overall herd performance.

SciTech was founded by a team of co-founders, combining expertise in animal health, finance, and human pharmaceuticals. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to develop products that are not only scientifically sound but also commercially viable and aligned with regulatory requirements.

We operate as a lean and agile business, collaborating with trusted partners for manufacturing, regulatory processes, and distribution. In addition, we work with part-time team members who support us during peak periods such as production runs, industry exhibitions, and seminars.

Prior to founding SciTech, I built and managed Arian Ara Co. from the ground up, growing it into a successful dairy solutions business with a team of 12 and approximately $3 million in annual revenue. That experience laid a strong foundation for SciTech, particularly in understanding market needs and delivering solutions that create real value for farmers.

What services/programs have you utilized at the London Small Business Centre, and how have they helped your business?

We have primarily benefited from the advisory and educational services offered by the London Small Business Centre, particularly during the early stages of establishing SciTech Animal Health.

Their practical webinars, workshops, and networking events provided valuable, hands-on guidance on key aspects of building a business in Canada. These programs helped us better understand critical areas such as production planning, regulatory pathways, importation processes, and overall business structuring.

In addition, the one-on-one advisory support was especially valuable. Being able to discuss our specific business model and challenges with experienced advisors helped us make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls that many startups face. The feedback we received helped refine our go-to-market approach and prioritize the right steps at the right time.

The Centre also created opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals, which provided useful perspectives and encouraged knowledge-sharing. Overall, their support gave us greater clarity, confidence, and direction, and played an important role in helping us move forward on a solid foundation during a very critical phase of our business development.

How has your business grown since SBC’s involvement?

Since our involvement with the London Small Business Centre, SciTech Animal Health has progressed steadily from an early-stage concept toward a more structured and operational business.

One of the most valuable contributions from SBC was helping us get on the right track in the early stages, particularly in understanding how to approach setting up production. Their guidance around utilizing available local facilities and resources helped us make practical and cost-effective decisions without overinvesting too early.

Through their educational programs, webinars, and ongoing advisory support, we were able to build a clearer understanding of how to navigate the Canadian business environment. Just as importantly, their team has always been accessible and supportive, whenever we had questions, even outside standard topics, they were willing to guide us or connect us with the right people, companies, or resources.

As a result, we have been able to move forward with more confidence, establish the right partnerships, and gradually build our operational capacity, including engaging part-time support during peak periods and increasing our presence through industry events and early market engagement.

Overall, their support has helped us grow in a practical, grounded way, ensuring we are building the business on a solid and sustainable foundation.  

What led you to start this business? Was there something that drew (or pushed) you into being an entrepreneur? 

My journey into entrepreneurship has been shaped by both passion and experience. I have spent most of my professional life working closely with dairy farmers, veterinarians, and nutritionists, and over time, I saw firsthand the real challenges they face, especially during critical periods like calving, where animal health issues can have a significant impact on productivity and farm profitability.

This practical exposure, combined with my background in animal science, gradually pushed me toward developing solutions rather than only selling or supporting existing products. I’ve always been interested in creating something that directly addresses real on-farm problems in a simple, effective, and economically viable way.

Entrepreneurship was also a natural path for me. Earlier in my career, I founded and grew a business from the ground up, which gave me valuable experience and confidence in building and managing operations, developing products, and working closely with customers. That experience showed me that I enjoy the challenge of creating and growing something meaningful.

Starting SciTech Animal Health was therefore a continuation of that journey, bringing together my technical knowledge, industry experience, and entrepreneurial mindset to develop solutions that can make a tangible difference for farmers. It was not a single moment decision, but rather a gradual realization that I could contribute more by building something of my own.  

What were some of the challenges you faced getting started, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was navigating the regulatory process. In the animal health sector, approvals can be complex and time-consuming, and the timelines are often uncertain. This created significant pressure, as we had to wait extended periods before being able to fully move forward with commercialization.

Closely tied to this was the financial challenge of sustaining the business during those waiting periods. Managing cash flow while investing in product development and regulatory steps, without immediate revenue, was one of the most demanding aspects of the journey.

Another major challenge was setting up the production side of the business. Establishing a suitable production process required careful planning, technical understanding, and financial resources. Making the right decisions without overinvesting too early was critical.

We were able to overcome these challenges by taking a very practical and step-by-step approach. The support from the London Small Business Centre played an important role, particularly in helping us understand how to approach production setup and make use of available facilities in a cost-effective way. Their guidance, along with continuous learning through their programs, helped us avoid costly mistakes.

At the same time, resilience and adaptability were key. We stayed focused, managed resources carefully, and leveraged our network to find the right partners and solutions. While the process was challenging, it ultimately helped us build a stronger and more sustainable foundation for the business.

What advice would you give to an aspiring Entrepreneur today? 

My main advice would be to stay practical, patient, and resilient. 

Starting a business is rarely as fast or straightforward as it looks from the outside. In industries like animal health, for example, regulatory processes can take significant time, and during that period, you still need to manage costs and keep the business moving forward. Being financially disciplined and planning for delays is critical. 

I would also emphasize the importance of starting lean and making smart, step-by-step decisions. Avoid overinvesting too early, especially in areas like production, until you have validated your product and market. Take advantage of available resources, such as local business support organizations, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. 

Another key point is to stay close to your customers. The best ideas often come from real problems in the field, and building solutions around those needs creates much stronger and more sustainable businesses. 

Finally, be prepared for challenges and uncertainty, but don’t lose focus. Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning are what ultimately make the difference between an idea and a successful business.

What’s in the future for your business?   

Looking ahead, our focus is on both strengthening our current foundation and scaling the business in a sustainable and impactful way. 

In the short term, we aim to continue advancing our existing product line, particularly by expanding the adoption of our fresh cow solutions and building stronger relationships with veterinarians and dairy producers across Canada. At the same time, we are actively working on developing additional products to expand our portfolio and address other key challenges in dairy herd health. 

From a long-term perspective, our goal is to grow SciTech Animal Health into a recognized and trusted brand not only in Canada but also in international markets. Exporting our products and bringing our solutions to dairy industries in other countries is an important part of our vision. 

We also plan to scale up our operations, including expanding production capacity and building a larger team. Creating employment opportunities and contributing to the Canadian economy is something we take seriously, and we aim to grow in a way that supports both the industry and the broader community. 

Overall, our vision is to continue developing practical, science-based solutions that make a real difference on farms, while building a company that is innovative, sustainable, and globally competitive.

Learn more about SciTech Animal Health.

Tell us about yourself.

Wanting a career change in 2004, I returned to school to obtain my accounting diploma and payroll certification. Since then, I have earned a designation as a Certified Professional Bookkeeper and am currently working on a Certification in Business Management.

My family has seen me through thick and thin since starting my business in 2012. My husband, Brian, has been my rock. My kids, now 27, 23 and 19, have grown to appreciate the hard work that I put into my business and embrace the values learned today.

Tell us about your business

I started my business in 2012 as a sole proprietor in the basement of my home with one client. In 2014, I had grown enough to need a part-time employee. By 2017, I was employing 2 bookkeepers in a new office. In 2019, I decided it was time to incorporate my business. 2022 saw more growth, and I added a third employee. Today, I have a team of four providing full-cycle bookkeeping/accounting and payroll services. We like to consider ourselves as a part of a business owner’s financial team.

What services/programs have you utilized at the London Small Business Centre, and how have they helped your business?

The London Small Centre was instrumental in getting my business started. I was accepted into a program called the Self-Employment Benefit (which, sadly, no longer exists) program and went through intensive training. Having worked in the private industry, I thought I knew everything about running a business. The SBC taught me that running a business is far more than just performing your craft. There are many imperative aspects to running a successful operation.

What led you to start this business? Was there something that drew (or pushed) you into being an entrepreneur?

The biggest thing that pushed me to start my own business was watching other businesses not run efficiently or ethically. I need to be able to sleep at night. The only job that would allow me to control how I worked was one I created myself.

What motivated you to give back as a volunteer at the Small Business Centre, and how has that experience influenced your perspective as a business owner?

I am very passionate about bookkeeping/accounting. I see so many businesses fail because of the lack of sufficient financial management. I get great pleasure from helping business owners understand their responsibilities and seeing them flourish as a result. One of the many things I have observed is that not everyone should be an entrepreneur. Being a business owner is time-consuming and personally and professionally draining. Commitment to the whole business is needed, not just the art of selling or providing a service.

In your work with entrepreneurs through the Centre, what are some common challenges you see—and how does your own experience help you guide others through them?

The biggest challenge I see is business owners not taking responsibility for their financial state. My goal is to empower entrepreneurs with the information they need to get off on the right foot. Knowledge is power. Unfortunately, bookkeeping is the most overlooked aspect of the business. Accurate and up-to-date financial information is absolutely essential.

How has staying connected to the entrepreneurial community through volunteering contributed to your own business growth or decision-making?

I have met so many wonderful entrepreneurs and love seeing them succeed. Having a network of professionals and entrepreneurs helps me grow immensely, both personally and professionally.

As a busy entrepreneur, what do you like to do when you take a break?

My favourite thing to do is spend time with family at the beach. Whether at local lakes or somewhere in the Caribbean, the sun and water nourish my soul.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received and why?

Although the advice came in my previous career, the biggest lesson I have learned is that Fair is Relative. What might now seem unfair to one person is fair to another. I have instilled this lesson into my own children.

Learn more about ANL Bookkeeping & Payroll Solutions.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jorryn Butler, and I am a first-year finance student at King’s University College. I love sports and all business things. I’m currently a mentor at Junior Achievement, the Director of Media for King’s Capital Management, Content Coordinator for the King’s Entrepreneurship Association, and First Year Representative for the Western Sales Club.

Tell us about the business you launched during your time at the Summer Company Program.

Through the Summer Company Program, I started my landscaping business called Young Man Mowing. The company started with basic lawn care but quickly expanded into landscaping and home improvement projects. Since then, we’ve rebranded it to Student Home Services and expanded into painting and window cleaning.

How has the London Small Business Centre helped your business?

The funding, mixed with the environment the SBC built for me, really helped me overcome many obstacles entrepreneurs face when first starting their business. The mentorship and community of support really help you to thrive, no matter what industry you’re in.

The Summer Company Program provided me with a network of support, whether that was through mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs or a circle of like-minded entrepreneurs at the same stage in their business as me. It helped me to combine ideas from others and really sped up the growth phase of my business.

What led you to start this business? Was there something that drew (or pushed) you into being an entrepreneur?

I’ve just always loved the idea of building something that creates an impact on the community, so entrepreneurship has always been a huge interest to me. I didn’t have any specialty but knew I loved business, and I knew how to cut grass, so I figured I would just put the two together and see how it goes.

What were some of the challenges you faced getting started, and how did you overcome them?

I think the uncertainty of how much to price my services, along with not knowing how to do a lot of things in the landscaping industry, however, a lot of practice and eagerness to learn helped me overcome the learning curve quite quickly, which allowed me to take on larger jobs.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received and why?

The best advice I’ve received that applies to all aspects of my life is to just take action. You don’t learn to swim by reading how to swim; you learn by doing and giving 100% effort in all aspects. Following this advice helped me to get through the learning curves of small businesses early on and focus on expanding my operations.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur today?
Just start. You have to be okay with failure because eventually you’ll find what works. In entrepreneurship, there are going to be uncertain and uncomfortable moments, but nothing great has ever come from staying within your comfort zone.

Are you still running the business, or do you plan to pursue this in the future?
I am still running this business and plan to expand my services to painting and window cleaning while getting off the tools this summer.

Learn more about Student Home Services.

Applications now open for the Summer Company Program.

 

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dhara Upadhyay, I’m the founder of Dolphin Dive Baby Spa & Wellness Inc. in London, Ontario, and my background is in Ayurveda Medicine & Surgery. I’m a mom of two young daughters, and becoming a parent truly changed the way I viewed wellness, balance, and community support.

When our baby was born, there were no facilities to provide the service we were looking for in the city. To help parents similar to us, we have taken the lead to start a business in London. Hydrotherapy, infant massage, and pre- and pre/post-natal care will be very beneficial to babies and their parents in the surrounding area.

Family plays a huge role in everything I do; my husband and I work closely together, and our children inspire many of the programs and services we offer. As a parent, I understand firsthand how important it is to have spaces that support both babies and caregivers in a meaningful, nurturing way.

Tell us about your business.

Dolphin Dive Baby Spa & Wellness Inc. is a baby-focused wellness spa designed to support families from infancy through early childhood and parents, too. We officially launched in November 2025 and are proud to be one of the first baby spas of its kind in the London area.

Our services include baby hydrotherapy, infant and pediatric massage, parent-and-tot wellness classes, prenatal and postnatal massage, therapeutic massage therapy, and family-focused workshops and events. We currently work with a growing team of Registered Massage Therapists, certified instructors, and support staff. Our goal is to create a calm, safe, and welcoming environment where families can focus on connection, development, and well-being.

What services/programs have you utilized at the London Small Business Centre and how have they helped your business?

The London Small Business Centre has been an incredible resource from the early stages of our journey. We utilized business advisory services, mentorship, and funding-related guidance that helped us move from concept to execution with confidence [Dhara participated in the Starter Company Plus Program in 2024/2025]. The one-on-one support helped us refine our business model, better understand financial planning, and make informed decisions around growth and operations. Having access to experienced advisors who genuinely wanted to see our business succeed made a huge difference, especially during the startup phase.

How has your business grown since SBC’s involvement?

Since working with SBC, our business has grown steadily and intentionally. We’ve expanded our service offerings, added specialized equipment for baby hydrotherapy and parent relaxation, and grown our practitioner team. We’ve also built strong partnerships within the local business and parenting community, hosted recurring classes and themed events, and increased our brand visibility across London. SBC’s guidance helped us scale responsibly while staying true to our values and mission.

What led you to start this business? Was there something that drew (or pushed) you into being an entrepreneur?

The idea for Dolphin Dive was born from my own experience as a parent. I noticed a gap in services that truly focused on early childhood wellness and parental support in one place. Many new parents feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure. I wanted to create a space that felt safe, informative, and comforting. Entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career move for me; it felt like a calling. I wanted to build something meaningful, community-driven, and rooted in care. That passion ultimately pushed me to take the leap. 

What were some of the challenges you faced getting started ,and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was navigating regulations, startup costs, and operational details while also managing family responsibilities. There were many moving parts from licensing and equipment to staffing and branding. I overcame these challenges by seeking support early, asking questions, and surrounding myself with mentors and professionals, including the team at SBC. Breaking big goals into smaller, actionable steps made the process manageable and less overwhelming. 

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received and why?

The best advice I’ve received is: “Don’t wait for perfect – start with progress.” As a new entrepreneur, it’s easy to overthink every detail. Learning to move forward, test ideas, and adjust along the way allowed our business to grow organically and respond to real client needs. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur today?

Start before you feel ready, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one builds a successful business alone. Use the resources available in your community, stay open to learning, and remember that consistency matters more than perfection. 

What’s in the future for your business? 

In the short term, we’re focused on expanding our programs, growing our team, and strengthening partnerships within the London community. Long term, we hope to become a recognized hub for family wellness, potentially expanding to additional locations or offering more specialized programs and training opportunities. Above all, we want to continue supporting families during some of the most important stages of life. 

Learn more about Dolphin Dive Baby Spa and Wellness.

 

Tell us about yourself.  
I grew up in Strathroy and moved to London probably about four or five years ago. I took Police Foundations and Advanced Police Studies at Fanshawe College, and then COVID happened, so I switched gears and did anything to make money at the time.   

I started gearing back up in 2022 to apply to police forces, and I was actively doing that. Then the shop kind of popped up for sale, so we took the risk and bought it, and that’s how I’m here today. It’s been over two years now. 

Tell us about your business.  
We started in October 2023. We’re open seven days a week with varying hours. We try to be open for lunch during the week, then stay open a little later on Saturdays, and from 4:00 to 8:00 on Sundays. 

There are five employees, not including myself and my girlfriend, who is a co-owner. She and I are pretty much always there all seven days; we don’t really get much time off now. We do special events, weddings, catering, and lunch parties. 

What services/programs have you utilized at the London Small Business Centre, and how have they helped your business? 
We were part of the Starter Company Plus Program in 2024/2025. I gained a lot of knowledge in different topics that I probably wouldn’t normally look into myself, such as HR and accounting. Accounting was a big one, because I’m eventually trying to move from a sole proprietor to a corporation. That really helped me understand what I need to get ready. 

It was great to upgrade my business using the grant. I bought a new cash register and a fridge. 

How has your business grown since SBC’s involvement?  
I would say this year’s sales were much better compared to last year. These past couple of months leading up to Christmas were especially strong. We had steady business every single day. Our social media presence has also grown a lot during this time. 

What led you to start this business? Was there something that drew (or pushed) you into being an entrepreneur?  
I come from a family of business owners, so it’s always been part of my world. I grew up surrounded by people running their own businesses—my grandparents owned a printing shop in Strathroy, and my dad is a contractor, real estate broker, and landlord. 

Owning a business is something I’ve seen my whole life, so I naturally picked up ideas and lessons along the way. When this opportunity came up, it felt like the right fit, and I knew it was something I could do. 

What were some of the challenges you faced getting started, and how did you overcome them? 
I gave myself only about a month from the day we got the keys to opening the business. Figuring out everything in those first 30 days was a huge challenge. Looking back, I wouldn’t change much. I wouldn’t give myself extra weeks. We just had to dive in, and things worked themselves out. 

Even though all the pieces were there, the real challenge was figuring out how to put them together—getting the product ready, hiring and managing staff, and getting all the business paperwork organized at the same time.  

As a busy entrepreneur, what do you like to do when you take a break?  
When we take a break, we usually try to go on a day trip together. On the occasional Sunday in the summer, just the two of us will head out to a lake or cottage, or to a sports game.  

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received and why? 
We wouldn’t be as successful as we are today without learning how important it is to treat every customer well, not just new ones, but everyone who walks through our doors. We always try to make customers our top priority, from the moment they come in to the moment they leave. 

Focusing on building strong relationships within the Ilderton community has made a huge impact. Those connections are a big part of what helped us succeed, and why we’re still here two years later.  

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur today?  
There will be moments of panic, especially at the beginning when the bills start coming in, and the money going out doesn’t seem to match what’s coming in. You have to stay focused on delivering the best product you can and put the time and care into it. 

Find places where you can wisely cut costs—it’s not about cheaping out. Keep showing up and putting in the work every day, just like we have, and eventually you’ll start to see the payoff. 

Learn more about 4 Pizza Sake.