Who We Are
Carrying Place Holdings is led by Scott Stirrett, a Canadian entrepreneur and author. Scott founded Venture for Canada, a national charity that has helped over 10,000 young Canadians build entrepreneurial skills and gain meaningful work experience.
As CEO, Scott managed an annual budget of more than $14 million and led a team of over 30 employees. Over more than a decade, he built and led Venture for Canada through the day to day realities of running a growing organization: hiring and developing employees, overseeing finances and payroll, building systems, navigating difficult personnel decisions, and developing major customer and partner relationships.
The name Carrying Place comes from a historic Canadian term for a portage, a place where people carried goods and canoes between waterways. It reflects the importance of stewardship, continuity, and helping something valuable move successfully from one stage to the next.
Scott is now focused full time on acquiring and leading one enduring Canadian business, building on its success while supporting its employees and customers for the long term.
Hear from Scott
Why Carrying Place
1
Respect for Sellers
Scott spent more than a decade building Venture for Canada and ultimately transitioned leadership to a successor. He knows that handing over something you have built is about much more than price. Employees, customers, reputation, and the future of the company matter.
2
Long Term Orientation
Carrying Place is seeking one business to own and operate for the long term. The goal is to protect what already works, support the people who made the company successful, and invest steadily in its future.
3
Operator Led
Scott spent more than a decade building and leading Venture for Canada. That meant hiring and leading teams, managing budgets and payroll, building systems, dealing with difficult personnel decisions, solving problems when things went wrong, and being accountable for results.
Are we the right fit for your business transition?
Business Profile
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for an established, profitable business in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Nova Scotia with a strong operating history, loyal customers, repeat or recurring demand, and a capable team.
We are particularly interested in companies with consistent cash flow and a clear reason customers continue to rely on them year after year.
Scott was born in Hamilton, Ontario, raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and has longstanding ties to both Ontario and the Maritimes.
Financial Profile
Target Size
Our primary focus is businesses generating approximately $1 million to $3.5 million in sustainable earnings.
We are flexible on size for the right company, particularly where there is a strong customer base, an established team, and a good long term fit.
Sector Focus
Businesses We Are Interested In
We are interested in strong business to business service and specialized industrial companies with loyal customers, repeat demand, and products or services that customers rely on.
This can include inspection, testing, maintenance, safety, training, specialized manufacturing, equipment services, and other essential business services. We are open to companies across a range of industries.
Owner Fit
Who We Hope to Work With
We are looking to work with owners who care about what happens after the sale.
The best fit is an owner who wants a fair transaction, a respectful transition, and a buyer who will protect the company’s reputation, employees, customers, and legacy.
Start A Conversation
If you own a business, advise business owners, or know of a company that may be a fit, Scott would be glad to hear from you. Carrying Place Holdings is looking to acquire and operate one strong Canadian business for the long term. We welcome confidential conversations with owners, brokers, lawyers, accountants, lenders, and investors. You can also email us at scott@carryingplaceholdings.com.