Starter Company Plus

Determine your eligibility

Eligible participants are

• Over the age of 18
• Proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company less than 3 years in operation, or buying a business
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and resident of Ontario
• Not a student and not returning to school.
• Not enrolled in any government employment or self-employment related program that include or do not include financial assistance.
• Able to commit to the training schedule and regular meetings over a minimum 3–4-month period. (Group session schedule to be supplied in fall)
• Prepared to commit a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business.
• Able to match the funds being requested, of which, at least 50% must be cash. The balance can be in-kind assets.
• Have not received the Starter Company Plus grant or participated in another government sponsored entrepreneurial training program in the last 12 months.
• Business must operate within Middlesex County.
• New businesses must be able to launch and generate sales within 60 days of receiving first disbursement.

Ineligible businesses include

• Distributorship/franchise
• Non-profit or charity
• Pay-per-click business
• Commissioned sales
• Multi-level marketing
• Single events
• Part-time/seasonal business

Use of Funds

Training and coaching support

Participants will benefit from training and mentoring roundtables with other participants and will meet one-on-one with a business advisor as needed, to ensure the business is progressing and to offer guidance.   Participation in the group sessions is mandatory. These sessions will be 2 hours long and will occur approximately every 2 weeks from early December 2023 to March 2024

Individual meetings will be scheduled as needed at mutually agreed times.