PROGRAMS
Starter Company Plus
Starter Company Plus is a training and mentorship program funded by government of Ontario that helps people over the age of 18 to grow a newly started business; expand an existing business of 3 years or less; or purchase a current business.
You may be eligible to receive up to $5,000* in grant funding to put towards leasehold improvements, equipment and tools, employee training, and marketing activities.
Businesses that are still at the idea stage and have not demonstrated market demand, nor generated early revenue, are not suitable for this program.
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*The amount of grant funding is based on the strength of the business plan, economic impact (jobs created), personal investment and long-term sustainability. The number of grants available is limited, and this is a competitive process.
Training and coaching support
The first training opportunity is the Accelerate Your Business Workshop. Participation in this workshop is mandatory to be considered for a grant.
Individuals who successfully complete the Accelerate Your Business Workshop can submit an application for a grant up to $5000*. Successful grant recipients will work with a business advisor to create a personalized learning and mentorship plan.
The training and mentorship will occur over a 3–6-month period. The delivery will be a combination of in-class seminars, peer mentoring/networking meetings, and one-on-one consultations with a business advisor.
Sample learning and mentorship plan:
• Attend a minimum of 3 Advanced Business Seminars, chosen from a selection of 9 topics.
• Participate in 3 networking/mentoring meetings. Multiple sessions available
• Meet with a business advisor a minimum of 3 times over a three-month period.
• Total time commitment 12-15 hours.
Who can apply?
Eligible participants for the Starter Company Plus program are:
- Over the age of 18.
- Growing a new start-up, expansion of an existing company less than 3 years in operation, or buying a business.
- Registered to collect HST.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of Ontario.
- Not a student and not returning to school.
- A sole proprietorship or a corporation in which the approved participant is the majority shareholder.
- Able to commit 12-15 hours of training and mentorship (not including the Accelerate Your Business Workshop).
- 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 $2500 must be cash. The balance can be in-kind assets.
- Not or having not participated in another government-sponsored entrepreneurial training program in the last 12 months or received the Starter Company Plus grant before.
- Operating their business within Middlesex County.
Ineligible businesses for the Starter Company Plus program include:
- Distributorship/franchise
- Non-profit or charity
- Pay-per-click business
- Commissioned sales
- Multi-level marketing
- Single events
- Part-time/seasonal business
Completion of this form does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
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