Deadline: September 19, 2025
The Starter Company Plus program in Ontario provides training, mentorship, and funding to support residents in starting, expanding, or purchasing small businesses.
The program provides: training and business skills development; advice and mentorship from local business leaders; assistance in writing a comprehensive business plan to better position participants in obtaining financing; and an opportunity for a $5,000 grant.
Starter Company Plus is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Northwest Business Centre to create sustainable jobs through entrepreneurship. Individuals 18 years or older residing in the Kenora or Rainy River Districts are eligible to apply. Participants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, not attending school full-time, and not enrolled concurrently in other government-funded self-employment initiatives. To qualify for a grant, participants must demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets and commit to working an average of 35 hours per week in their business. The program supports sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations where the applicant is the majority shareholder, and businesses must operate independently from family ventures.
Certain businesses are ineligible, including partnerships with 50% shared ownership, franchises, commissioned sales, distributorships, not-for-profit or charitable enterprises, multi-level marketing ventures, single events such as music or dance events, pay-per-click businesses, and those that previously received funding from Starter Company programs. The grant cannot be used for salaries, rent, utilities, insurance, inventory, business plan development, travel, or other day-to-day expenses, as it is intended for capital expenditures like new equipment, machinery, or building improvements.
The training process includes one-on-one and self-directed sessions to develop a comprehensive business plan, including an operational plan, market research, and financial statements. Participants must complete all training components, develop a viable business plan with three years of projected financial statements, prepare a 3-minute pitch for the Grant Committee, agree to mentorship meetings for three months, and ensure their business is operational within three months of applying.
Approved participants must submit documentation within two weeks of the Grant Committee meeting, including proof of 25% contribution, commercial insurance, a commercial bank account, business registration, and identification. The program emphasizes dedication, business viability, and sustainability to ensure successful outcomes.
For more information, visit Northwest Business Centre.
