Starter Company Plus

How it works

Starter Company Plus includes:

• guidance from a Small Business Centre advisor
• participation in an online business plan boot camp and coaching/training from professional consultants and coaches
• funding of up to $5,000
• training and mentorship that will better position you to be more successful and profitable in your business and to obtain more traditional financing

Who is eligible

Individuals applying for the Starter Company Plus must satisfy the following Starter Company Plus Initiative eligibility requirements:

• must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
• must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and residing in the Lower Leeds and East Grenville area (see map)  
• have started a new company in the last 5 years, expansion of an existing company (may be over 5 years old) or buying a business in Ontario
• not attending school full time nor returning to school
• not enrolled in other comparable provincial employment or self-employment related initiatives and programs that include or do not include financial assistance; and
• not enrolled in any comparable self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing initiatives and programs offered by government funded organizations

Suitable applicants must also –

• Be working full time in their business (30 plus hours per week) or part time with a proven plan to be full time in their business in the next 6 months
• Be working with clients and earning income
• Have contributed at least 25% (in cash or in kind) of the grant amount

Suitable applicants should see value in the following –

• writing a business plan and creating a cash flow to focus business ideas and create new opportunities and buying patterns.
• Wish to receive business coaching and foundational business training from our business advisors

Those who aren’t eligible

• Non-profits will not be eligible for the grant but may be eligible to take part in the training.  This will be looked at on a case by case basis.
• OW & ODSP may be able to take part in the training but are not eligible for the funding.
• Any franchise businesses.
• Previous Starter Company and Starter Company Plus participants are not eligible.

How to apply

To apply for our entrepreneurship program:

• Attend one of our virtual Information Sessions listed below. This is mandatory.
• Learn about the program details, eligibility, dates, and requirements.
• Note that spots are limited.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot.
• Applicants will undergo an interview process for approval.

Online Information Sessions

The Online Information Session is where we will provide details about the program, dates, and answer any questions you may have.  At the end of the session you will be able to request the application form. 

Online Information Sessions dates are now over for this cohort. Please come back here in January or February to see the Information Session dates for the next cohort. 

We are no longer receiving applications. 

Please email carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca if you have any questions.

Next Program Start Date: Winter/Spring of 2025

Contact us today to book a FREE CONSULTATION to receive guidance on next steps in your business, if you haven’t met with us yet, or if you have any further questions.