Starter Company Plus (Ontario): How to Apply + Eligibility Checklist

If you’re starting, expanding, or buying a small business in Ontario, Starter Company Plus can help you cover early costs while building real business skills. The program offers up to $5,000 in funding, plus mandatory training and one‑on‑one mentorship delivered through local Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs). Intake periods vary by location, so knowing the eligibility rules and application steps upfront can save you weeks.

What Is Starter Company Plus and What Does It Offer?

Starter Company Plus is an Ontario government program designed for adults who want hands‑on business training and a modest cash grant to get started.

What you can receive:

Up to $5,000 in funding, covering a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs
Business training on topics like:
- Writing a business plan
- Budgeting and cash flow
- Marketing and sales
One‑on‑one mentorship with a local business advisor
Workshops and networking events delivered by your local SBEC

You must contribute at least 25% of the grant amount in cash or in kind (for example, equipment or professional services).

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Ontario startup programs by location and business stage in seconds.

Starter Company Plus Eligibility Checklist (Ontario)

You must meet all of the following criteria to qualify.

Personal Eligibility

✅ 18 years of age or older
✅ Ontario resident
✅ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
✅ Not attending school full‑time and not returning to full‑time studies

Business Eligibility

✅ Starting a new business, or
✅ Expanding an existing small business, or
✅ Purchasing an existing business
✅ Able to contribute at least 25% of the grant amount (cash or in kind)
✅ Willing to complete required training and mentorship

Important: Eligibility is assessed and approved by your local Small Business Enterprise Centre, not directly by the province.

How to Apply for Starter Company Plus: Step‑by‑Step

Applications are managed locally, so the exact process may differ slightly by region. The steps below apply across Ontario.

1. Find Your Local Small Business Enterprise Centre

Each SBEC sets its own intake periods and deadlines. Some accept applications only once or twice per year.

2. Attend an Information Session or Initial Consultation

Most centres require:

An orientation session, or
A one‑on‑one meeting with a business advisor

This confirms whether Starter Company Plus is the right fit before you apply.

3. Prepare Your Application

You’ll typically need:

A business plan (often using an SBEC template)
A project budget showing how grant funds will be used
Proof of your 25% contribution
Personal identification and residency documents

4. Complete Training and Mentorship

If approved, you must:

Participate in mandatory training sessions
Work with an assigned business advisor

Funding is often released after these requirements are met.

5. Receive Funding

The grant is issued according to your local centre’s payment schedule and conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the grant is automatic
Starter Company Plus is competitive. Meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.
Missing local deadlines
Each SBEC sets its own intake dates. Many applicants miss out by checking too late.
Underestimating the 25% contribution
You must clearly document your cash or in‑kind contribution, or your application can be declined.
Skipping the training commitment
This program is not just a grant. Training and mentorship are mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I get from Starter Company Plus?
You can receive up to $5,000, covering a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs. You must provide the remaining 25%.

Q: Is Starter Company Plus repayable?
Funding is structured as a grant, but terms can vary slightly by local delivery partner. Your SBEC will confirm conditions before funds are released.

Q: Can I apply if I’m buying an existing business?
Yes. Starter Company Plus supports starting, expanding, or purchasing a small business.

Q: Do I need to be incorporated before applying?
Not usually. Many applicants apply at the idea or planning stage, as long as they can complete the required training and business plan.

Q: When does Starter Company Plus open?
There is no province‑wide deadline. Intake periods depend on your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.

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Next Steps

Starter Company Plus is often just one piece of a larger funding plan. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada, including Ontario startup funding — so you can see which ones match your business stage, location, and industry before you apply.

Starter Company Plus (Ontario): How to Apply + Eligibility Checklist