Starter Company Plus is designed to help new and early-stage Ontario entrepreneurs pay for real startup costs. The program offers up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding. This money must be spent on approved business expenses that are directly connected to your business plan. Knowing which expenses are eligible—and which are not—can make your application stronger.
Below, you’ll find a clear guide to eligible and ineligible expenses for Starter Company Plus. Rules can sometimes vary by local Small Business Enterprise Centres, so always check with your local provider before applying.
Starter Company Plus funding can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, while you must contribute the remaining 25% in cash or in kind. Some delivery partners may have different requirements, so confirm the exact contribution needed with your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
You can use Starter Company Plus funding to buy equipment needed for your business. Examples include:
The equipment must be used mainly for business, not personal use.
Eligible technology costs often include:
Ongoing subscription costs may be limited or capped, depending on your local delivery partner. Always check before including these in your budget.
Starter Company Plus often supports early marketing expenses, such as:
These costs must help you attract customers and launch your business, not promote you personally.
You may use funding for:
Training must directly support your ability to run the business.
In some cases, funding can be used for:
Approval depends on your business model and your local Small Business Enterprise Centre’s guidelines.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check which expense categories are usually accepted by Starter Company Plus providers in your area.
Some costs are always ineligible, even if they seem related to your business:
If an expense is not clearly connected to launching or growing your business, it will likely be rejected.
Starter Company Plus is delivered by Small Business Enterprise Centres in each region. This means:
The funding is non-repayable—you do not have to pay it back. Make sure you read your agreement carefully and understand the reporting and expense rules.
Including personal expenses
Personal costs are a common reason for rejected budgets.
Buying equipment before approval
Expenses paid before approval usually cannot be reimbursed.
Overestimating marketing spend
Marketing is eligible, but your budget must be realistic and justified.
Ignoring the 25% contribution rule
You need to show proof of your own cash or in-kind contribution to qualify. The exact amount may vary by location.
Q: Can Starter Company Plus funding be used to pay myself a salary?
No. Owner wages and personal income are not eligible expenses under Starter Company Plus.
Q: Can I use Starter Company Plus to buy a laptop?
Yes, if the laptop is needed for your business and is included in your business plan.
Q: Is inventory an eligible expense?
Initial inventory may be eligible, depending on your business type and local program rules.
Q: Do I need receipts for all expenses?
Yes. You must provide receipts and proof of payment for all approved expenses.
Q: Can I use the funding to expand an existing business?
Yes. Starter Company Plus supports starting, expanding, or buying a small business, as long as you meet the program criteria.
Starter Company Plus funding can help you launch or grow your business if you plan your expenses carefully and follow the rules. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada, so you can see how Starter Company Plus fits with other funding options for your business.
See also:
Understanding what expenses are allowed can help you build a stronger application and avoid mistakes.
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