Call for Applications: Starter Company Plus Program (Canada)

The Starter Company Plus Program supports entrepreneurs in starting, expanding, and growing small businesses through business training, mentorship, advisory services, and grant funding. Eligible entrepreneurs operating a for-profit business in Markham, Ontario can receive up to CAD 5,000 in grant funding along with expert guidance to strengthen and grow their business.

Starter Company Plus Program: Grants of up to CAD 5,000 for Small Businesses in Markham

The Starter Company Plus Program is designed to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses by providing practical training, professional mentorship, business advisory services, and financial assistance. The program supports individuals who want to launch a new business, expand an existing business, or adapt their business model to changing market conditions.

Participants receive expert guidance on business planning, budgeting, financial management, and business growth strategies while developing the skills needed to operate a successful enterprise.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects and activities related to:

• Business startup and expansion
• Small business growth
• Business planning
• Growth planning
• Pivot planning
• Budget development
• Business education and training
• Entrepreneur mentorship
• Advisory services
• Entrepreneurship development

Funding Information

The Starter Company Plus Program provides:

• Grant funding of up to CAD 5,000
• Business training and educational workshops
• One-on-one business advisory support
• Mentorship from experienced local business leaders
• Practical guidance for business development and growth

Program Overview

The program is intended to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses through structured learning and personalized support.

Participants receive assistance in developing:

• Business plans
• Growth plans
• Pivot plans
• Business budgets
• Growth strategies
• Financial planning

The program also helps entrepreneurs improve decision-making, increase business sustainability, and prepare for long-term success.

Program Structure

The Starter Company Plus Program is delivered in two phases.

Phase 1: Business Development

During the first phase, all eligible applicants receive:

• Business training
• Educational workshops
• Business advisory services
• Support in preparing:
  • Business Plan
  • Growth Plan
  • Pivot Plan (if applicable)
  • Budget

Completion of this phase prepares applicants for consideration in the funding stage.

Phase 2: Grant Funding and Mentorship

Applicants selected for the second phase receive:

• Grant funding of up to CAD 5,000
• Three months of business mentoring
• Continued guidance from experienced business professionals
• Ongoing support to implement their business growth strategy

Eligible Activities

Funding and support may be used to strengthen businesses through activities such as:

• Expanding business operations
• Improving products or services
• Developing new business opportunities
• Updating business strategies
• Preparing financial plans
• Building marketing strategies
• Business capacity development
• Entrepreneurial skill development

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Operate a for-profit business located within the municipal boundaries of Markham.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario.
• Operate an eligible small business.
• Be committed to growing or expanding their business.
• Participate in the required training and mentoring activities.

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Are employed full-time elsewhere.
• Are enrolled in a full-time education program.
• Plan to return to full-time education within the next three years.
• Are receiving funding from another provincial entrepreneurship or business support program.
• Previously received a Starter Company (Plus) Grant.
• Previously received a Small Business Recovery and Digital Resilience Program Grant.
• Operate a commission-based business.
• Operate a franchise business.

Why This Program Matters

Small businesses play an essential role in creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and encouraging innovation. The Starter Company Plus Program helps entrepreneurs overcome common barriers by combining financial support with professional coaching and mentorship.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced financial barriers to business growth
• Improved business planning skills
• Access to experienced mentors
• Stronger financial management
• Increased business sustainability
• Enhanced entrepreneurial knowledge
• Greater opportunity for long-term success

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare information about your business.
3. Develop or update your:
   • Business Plan
   • Growth Plan
   • Pivot Plan (if applicable)
   • Budget
4. Participate in the required training sessions.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.
6. Complete the assessment process.
7. If selected, participate in the mentorship program and implement your business plan using the grant funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain your business goals.
• Demonstrate how the funding will support business growth.
• Prepare a realistic and detailed budget.
• Develop a practical business or growth plan.
• Show how the business will remain sustainable after the grant period.
• Include measurable business objectives.
• Ensure all required documents are complete before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting an incomplete application.
• Providing an unrealistic budget.
• Missing eligibility requirements.
• Failing to explain business growth plans.
• Omitting important supporting information.
• Applying while receiving another ineligible provincial business grant.
• Missing application deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Starter Company Plus Program?

Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Ontario who operate a for-profit business within the municipal boundaries of Markham and meet all eligibility requirements.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants selected for Phase 2 may receive up to CAD 5,000.

Does everyone receive grant funding?

No. All eligible applicants participate in the first phase, but only selected participants move on to the second phase and receive grant funding.

What support is provided besides funding?

Participants receive business training, advisory services, mentorship, business planning assistance, and professional guidance.

Can franchise businesses apply?

No. Franchise businesses are not eligible under this program.

Can someone with a full-time job apply?

No. Applicants must not be employed full-time elsewhere while participating in the program.

Is mentorship included?

Yes. Successful Phase 2 participants receive three months of mentorship from experienced local business leaders.

Conclusion

The Starter Company Plus Program provides entrepreneurs with a valuable combination of training, mentorship, business advisory services, and grant funding of up to CAD 5,000 to help establish, expand, or strengthen small businesses. By supporting business planning, financial management, and sustainable growth, the program equips entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to build resilient businesses and contribute to the local economy in Markham, Ontario.