Starter Company Plus

Applications are now OPEN for the 2025 summer intake. Read the program description in detail and apply below.

Program Description:

A comprehensive entrepreneurship development program designed for adults launching a new business or expanding an existing one. By the end of the program, participants will have received information on a variety of business-related topics, completed a business plan, earned the potential to pitch for $5,000 in grant funding, and participated in mentorship initiatives. This program is made available to participants free of charge and is funded through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.

Through this program, you will:

Participate in a series of mandatory workshops presented by field experts.
Receive one-on-one guidance in the development of your business plan.
Earn the potential to pitch for $5,000 in grant funding.
Be connected and referred to business partners, funders, and mentors.
Participate in networking opportunities, business events, and professional development.
Be better positioned to obtain future financing with a completed business plan.

Are you eligible?:

To participate in the Starter Company Plus Program, you must meet the following criteria:

Be starting, expanding, or buying a small business. Expansions must be within five years of the initial start date.
Operate or plan to operate a full-time, year-round business.
Not be attending school full-time or employed full-time.
Be an Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen (or a permanent resident) and at least 18 years of age.
Be a resident of the Nipissing or Parry Sound regions.
The business must be located in the Nipissing or Parry Sound regions.
To qualify for a grant, you must be able to make a contribution to your business, in cash or owned business assets, equivalent to at least 25% of the grant amount.
Be prepared to complete the required business training and business planning components of the Starter Company Plus program as prescribed by The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.
Be fully responsible for the business’s ongoing operations and decision-making.
Be prepared to commit an average of 35 hours a week to the development and/or operation of the business upon receiving funding.
Not be concurrently enrolled in any self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing programs offered by government-funded organizations.

What type of business is eligible? Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:

Is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or a corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder.
Is located within the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts.
Is an independent business venture.
Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures.
Operates full-time, has a separate business bank account, and maintains its own books and records.
Follows government regulations for operating a business and complies with all applicable laws.
Is sales-ready at the time of funding.
Expanding businesses must be within five years of the initial start-up date.

Businesses not eligible for Starter Company Plus include:

Individuals who have received a grant in the past.
Part-time or seasonal businesses.
Franchises, commissioned sales, and distributorships.
Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavors.
Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises.
Multi-level marketing ventures.
Single-event businesses, such as musical ventures, bands, DJs, or dance/party event organizations.
Businesses that rely strictly on pay-per-click advertising or 1-900 services.
Businesses that have been operational for more than five years.
Businesses that derive their revenue from streaming services or affiliate marketing.
Businesses involved in investment vehicles, property investment (flipping), or short-term rental investment.
Note: A business that operates inside another business and is subject to that business’s hours and operations will not be eligible (e.g., a hairstylist renting a chair from a salon, an esthetician renting a room from a salon, etc.).
Note: The Business Centre (TBC) may, at its sole discretion, determine that a particular business is inappropriate for the program.

Application Process:

Review the Starter Company Plus Information Package to ensure your eligibility for the program.
Complete/Submit the Starter Company Plus Program Application.
Applicants may be required to meet virtually with the program coordinator prior to approval to discuss their business idea and eligibility in further detail.
Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the program.
Accepted participants must sign a Release and Consent Form and an Enrollment Agreement.

Pitch/Funding Process:

If you complete all the workshops and your business plan, prove commitment, viability, and sustainability, you may have the opportunity to pitch for $5,000 in grant funding for your business. This is a competitive process, and in order to pitch, you must:

Meet the above-mentioned requirements.
Contribute a minimum of 25% (cash or in-kind) of the grant value toward your business.
Be recommended by the Program Coordinator.

Business Plan & Pitch Process:

Business Plans are reviewed by the Pitch Committee approximately one week prior to the scheduled pitch date.
If deemed eligible, you will pitch to an independent committee.
If approved for funding by the committee, the grant will be disbursed in two payments.

First disbursement (75%):

Sign a contribution agreement outlining each party’s rights and responsibilities regarding grant disbursement.
Within three weeks of approval, provide the Program Coordinator with:
- A copy of your Provincial Business License.
- Proof of Insurance.
- ID and Social Insurance Number.

Second disbursement (25%):

Operate your business on a full-time basis.
Complete the mandatory professional development or coaching initiatives.
Submit receipts totaling at least 75% of the grant value (before taxes) as outlined in your contribution agreement and approved cost categories.
Complete the anonymous program survey and final program report.

Starter Company Plus is a competitive process, and not all applicants will be accepted into the program or approved for funding.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact: [email protected] or call 705-474-0400 ext.2302