Starter Company Plus
Please note: Applications are now CLOSED for the 2024 fall intake.
Stay tuned for information on the next intake in early 2025.
Program Description:
A comprehensive entrepreneurship development program, designed for adults launching a new business or expanding an existing business. By the end of the program participants will have received information on a variety of business-related topics, completed a business plan, or business model canvas, earned the potential to pitch for $5,000 in grant funding and participate in the mentorship initiatives. This program is made possible 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 virtual workshops, delivered by presenters who are experts in their field
- Receive one-on-one guidance in the development of your business plan or business model canvas
- Earn the potential to pitch for $5,000 in grant funding
- Be connected and referred to the entrepreneurial eco-system
- Receive mentorship from experienced professionals
- Have the opportunity to network and participate in business events
- Be better positioned to obtain future financing with your complete business plan
Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?
You are eligible for Starter Company Plus if you are:
- 18 Years of age or older
- An Ontario resident and Canadian citizen (or permanent resident)
- Not currently enrolled in full-time education or employed full-time
- Starting, expanding or buying a small business
- To qualify for a grant, you must be able to make a contribution to your business in cash or in kind, equivalent to at least 25% of the grant amount
- 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.
- Fully responsible for the businesses ongoing operations and decision making
- Prepared to commit an average of 35 hours a week to the development and/or operation of their business upon receiving funding
- Not enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment related programs that include or do not include financial assistance
- Not currently enrolled concurrently 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 will be the majority shareholder
- Located within the Nipissing and Parry Sound Disctricts
- Is an independent business venture
- Operates at arm’s length of family business ventures
- Operates full-time as defined in the business plan, has a separate business bank account and maintains its own books and records
- Follows government rules and regulation for operating a business and is in compliance with all applicable laws
- Is sales ready at the time of funding
- Expanding businesses must be within 5 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 such as musical ventures bands, DJs, or dance/party event organizations
- Businesses that will strictly pay per click and 1-900 businesses
- Businesses that have been operational for more than 5 years
- Businesses that derive their revenue from streaming services or affiliate marketing
- Businesses incorporating or selling investment vehicles, property investment (flipping) and/or short-term rental investment
- Note: A business that operates “inside” another business and is subject to that’s businesses hours and operations will not be eligible. (e.g.: hair stylist renting a “chair” from a salon, esthetician renting a “room” from a salon, etc.)
- Note: TBC may also, at its sole discretion, determine a particular business is inappropriate for the program
Application Process:
- Review 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 program coordinator prior to approval to discuss your 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 towards your business, as well as be recommended by the Program Coordinator.
Business Plans and Business Model Canvases are reviewed by the Pitch Committee approximately 1 week prior to the scheduled pitch date. If you are deemed eligible to pitch, you will pitch to an independent committee. If approved for funding by the committee, the grant will be given in two disbursements.
First disbursement (75%):
- Sign a contribution agreement, outlining each party’s rights and responsibilities for grant disbursement
- Within 3 weeks of approval of the grant, provide the program coordinator with a copy of your Master Business License, Proof of Insurance, ID and Social Insurance Number
Second disbursement (25%):
- Operate your business on a full-time basis
- Complete the mandatory mentorship or coaching initiatives
- Submit receipts totaling at least 75% of the value of your grant (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