A woman wearing jeans and pink top, with brown hair, is looking forward. She is standing in a room with racks of clothing behind her.

Are you starting, expanding or buying a new business? You may qualify for the Starter Company Plus program offered through the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC). The program is offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario and aims to support local entrepreneurs in establishing strong and vibrant businesses. Applications are now closed for the Starter Company Plus program. Please check back in late summer or email us for information about the next intake period.  

About the program

The Starter Company Plus program supports entrepreneurs with:

  • one-to-one consultations with a qualified business advisor
  • assistance with the development of a business plan using free tools and guidance
  • participation in free training, networking and mentoring sessions
  • opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5000

Participation in the program is valid for up to nine months.

Eligibility

To apply for the Starter Company Plus program, you need to be:

  • at least 18 years of age at the time of application
  • proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company or buying a business in Ontario
  • not attending school or returning to school
  • a resident of Ontario
  • a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • 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
  • not a past participant of Starter Company Plus
  • prepared to commit to a minimum 35 hours per week running the business
  • prepared to attend all required training and mentorship meetings

We will only accept one application per business. Copy of professional license or designation (if applicable) may be requested. If your application seems viable, we will contact you and invite you to an interview. Only one grant application per business will be considered. If you require a paper copy of the application, please email us.