Starter Company Plus

Build a Stronger Business. Gain Expert Support. Move Forward with Confidence.

Starter Company Plus is a competitive business development program designed to help eligible entrepreneurs strengthen their business, build their skills and move toward sustainable growth.

Through practical business training, group coaching, mentoring and expert guidance, you'll work on your business alongside other local entrepreneurs while putting plans into action.

Successful participants may also be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to support their business goals.

How the Program Works

Starter Company Plus uses a multi-stage selection process to identify entrepreneurs who are ready to benefit from the full program.

1. Attend an Information Session to receive the application

Your first step is to attend a mandatory information session to learn about the program, eligibility requirements, expectations and application process.

2. Apply

Complete the Starter Company Plus application and submit it by the deadline. Applications will be reviewed to determine who is invited to Pre-Starter Company Plus.

3. Pre-Starter Company Plus

Selected applicants will receive training and resources to help develop a strong business plan and cash flow forecast.

4. Business Readiness Review

Completed business plans and cash flows will be reviewed to determine which participants are ready to advance to the Pitch Presentation.

5. Pitch Your Business

Selected participants will present their business to a review panel. The panel will assess the business and entrepreneur based on established program criteria.

6. Join Starter Company Plus

Based on the panel evaluation, successful participants will be invited into the full program, which includes business coaching, workshops, mentoring and up to $5000 grant funding.

Participation in Pre-Starter Company Plus does not guarantee advancement to the full program or grant funding.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Individuals applying for the Starter Company Plus must satisfy the following Starter Company Plus Initiative eligibility requirements:

• must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application;
• must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Leeds Grenville.
• have started a new company in the last 5 years, expanding an existing company (may be over 5 years old) or buying a business in Leeds Grenville
• not attending school full-time nor returning to school full-time while enrolled in the program;
• not enrolled in other comparable provincial employment or self-employment related initiatives and programs that include or do not include financial assistance; and
• not enrolled in any other Government Funded Entrepreneurship Training Programs, and/or have not previously received funding from United Counties of Leeds Grenville - Small Business or other SBEC (Small Business Enterprise Centre) (i.e. grant recipients from Starter Company, Second Start, etc)
• the business must be a sole proprietorship or a corporation in which the applicant is the majority shareholder

Suitable applicants must also –

• have started a new business that has been at least 6 months in operation, or expanding an existing full-time business and be able to demonstrate financial activity statements for this period, or buying a full-time business, in Leeds Grenville;
• be working full-time in your business or be planning to go full-time within 4 months of application deadline;
• prepared to complete the Pre-Starter Company Plus raining sessions to write a Business Plan and submit it as part of the application process;
• if accepted into the program, prepared to attend all mandatory training, workshops, networking events and group coaching sessions;

If you are unable to attend one of these information sessions but would still like to see how you can apply for the program, please email carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca. 

Contact us today to book a FREE CONSULTATION to receive guidance on next steps in your business, if you haven’t met with us yet, or if you have any further questions.