Starter Company Plus program
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate your entrepreneurial journey alone. The Starter Company Plus program helps aspiring or existing entrepreneurs launch, expand or purchase a business with confidence.
As a participant, you’ll receive access to exclusive training that covers topics like business planning, marketing, market research, financial management, operations and human resources. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to connect and learn alongside other entrepreneurs in Bruce County, expanding your network and gaining insights from shared experiences.
Participants may also be eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant to help cover business start-up or growth costs.
Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to strengthen an existing business, Starter Company Plus can provide the tools, support and connections you need to succeed.
Eligibility
Eligible participants must be:
- 18 years or older at the time of registration;
- Proposing starting a new company, expanding an existing company or buying a business in Ontario;
- Not attending school full-time and not returning to school;
- A resident of Ontario;
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Not enrolled in any other comparable provincial employment or self-employment related initiatives and programs that include or do not include financial assistance;
- Not currently enrolled in any comparable self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing initiatives and programs offered by government-funded organizations; and
- Has not received Starter Company Plus funding in the past.
Eligible businesses must be:
- Operating in Bruce County;
- Operating legally under government regulations and municipal by-laws;
- A sole proprietorship or corporation in which the approved participant is the majority shareholder; and
- Operating at arm’s length from a family business venture.
While Starter Company Plus is open to all eligible individuals, it is a training and mentorship initiative geared towards assisting those in need of business knowledge and support.
The Application Process
Registration for the 2026-27 Starter Company Plus program information sessions open on August 31. Those interested in participating in the program must attend one of the four information sessions to be considered:
- Monday, September 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. – Registration link coming on August 31
- Friday, September 18 from 12 to 1 p.m. – Registration link coming on August 31
- Wednesday, September 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. – Registration link coming on August 31
- Saturday, September 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. – Registration link coming on August 31
After attending an information session, you will receive a link to formally enroll in the training portion of the program. Upon completion of all required training sessions, participants will be eligible to apply for a $5,000 business grant.*
*Given the competitive nature of the program, not everyone who participates in the training and mentorship component will go on to receive a grant.
The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Province of Ontario and delivered locally by Business to Bruce.