Starter Company Plus is an Ontario government program facilitated by the Regional Business Centre that supports entrepreneurs in starting, purchasing, or growing a business. Through hands-on training, business skills development, mentorship, and guidance from experienced local business leaders, participants gain the knowledge and tools needed to build and operate a successful business. The program helps participants develop a comprehensive business plan, strengthen their business strategy, and better position themselves for financing opportunities. Eligible participants may also have the opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant to support the launch or growth of their business.
2026 Starter Company Plus Applications Now Open
WHO CAN APPLY TO STARTER COMPANY PLUS?
Eligible participants for the Starter Company Plus program are:
- Over the age of 18
- Proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company that has been in operation for less than 5 years or buying a business
- Proposing to establish, or currently operating, a business that is structured as a sole proprietorship or a corporation in which the approved participant is the majority shareholder.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at the time of application
- Reside in, and propose to operate or currently operate the business within, Greater Sudbury, Espanola, or Manitoulin Island.
- Not a student and not returning to school
- Not enrolled in any government employment or self-employment related program that include or do not include financial assistance (ODSP, OW, EI, maternity or parental leave)
- Not an employee of the City of Greater Sudbury
- Prepared to attend weekly meetings for the entire length of the training period (approximately 3 months)
- Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business following the completion of the training period and upon receiving funding
- Can demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets
- Have not received the Starter Company Plus grant in the past or the Summer Company grant in the last 6 months
Don't meet the eligibility criteria?
Consider applying for our 6-month Business Incubator Program.
- Partnerships/co-operatives
- Businesses that operate part-time or seasonally
- Businesses that have been operational for more than 5 years
- Businesses in the concept, research and development, or pre commercialization stage that are not expected to generate revenue within six months of the program start date.
- Businesses whose primary revenue model is based solely on social media following, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or content creation, without a clearly defined product or service offering.
- Businesses that do not require active sales or customer engagement (ex. vending machines)
- Not-for-profit or charity
- Property investment and/or short-term rental investments
- Real estate agents
- Franchises
- Distributorships
- Incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Starter Company Plus grant
- Businesses that are subsidiaries or divisions of an existing business
- Businesses that do not operate at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Commissioned sales
- Drop Shipping
- Multi-level marketing ventures
- Home daycares
- Single events, such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, a market, etc.
- Businesses whose revenue is primarily dependent on a limited number of events or other infrequent activities each year, rather than a consistent and sustainable revenue stream
- Businesses that are strictly pay per click
- 1-900 businesses
TRAINING
Entrepreneurs interested in Starter Company Plus will actively participate in live weekly training webinars and networking events. They will work with the Regional Business Centre team to create a comprehensive business plan complete with the operational plan, market research and financial statements. In order for a business expansion to be eligible for a grant, concrete growth goals must be established – ideally including the hiring of staff.
No funding will be provided to the participants during the training module.
Participants will be ready to leave the training module and approach the Grant Committee to apply for funding when they have:
- Participants must complete all elements of the training phase, which includes weekly online sessions every Tuesday, starting November 24 through January 26, 2027. Only one session may be missed;
- Willing to commit an average of 35 hours a week to the development and/or operation of their business upon receiving funding;
- Set a minimum of three S.M.A.R.T. goals that they aim to achieve within 3 months following approval by the Grant Committee;
- Produced a viable business plan which will include 3 years of projected income statements;
- Prepared a 5 minute pitch that they will deliver to the Grant Committee; and
- Demonstrated their commitment to the Program to the satisfaction of their service provider.
FUNDING
The Grant Committee will determine whether and how much funding the applicant should receive based on:
- Feasibility of the business
- Quality of applicant – teachability, entrepreneurial aptitude
- Have the ability to create sufficient economic impact, including possibility for job creation
- Start-up budget and/or financing needs of the business
- Ability to fulfil a market demand
The participant may receive up to $5,000 in funding, provided they can match that funding by 25% (may include asset-based in-kind contributions, at fair market value, such as equipment or machinery required to run the business i.e. ladders for a painting company; camera for a photographer; etc.)
The participant will receive up to 75% of total eligible funding at the time of funding being approved. The final amount of the grant will be received when the participant has reached the mutually agreed upon milestones/targets laid out in their business plan and can show receipts from Starter Company Plus funds spent.
Eligible Expenses:
- Equipment
- Tools
- Training
- Marketing
- Leasehold Improvements
Non-Eligible Expenses:
Any Operational Costs such as:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Inventory
- Wages
- Travel
- Rolling Stock (vehicles)
- Cell Phones
- Office Supplies
- Promotional Swag
- Renovations to home-based business
- Licenses
- Memberships
STARTER COMPANY PLUS TIMELINE & APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1 – CANDIDATES
Complete the online application form by Sunday, September 20th, 2026
STEP 2 – DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY
All applications will be reviewed to determine the eligibility of both the applicant and the business. If additional information or clarification is required, the Program Coordinator will contact you directly. All applicants will receive a response by Monday, September 21, 2026, advising whether they are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process or have been deemed ineligible based on the program’s eligibility criteria.
STEP 3 – EXTENDED APPLICATION FORM
All applicants deemed eligible for the program will receive confirmation by email and will be required to complete an Extended Application Form, which must be submitted no later than Sunday, October 4th.
Please note that the submission of an existing business plan or pitch deck will not be accepted as a substitute for the required Extended Application Form.
STEP 4 – INTERVIEWS
Applicants who have submitted the top scoring Extended Application Form will be invited to meet with members of the interview panel between November 2 – November 13, 2026, to further discuss their business and interest in the program. Program requirements and expectations will be clearly defined. Limited spaces are available.
STEP 5 – APPLICATION REVIEW & DECISION
All applicants who have been interviewed will receive a response by Monday, November 16, 2026, which may include acceptance into the program or notification that they are not moving forward. Before being officially admitted, you will be required to sign a participant acknowledgement form and provide personal identification documents.
Please note: The Starter Company Plus Program is competitive, with a rigorous selection process and a limited number of spots available. Participation in the application process, including submitting an Extended Application Form and participating in an interview, does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
STEP 6 – START OF THE PROGRAM
Tuesday, November 24th, 2026
“The Starter Company Plus Program helped me to gain the confidence and clarity I needed to speak about my business, the products and services I offer, and the unique value I can bring to my community. It helped me understand my main customer groups and motivated me to create achievable goals for my business. The funding received will help me grow my visual art and education offerings in our community and beyond, and the friendly support from staff at the Regional Business Centre made entrepreneurship feel like an approachable, positive and realistic adventure.”
Questions? Contact the Regional Business Centre
Call us at 705-674-4455 x4636
Email [email protected]
Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) services and programs are delivered locally by the Regional Business Centre and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
