For entrepreneurs, starting up a new business is a dream come true. But, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
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That’s where the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre can help.
"The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre was crucial in starting Frontier Barbers," said Matthew Bodis, who opened up Frontier Barbershop in 2019 with support from the Enterprise Centre and a provincial program called Start Company Plus. "If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. They are the best."
Through the provincially funded Starter Company Plus program, the team at our small business office offers business training, mentorship and a grant up to $5,000 to help eligible entrepreneurs successfully launch their own businesses.
The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre (SCEC) provides the information, resources and tools that entrepreneurs need to launch and grow their businesses. Hundreds of aspiring local startups have participated in Starter Company Plus since the City began administering the program 2013.
Eighty-four startups have received grants (including 21 in 2019 / 2020) and more than 70 of those businesses are still operating, including Frontier Barbershop, Smith’s Fine Foods, Pure Non-Scents, Flourish Counselling & Creativity, and Fiesta Empanada.
Starter Company Plus participants benefit from the experts at the SCEC and its business training seminars. They also learn from local business leaders who've been through ups and downs of growing a new business. After participants complete the program they become eligible to pitch their businesses for a limited number of grants.
The SCEC is one of 47 Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario and a proud community partner of Starter Company Plus and the Summer Company program .
Applications are currently open for Summer Company at Ontario.ca/summercompany. Similar to Starter Company Plus, this program offers a grant of $3,000 as well as training and mentoring to help student’s start and run a business over the summer break. Students aged 15-29 are invited to apply before May 23.
The Starter Company Plus program will resume later this summer. Watch our social channels for when applications open.
The SCEC continues its support for small businesses through the pandemic as part of the team of expert advisors assembled by Small Business Centre Ontario for the Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network. Businesses at any stage can find resources to help them recover and thrive here: https://www.sbcontario.ca.
Apply for Summer Company Visit the Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network
