Starter Company Plus

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours per week to run the business
• Do not have full-time employment or studies outside of the business more than 12 hours per week
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident at time of application 
• Fully responsible for the on-going operation of the business and are the majority owner (50 per cent or more)
• Be able to show investment in the business of at least $1,250

Business Eligibility

The proposed business is a new start-up, within the first two years of operations looking to expand, a part time business expanding into full time operations, or a newly purchased business and:

• is located in Niagara Region
• is an independent business venture
• is a legal business in Ontario
• operates at arms-length from family business ventures
• operates at full-time as defined in the business plan
• maintains its own books and records
• maintains a separate business bank account
• follows all government rules and regulations and applicable by-laws for the operation of the business
• has not received grant funds from the Starter Company Plus program previously 
• technology or app-based businesses must be market ready. 

Non-eligible businesses

• Franchises, commissioned sales, and distributorships
• Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
• Not-for-profit, social enterprise, co-operatives, or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing ventures
• Single event such as: musical ventures bands, DJs, or dance/party event organizations
• Businesses that are strictly pay-per-click and 1-900 number businesses or subscription models

Program Requirements

• All required training must be completed.
• All business documentation requested must be provided (business registration, articles of incorporation, proof of insurance, proof of personal contribution, etc.)  
• A business plan, start-up budget, and financial forecast must be completed, to the satisfaction of the SCEC, before being considered by the Grant Committee
• Program participants should expect the program to run over an approximate six-month period and should be able to commit to all training and mentor meetings in that time.  
• An exit interview must be completed. 

Timeline

• Applications accepted until July 21, 2025 at 4:00 pm or until all program spaces are filled. 
• Program start date: July 30, 2025
• Orientation (in person): August 7, 2025
• Mandatory training dates (mix of in person and virtual): August 14, 2025, August 20, 2025, August 21, 2025, August 28, 2025, September 4, 2025, and September 8, 2025. 
• Business Plans and Cash Flow Forecasts due: September 12, 2025 at 4:00 pm
• Pitch training: October 27, 2025 - November 7, 2025 (by invitation)
• Pitches to Grant Committee: November 2025 (by invitation)
• Grant recipients must spend funds by: January 31, 2026
• Mentorship meetings: January 2026 - February 2026 (by invitation) 

The Fine Print

Starter Company Plus is competitive in nature and there is no guarantee a grant will be awarded. Full eligibility and program details will be discussed at an intake session with the SCEC.

This program is delivered by the SCEC and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. There are a limited number of grants available.

Complete the Starter Company Plus Application to get started. Within two business days* of submission, you will be contacted by the SCEC to confirm receipt of your application and be informed for any next steps. 

The SCEC reserves the right to disqualify any participant that, in its sole judgement, violates the spirit of the program and its guidelines, processes and rules. SCEC and its Grant Committee decisions are final.

The SCEC reserves the right to suspend, delay, modify or cancel these terms and conditions.

*Business days do not include weekends or holidays. 

Please note:
All program participants will receive business training; however, not all will receive the grant/seed funding.