Starter Company Plus Program - Guelph-Wellington

The Starter Company Plus Program, delivered by the Guelph-Wellington Business Centre, provides business training, mentorship, and a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 to help eligible entrepreneurs in Guelph and Wellington County start, expand, or purchase a small business.

Guelph-Wellington Business Centre

Overview of the Starter Company Plus Program - Guelph-Wellington program:

The Starter Company Plus Program is funded by the Government of Ontario and administered locally by the Guelph-Wellington Business Centre (GWBC). It is designed to support entrepreneurs aged 18 and older who are interested in starting a new business, expanding an early-stage business (under five years old), or purchasing a business in Guelph or Wellington County. This program offers a structured, multi-week training and mentorship series where participants develop the skills and confidence needed to run a successful business. Topics covered in the training include business planning, marketing, budgeting, legal considerations, operations, and financial forecasting. Each participant is guided through the process of writing a complete business plan and two-year cash flow forecast with support from GWBC advisors. After completing the training, eligible participants will pitch their business to a grant review panel. If successful, they may receive a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 to help cover business startup or growth costs. The program is offered in competitive intake cycles and includes post-grant advisory support to help entrepreneurs remain on track during their first critical months of operation.

Benefits of the Starter Company Plus Program - Guelph-Wellington program:

One-on-one mentorship and coaching
Business training sessions focused on practical skills
Help with writing a business plan and cash flow forecast
Opportunity to pitch your business for grant funding
Post-program support to help grow your business

Eligibility criteria of the Starter Company Plus Program - Guelph-Wellington program:

18 years of age or older
A resident of Ontario
Not attending school full-time
Proposing a new business, expanding a business that is less than 5 years old, or purchasing a business
Prepared to operate the business full-time
Have not previously received a Starter Company Plus grant
Not currently enrolled in another government-funded entrepreneurial program
Able to provide 25% matching funds (minimum $2,500) in cash or in-kind
Able to attend all mandatory training sessions and participate in program requirements
Willing to pitch your business to a panel at the end of the program