Starter Company Plus Program - London

Overview of the Starter Company Plus Program - London program:

Administered by the Small Business Centre (SBC) in London, Ontario, the Starter Company Plus Program is a government-funded initiative under the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. It is designed for Ontario residents aged 18 and older who are starting, growing, or acquiring a small business. The program delivers a robust package of resources, including business education sessions, one-on-one consultations with SBC business advisors, and mentorship from experienced local entrepreneurs. It also offers the opportunity to receive a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 for qualified participants. Applicants are selected through a competitive process and must submit a comprehensive business plan and cash flow forecast. Participants receive guidance in business development areas such as market research, business structure, budgeting, marketing, and legal considerations. The program runs in cohorts and requires full commitment to training and the business plan development process. Selected applicants pitch their business to a grant committee as part of the final evaluation. This program contributes significantly to the growth of small businesses in London and surrounding regions by providing both financial aid and critical strategic guidance.

Benefits of the Starter Company Plus Program - London program:

• Up to $5,000 in grant funding for approved participants
• Business training sessions covering planning, marketing, finance, operations, and legal matters
• One-on-one support from business advisors throughout the program
• Mentorship from local entrepreneurs with real-world experience
• Assistance with developing a detailed business plan and two-year cash flow projection
• Opportunity to pitch the business to a funding panel
• Connection to local business resources, networking events, and growth opportunities
• Enhanced business confidence, readiness, and sustainability

Eligibility criteria of the Starter Company Plus Program - London program:

• You must be 18 years or older
• Youre planning to start a new business, grow a business thats less than 3 years old, or buy an existing business
• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario
• You cant be a student or planning to return to school
• Youre not currently enrolled in any other government employment or business program, whether or not it provides financial support
• You must be able to attend all training sessions and meetings for at least 5 to 6 months
• You need to spend an average of 35 hours per week running your business
• You must provide matching funds for the grant at least $2,500 in cash, and the rest can be in-kind (like equipment or services)
• You cant have received a Starter Company Plus grant before or taken part in another government business training program in the past 12 months
• Your business must be located in Middlesex County
• If its a new business, it must be able to launch and start making sales within 60 days of receiving the grant funds