Starter Company Plus Program - Niagara Falls

Overview of the Starter Company Plus Program - Niagara Falls program:

Administered by the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) and funded by the Government of Ontario, the Starter Company Plus Program provides comprehensive support for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Niagara Falls. This competitive program is open to Ontario residents aged 18 and older who are not enrolled in full-time studies and are committed to operating a business full-time. Participants in the program receive targeted business training focused on developing a business plan, marketing strategies, financial forecasting, legal requirements, and operational planning. Each selected entrepreneur is paired with local business mentors for one-on-one support and coaching. The program lasts a minimum of four months, during which participants attend workshops, complete business development milestones, and prepare for a final pitch. Those who successfully complete all program components, including a business plan and a pitch to a local grant committee, may be awarded a grant of up to $5,000 to help launch or grow their business. The Starter Company Plus Program plays a key role in supporting Niagara Falls' small business ecosystem by empowering local entrepreneurs with tools for sustainable success.

Benefits of the Starter Company Plus Program - Niagara Falls program:

• Up to $5,000 in funding for eligible entrepreneurs
• Free business skills training workshops
• One-on-one mentoring with experienced business professionals
• Development of a complete business plan and 2-year financial forecast
• Opportunity to pitch your business idea to a grant selection committee
• Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and community leaders
• Ongoing advisory support and follow-up meetings after receiving the grant
• Hands-on learning to boost confidence, strategic thinking, and readiness

Eligibility criteria of the Starter Company Plus Program - Niagara Falls program:

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
• Be a resident of Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada
• Be starting, expanding (business under 2 years), or purchasing a business based in Niagara Falls
• Be not currently enrolled in full-time education
• Be ready to operate the business full-time (minimum 35 hours per week)
• Be able to demonstrate 25% matching funds (minimum $1,250 cash; the remainder can be in-kind)
• Complete mandatory business training sessions and one-on-one meetings
• Submit a viable business plan and financial forecast
• Be available to pitch your business to a grant review committee
• Not have previously received a Starter Company Plus grant
• Not be currently enrolled in another provincial entrepreneurship program such as SEB