Starter Company Plus Program - Windsor- Essex

Overview of the Starter Company Plus Program - Windsor- Essex program:

Administered by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) and funded by the Government of Ontario, the Starter Company Plus Program is designed to support entrepreneurs aged 18 and older who are starting, expanding, or purchasing a small business in Windsor-Essex. This competitive program provides a combination of business education, individualized coaching, and access to a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000. Participants receive hands-on training in business planning, marketing, sales, operations, and financial forecasting. Applicants are required to submit a detailed business plan, including a two-year cash flow forecast, and must present a pitch to a grant review committee as part of the selection process. Program cohorts are run throughout the year, and space is limited. Selected participants benefit from networking with peers, one-on-one mentorship, and continued access to the region’s broader entrepreneurial support network. The program is ideal for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs looking to formalize and grow their business with structured guidance and financial support.

Benefits of the Starter Company Plus Program - Windsor- Essex program:

• Access to business training and professional development workshops
• Individual mentoring from experienced business advisors
• Support with preparing a complete business plan and two-year cash flow projections
• Opportunity to pitch your business idea to a review committee
• A grant of up to $5,000 for selected participants
• Connection to local business support resources

Eligibility criteria of the Starter Company Plus Program - Windsor- Essex program:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario
• Not be enrolled in full-time education
• Be committed to operating their business full-time
• Be starting, expanding, or purchasing a business in Windsor-Essex
• Not be currently enrolled in any other provincial entrepreneurship or employment program
• Attend all training sessions and mentorship meetings
• Be able to match the grant amount (minimum $2,500 in cash, remainder may be in-kind)
• Have a business ready to launch and generate sales within 60 days of receiving the grant
• Have not previously received a Starter Company Plus grant or participated in similar provincial programs within the last 12 months