Cornwall— The Ontario government is investing $4.8 million over the next two years to expand the Starter Company Plus program, helping an additional 500 entrepreneurs seed, start or grow a business.
“Ontario’s entrepreneurs are vital to our economy. Our goal is to ensure we continue to provide the right supports and tools to help the province’s businesses thrive,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “The Starter Company Plus program provides training, mentoring and business advice alongside a grant to help ensure people have the support they need to grow their business.”
The Starter Company Plus program, delivered through the province’s Small Business Enterprise Centres, provides entrepreneurs aged 18 and up with one-on-one support, access to workshops, seminars or networking events and grants up to $5,000 to help start or expand a business. Over the past five years, Starter Company Plus has supported over 5,500 companies resulting in the creation of more than 6,300 jobs across Ontario. This new investment will increase total funding for the program to $6.5 million per year.
“Ontario’s next generations of entrepreneurs will help determine our province’s bright economic future, and it is our job to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive in tomorrow’s economy,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By continuing our investments to support the Starter Company Plus program, our government is one step closer to securing Ontario’s place as the best place to do business anywhere in the world.”
Small businesses play a critical role in our communities and are an essential part of Ontario’s economy, employing over two million people. Ontario offers a range of programs and supports to assist entrepreneurs towards starting and growing new companies, including Regional Innovation Centres, Intellectual Property Ontario, Summer Company and tailored options, advice and business analysis through business advisory services.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres provide entrepreneurs access to advisors, programs and services, as well as learning opportunities for small business owners specific to their region.
- To apply for the grant, you must be 18 or older, an Ontario resident and Canadian citizen/permanent resident, not attending school full-time, and able to contribute at least 25 per cent of the grant amount. All applications must be done through a Small Business Enterprise Centre.
- The Digitalization Competence Centre is a $10 million investment that provides small businesses support with digital literacy, accelerating digital adoption, and enhancing technological capacity.
Quotes
Quotes
“Investing in the Starter Company Plus program is a strategic move from our government that will drive innovation and economic growth in Mississauga. By supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, we’re investing in the future prosperity of our community.”
– Rudy Cuzzetto
MPP, Mississauga—Lakeshore
“The Starter Company Plus program is a testament to our government’s commitment to maintaining the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem we are blessed with here in Mississauga. I am so excited that this new expansion will unlock new opportunities for our residents to transform their business ideas into successful ventures.”
– Sheref Sabawy
MPP, Mississauga—Erin Mills
“The Starter Company Plus program is a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs in Mississauga. This additional investment will provide crucial support and resources to help our community’s small businesses thrive and grow.”
– Deepak Anand
MPP, Mississauga—Malton
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and the Starter Company Plus program is a vital lifeline for entrepreneurs in Mississauga. This expansion will empower more individuals to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”
– Natalia Kusendova-Bashta
MPP, Mississauga Centre
