Ontario Helping New Businesses Succeed – Province Launches New Program to Support Entrepreneurs

Ontario is helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by launching a program that offers training, mentoring and grant opportunities to start, expand or buy a small business.

Starter Company Plus provides Ontario’s entrepreneurs aged 18 and older with comprehensive and targeted services to help them start and run their own business.

The program will help more entrepreneurs launch new businesses or grow existing businesses by providing:

One-on-one guidance from a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor
Access to business workshops and networking events on topics from creating a business plan and budgeting to executing a marketing campaign
Training and business skills development
A grant up to $5,000 to kick off a new business or expand an existing business
Helping new businesses succeed is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUOTES

” People may have a great business idea, but many don’t know how to make that idea a reality. Starter Company Plus will help Ontarians get their businesses off the ground. By providing customized entrepreneurship training and support, we are helping people of all abilities and backgrounds start a business and succeed in today’s competitive economy.”
– Brad Duguid
Minister of Economic Development and Growth

” Small businesses have been the backbone of the Ontario economy for generations. I know that starting a business requires both planning and risk-taking. That’s why our government is pleased to be launching Starter Company Plus, to help take risk out of the equation for entrepreneurs looking to start, expand or buy a business. This program will help make it easier for entrepreneurs to bring ideas to market, create a rewarding career for themselves and contribute to Ontario’s economic growth.”
– Jeff Leal
Minister Responsible for Small Business

QUICK FACTS

Starter Company Plus is based on the successful Starter Company program for entrepreneurs aged 18-29. Now concluded, Starter Company resulted in the founding or expansion of 2,700 businesses and the creation of over 3,100 jobs in Ontario.
Ontario is investing $4.5 million per year in the Starter Company Plus program.
To participate, entrepreneurs can contact one of 56 Small Business Enterprise Centres located across the province.