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Starter Company Plus - Grow Stream
Program Summary
A 4-month program for Mississauga business owners already operating a business and are ready to sharpen their business strategy, improve operations, and prepare for next-level growth.
The Program runs from:
September – December 2026
What to Expect
- Weekly training sessions and/or mentorship (up to 4 hours/week)
- Access to experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business advisors
- Support with developing a business plan and growth strategy
- Build meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs and expand your professional network
- Opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in funding
Eligibility
To apply, you must meet ALL eligibility requirements for both yourself as an Applicant, and for your business.
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Resident of Ontario
- 18 years of age or older at the time of program application
- Not enrolled in other comparable provincial employment or self-employment related initiatives and programs that include or do not include financial assistance
- Not currently enrolled concurrently in any comparable self-employment or entrepreneurship training / financing initiatives and programs offered by government-funded organizations
- Planning to expand an existing business or purchase a business in Ontario
- Not have participated or received a Starter Company Plus Program grant in the past
- Not attending school full-time nor returning to school
- If there are two or more partners in the business, the partner who is applying to be a participant in the program must confirm a minimum of 51% ownership of the business to participate in the program and responsible to apply for the program grant
- Must commit a minimum of 35 hours a week to run a full-time business
- Must be able to commit to attending scheduled mandatory weekly training, mentorship & coaching meetings
- Demonstrate need for the business training, mentorship, and support
- Provide proof of 25% contribution of the potential program grant at the time of program application, which is $1,250 (i.e. Cash or in-kind)
- Must be registered as a sole proprietorship or a corporation in which the Applicant is the majority shareholder
- Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Operates in Ontario
- In compliance with all government rules and regulations, and applicable laws
- Existing business venture in operation between 2 to 5 years with up to 10 employees
- A legal business operating in Mississauga
- An independent business venture based in Mississauga
- If the business is online, it must have an in-person sales component
- Not be a business that relies solely on commissioned sales, a franchise, a multi-level marketing business venture, a real estate investing business, a business that is pay-per-click, a reseller, a seasonal business, a home-based food business, a not-for-profit organization nor charitable enterprise
- Not be a part-time or side-hustle business
- Have current required certification and/or license at time of program application
- Operate full-time, minimum 35 hours per week
- Demonstrate a growth-ready business plan at the time of grant application
- Maintain its own books and records and have a separate bank account
How to Apply
To apply, you must meet ALL eligibility requirements for both yourself as an Applicant, and for your business.
STEP 1
Confirm Your Eligibility
Confirm your eligibility by checking the eligibility requirements for yourself as an applicant, and for your business.
STEP 2
Attend a Mandatory Information Session
Choose and register for ONE of the information sessions below to get started. Registration is required in advance.
Important: Attendance at an information session is mandatory, but it does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
STEP 3
Apply to the Program
Once you have attended one of the information sessions, you will receive an email with a link to the program application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the business must be legally registered in Ontario, have been in operation for a minimum of 2 – 5 years with up to 10 employees, and have generated revenue at the time of application.
No, if you are interested in this program and the business is outside of the city of Mississauga, please refer to the list of other Small Business Entrepreneur Centres and Community-Based Provider Locations in Ontario.
No, not for this program. The business can be a for-profit business making a difference in society.
No, as a participant you must be prepared to commit a minimum of 35 hours a week to run the full-time business.
No, if there are two or more partners in the business, the partner who is applying to be a participant in the program must confirm a minimum of 51% ownership of the business to participate in the program and be responsible to apply for the program grant.
Eligible program participants will have the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000.
No, completing the program does not guarantee a grant. Participants must attend all mandatory sessions and successfully meet all program requirements to be eligible to apply for a grant.