Share:
Starter Company Plus
Launch, grow, and level up your business in Mississauga with free training, mentorship, and support.
Choose the stream that best fits your stage of business.
Starter Company Plus is a free program designed to help entrepreneurs launch or grow their business by offering:
- business training
- mentorship
- networking opportunities
- business planning support
- an opportunity to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000
Sign up for one of two MANDATORY information sessions to learn more!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
The ‘Grow Stream‘ is designed for Mississauga entrepreneurs who already have a business and are ready to strengthen operations, refine strategy and prepare for future growth. The ‘Launch Stream‘ is designed for new and early-stage Mississauga entrepreneurs looking to validate their business idea, develop a business plan and build a strong foundation to launch and develop the business.
Yes, you may apply to both streams of the Starter Company Plus program; however, applicants can only be accepted into one stream. Please note that if you have participated or received a Starter Company Plus grant in the past, you are not eligible to participate in the program.
No, the two streams of the Starter Company Plus program are offered at different times throughout the year. We encourage applicants to review the eligibility, timelines, and intake periods for each stream before applying.
No, the eligibility requirements differ for each stream of the Starter Company Plus program. We recommend reviewing the details for each stream to determine which program best fits your business stage and goals.
TESTIMONIALS
Previous
Next
PAST PARTICIPANTS (ALUMNI)
Articles
eL8 Consulting
Harsh Raja
eL8 Consulting, tackles leadership challenges with tailored, metrics-driven strategies aligned to an organization’s culture and goals. By directly linking leadership development to business outcomes, they transform talent into a measurable driver of growth, ensuring impactful, results-oriented leadership.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
AV Skin & Scalp Spa
Alexandra Sanchez
At AV Skin & Scalp Spa, we specialize in holistic skincare and scalp treatments designed to help you look and feel your best. Alexandra has recently expanded her operation into a new location. The Starter Company Plus program gave her the tools to take her business to the next level.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
biiiz.cards
Amir Zad
biiiz.cards is a digital business card platform that helps businesses, content creators, and entrepreneurs showcase their offerings, social links, and contact information in one customizable page. It combines the functionality of traditional business cards with modern tools like link-in-bio platforms, making it easier for users to connect, network, and grow their audience both locally and globally.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Dgytal
Chidinma Akaniro
Dgytal provides digital solutions to help businesses create impactful online presence. They build high-performance websites and e-commerce stores that drive growth and conversion for small businesses in Mississauga and beyond. Chidinma believes that flexibility is key, entrepreneurs tend to have great plans but the world and the market ultimately dictates what is valued by customers and what they are willing to pay for.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Cdata Consulting
Nitin Jain
Cdata Consulting Inc. specializes in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and data engineering services. They help businesses harness the power of their data to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and drive growth. Their solutions include AI strategy development, machine learning implementation, data platform engineering, and business intelligence dashboards. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and 15 years in the tech industry, he was inspired to start this business.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Showstoppers Garage
Saudia Hack
Showstoppers Garage is a car detailing studio specializing in ceramic coatings and tints, providing professional services for fine vehicles. Service offerings include multi-tiered maintenance packages, interior and exterior shampoo and sealant applications, ceramic and glass coatings, PPF and window tinting. The program helped Saudia solidify her budget/cash flow and business plan, and she believed that the mentorship aspect was invaluable.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Elsewhere Tours
Khaula Siddique
Elsewhere Soul Tours is a tour group for women who want to go places but don’t have anyone to go with or have a way to get there. There are a lot of places women don’t even know about and miss out on. For women in the Muslim community having halal food options and hijab friendly spaces is often a big issue. Elsewhere Soul Tours offers fun trips with likeminded women, and takes into consideration different issues that are barriers to safe travel. The grant has made it possible for Khaula to get her website underway, market and research trips and push Elsewhere Soul Tours forward.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Talent Samurai
Mehdi Rahman
Talent Samurai is redefining Human Resources Technology, emerging as a strong competitor to industry giants. Our platform simplifies every aspect of HR management, from legal compliance and payroll to employment law, policies, company culture, and employee engagement. We empower managers to become inspirational leaders, making real-time, informed decisions that create dynamic and engaging team experiences, ultimately driving business success.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Clickworthy
Kumar Tanwar
Clickworthy helps small and mid-sized businesses grow faster. They turn their websites into growth engines through an SEO-focused digital marketing strategy. They offer Local and National SEO and PPC services, and build and optimize WordPress and Shopify websites. For Kumar the program offered structure and mentoring, helping him think through his plans and prepare for the next stage. With the resources, learning opportunities, and connections he has made at IDEA Mississauga, he is confident Clickworthy will reach new heights sooner than expected.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Tea Time Therapy
Thisanya Natkunanathan
Tea Time Therapy, provides compassionate, client-centered therapy for individuals facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Thisanya’s approach is particularly focused on serving the South Asian community, creating a safe and nurturing space where clients feel heard, seen, and valued. They offer a judgment-free environment where clients can work through their struggles and achieve their goals for healing and growth.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Drop Thought Kids
Kim Gillingham
Drop Thought Kids helps children ages 5-13 build confidence and critical thinking skills in today’s tech-driven world. They offer hands-on workshops focused on Science, STEM, and Art, and are launching Critical Thinking Conversation Cards to inspire meaningful, tech-free conversations at home or on the go. After teaching science for 20+ years, Kim noticed kids becoming hesitant to think and share ideas. With pressure to be “right,” over-reliance on technology, and less unstructured play, confidence was fading. When her daughter reached school age, she realized how important it was for her to trust her mind, respect diversity, and make informed decisions. Kim believes teaching critical thinking and building confidence is key to helping children thrive in a world influenced by AI.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Jacquie Blondin Ceramics
Jacquie Blondin
Jacquie Blondin Ceramics empowers clay enthusiasts with creative solutions through ceramics and education. Their ceramic product lines provide collectors with uniquely designed handcrafted housewares. Jacquie provides virtual and in-person learning experiences into the world of craft, designed for adults from beginner to intermediate levels. Whether you are looking for 1:1 lessons, group sessions or independent learning, you will find a warm community here. The Spin Wiper pottery glazing tool that she designed, helps potters achieve a parallel glaze line as they prepare work for kiln firings, saving them time and money.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Haami Lingerie
Faria Jafri
For far too long, the lingerie industry has ignored the needs of most breast owners. At Haami, they are working to revolutionize the bra by getting rid of it and building a new, sustainable and structurally supportive lingerie for those who are left on the margins of the bra world. Haami Bras’ patentable technology is specifically designed to address the biggest pain points faced by plus-size women seeking comfortable and functional bras. Haami’s technology is a combination of design and utility that adjusts to the user’s body. They have developed a bra that is wireless, strapless, and cupless.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Sing Music Studio
Mandi Galer
Sing Music Studio is a community-driven, performance-based music school focused on inspiring creativity and building confidence through music. Their values-driven approach not only helps students develop musical skills but also fosters personal growth. Sing Music is about more than music—they are about building better humans through self-expression, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Solaiman’s Support Services
Fauzia Reza
Solaiman’s Support Services specializes in providing personalized nutritional consultations and compassionate personal support for individuals with developmental disabilities. They also offer dedicated companionship care services to enhance the well-being of seniors. The inspiration for this business came from Fauzia’s son, Solaiman, who has significant autism. Through Solaiman’s Support Services, she now combines her expertise and personal journey to provide customized support for families facing similar challenges.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Stylefinds
Dominique Davis
STYLEFINDS is a modest womenswear brand catering to the modern, modest woman who isn’t afraid to be different and stand out in her daily fashion. They specialize in custom garments that reflect individuality while honoring modesty. Later this year, Dominique will launch her first ready-to-wear collection, taking colorfully vibrant designs to a mass audience. For Dominique the funding was critical to help STYLEFINDS reach the next stage of growth, which is not always easy for a small business just starting out. Beyond the finance, the mentorship and resources from trusted business professionals has been beneficial in shaping her path forward.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
Videos
2026
2025
Provide feedback on this page
Report a problem or mistake on this page