You could be eligible to if you are:

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• Resident of Ontario;
• 18 years of age or older at the time of program application;
• Not attending school full time nor returning to school;
• Have not received a Starter Company Program or Starter Company Plus Program grant in the past;
• 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;
• Prepared to commit a minimum of 35 hours a week to running a full-time business;
• Prepared to attend scheduled mandatory training and mentorship meetings as per program schedule;
• If there are two or more partners in the business, the partner who is applying to the program must confirm a minimum of 51% ownership of the business to participate in the program and would be responsible to apply for the program grant;
• Able to provide proof of 25% contribution of the potential program grant ($1250). Contributions can be in cash or in-kind contributions as approved by MBEC.

And, your business must be:

• Early-stage (6 months to 2 years) or an established small business (2 to 5 years) in Mississauga with under 50 employees;
• Legal business registered and operating in Mississauga;
• Sole proprietorship or a corporation in which the Program Applicant is the majority shareholder (minimum 51%);
• Independent business venture based in Mississauga;
• Able to demonstrate financial activity statements;
• Business that requires certification and/or license must be current at the time of program application;
• Operate at arm’s length from family business ventures;
• Not a part-time or seasonal business;
• Not a business that relies on commissioned sales;
• Not a franchise;
• Not a home-based food business;
• Not a not-for-profit or charitable enterprise;
• Not a multi-level marketing ventures;
• Not a business that is pay-per click;
• Not an online business that is a reseller.

Please Note:  The above lists the main eligibility criteria but is not exclusive or complete.  Full details will be further explained during the mandatory information sessions.  Starter Company Plus in Mississauga is subject to change at the sole discretion of the City of Mississauga   

• Attend one of three mandatory Information Sessions in June or July of 2025.
• Complete a lean business plan using the Mississauga Starter Company Plus Business Plan Template which will be sent directly to all Information Session attendees who participate in the entire duration of the session.
• Submit a Program Application to confirm eligibility and upload your business plan with supporting documentation by July 30^th, 2025.
• After July 30^th, 2025, selected applicants will be invited to an interview for further consideration into the program.

• What is the expected time commitment for this program?
  • All program participants will engage in up to 4 hours per week of scheduled training, mentorship, or networking in September thru November; plus, additional time needed to independently work on writing a business plan.
  • Those successful in receiving a program grant will have additional monthly mentorship hours in December thru February.
• Does the business need to be launched?
  • Yes, the business must be able to show proof of business operating activities in Mississauga for a minimum of six months and be legally registered in Ontario by the time a Program Application is submitted.
• Can I apply if the business is not located in Mississauga?
  • 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.
• Who can we expect to meet in the program?
  • Throughout the program, participants will meet subject-matter experts, business mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity to increase one’s business knowledge while also increasing their professional network.
• Are not-for-profit businesses eligible for the program?
  • No, not for this program. The business can be a for-profit business making a difference in society or on the environment.
• How much is the Starter Company Plus micro-grant?
  • Those successful in receiving a program grant will receive:
    • Up to $3,750 to assist with continuing business start-up or expansion costs in December 2025.
    • Up to an additional $1,250 upon completing all program requirements and proof of initial grant spending with receipts in March 2026.