FAQs

1. Who can participate?

You can apply if you’re:

• Οver 18 years of age as of program intake date
• Proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company or buying an existing business
• Not a full-time student and not returning to school full-time
• A resident of Ontario
• A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
• Prepared to complete the business training components of the Starter Company Plus Incubation Program
• Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business
• Can demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets
• Have not received a Starter Company Plus grant in the past
• A new applicant to the Starter Company Plus program
• Business is NOT in the research and development stage
• Financing proceeds will not be used for refinancing existing debt

2. What types of business are not eligible for Starter Company Plus incubation program?

• Distributorship/franchise
• Non-profit or charity
• Pay-per-click business
• Commissioned sales
• Multi-level marketing (eg. Avon, doTERRA, Scentsy)
• Single event (eg. performance, concert, sports event)
• Part-time/seasonal business

Please note, preference will be given to businesses that meet the following requirements:

• Have the ability to create sufficient economic impact
• Storefront location
• Possibility for job creation
• Sustainable business model with potential to scale
• Fulfills market demand in priority industries

3. What is the length of the program?

Starter Company Plus takes approximately six months to complete. Participants who are successful in receiving the grant will be required to participate in mentorship/survey follow-up for an additional three months.

4. Is there a cost to join the program?

No! There is no cost to participate in Starter Company Plus.