ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL JULY 31, 2025
Starter Company Plus
The Starter Company Plus program provides entrepreneurs aged 18 and over with tailored advice, mentoring and training to help you launch or expand your business. Funded by the Ontario Government, the Starter Company Plus program is administered by the YSBEC.
What Support You Can Receive
Who Can Apply?
The YSBEC serves the municipalities of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Stouffville.
If you are located in Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan, please contact your respective small business enterprise centres for more information. If you live outside of York Region, please use this tool to find a small business centre near you.
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Resident of Ontario aged 18 and over
- Be proposing to start a new business, expand an existing business (between one to five years old) or purchasing a business
- Business operating in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket or Whitchurch-Stouffville
- Not attending school or working full-time
- Not be a franchise business, not-for-profit or charitable business organization
- Be able to contribute at least 25% (in cash or in-kind) of the grant amount
- Prepared to commit to monthly mentorship requirements and bi-weekly training for a minimum of six months
- Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week running your business
- Not enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment related programs that include or do not include financial assistance
- Have not received a Starter Company Plus grant in the past
Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The program is competitive and approval to participate is subject to additional criteria and evaluation. Your application will be assessed by a Small Business Consultant.
The Starter Company Plus provincial funding is considered taxable under the Canada and Ontario Income Tax Acts. A T4A slip will be issued to the recipient of the funding. Any funding received cannot be used to service existing debt.
How to Apply
Get started by completing the eligibility form. Once submitted, we will contact you to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Applications close on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
The Starter Company Plus application period is closed for the year. Sign up to the waitlist to be notified when it opens next.
Ready For The
Next Step?
Let’s Talk.
Fill out the form to book a free one-on-one consultation with one of our knowledgeable business advisors.