# Starter Company Plus Grant Program The Starter Company Plus program provides business training to individuals over the age of 18 and grants up to $5,000 to start and grow new businesses. This program offers a limited number of grants to applicants who meet the program requirements. #### **Starter Company Plus provides:** • training and business skills development to help entrepreneurs prepare a Business Plan • advice and guidance from a Small Business Centre Advisor to assist launching/growing the business • if eligible, funds up to $5,000 • experience running a business that may better position you to obtain more traditional financing, such as a bank loan #### **Successful Completion Requires that You are:** • over the age of 18 and not in full time education • operating an existing business for 3 years or less, proposing a new start-up business or purchasing an existing business • a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident living in the county of Middlesex, Ontario • prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours to run your business • not participating in any other government funded business training program currently or within the last 6 months • maintain and provide appropriate monthly reports as required • attend group mentoring sessions for 3 consecutive months upon receipt of grant #### **What type of business can you start? Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:** • is a sole proprietorship or a partnership/corporation where the applicant will be the majority partner/shareholder • full-time and year round operations as defined in the business plan • maintains its own books and records • is an independent business venture • operates at arm's length from family business venture in Ontario • maintains a separate business bank account, following government rules and regulations for operating a business #### **Interested in learning more about the Starter Company Plus program? Please attend one of the orientation sessions on the following dates:** **Wednesday, August 23rd – 2:00pm** **Monday, August 28th – 5:00pm** **Thursday, September 7th – 10:00am** **NOTE\*\*\* You must pre-register for these sessions as seating is limited!** **To register, contact [info@sbcentre.ca](mailto:info@sbcentre.ca "Starter Company PLUS Orientation Registration") or call 519-659-2882 ext. 0** Starter Company Plus Coordinator: **Phil Singeris - P: 519-659-2882 ext. 227 E: .**