Business programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses

Our entrepreneurship programs and education centre provide the knowledge, expertise and resources to ideation, early-stage and established entrepreneurs and business owners who aim to start or grow a product- or service-based business. To seek help with your tech startups or scaleups, visit here.

 

Women in event at the Small Business Enterprise Centre

 

Small businesses |
Ideation and early stage |
Established businesses

Advisory services

When it comes to entrepreneurship, there is no “one-advice fits all”. Through our advisory services, you get tailored guidance from a business expert who help address your needs and challenges.

Small businesses |
Ideation and early stage

Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus is a three-month training program for entrepreneurs who have launched or are ready to launch a new business. The program teaches the fundamentals of running a successful business and is open to product makers, service providers and retailers. Participants are required to join a series of workshops surrounding business basics and will also receive dedicated advisory services from an experienced mentor. At the conclusion of the training program, graduates will pitch their business to a panel of judges for an opportunity to be awarded a grant of up to $5,000 towards business startup costs.

Note: This program is not designed for tech and software startups. If you are an early-stage tech startup, IO Ignition or IO Accelerator might be right for you.

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Summer Company Logo and Banner

Student entrepreneurs |
Secondary and post-secondary

Summer Company

The Summer Company Program offers students who are between semesters, either in secondary or post-secondary education, the skills and knowledge to start up a successful business during the Summer break. You will receive dedicated workshops, hands-on mentorship and funding to help your business thrive. If your application is accepted, you will be eligible to receive an award of up to $3000, with up to $1,500 up front to help underwrite start-up costs, and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

E-commerce |
Established companies

E-Commerce Accelerator Program

The E-Commerce Accelerator program equips established entrepreneurs with expert support, peer networks, and actionable training to help scale their annual recurring revenue. This is a bootcamp style program that will provide dedicated learning delivered over two days followed by six months of peer group sessions.

Program photo with participants

This program is made possible through funding from the Government of Ontario.

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