Helping you start, expand or purchase an early-stage, non-tech business

Starter Company Plus

Get the knowledge and guidance you need to confidently launch your business idea – and discover a community that can help make it happen.

The Starter Company Plus program provides entrepreneurs with free access to training and mentorship to help launch or grow their early-stage, non-tech, Ottawa-based business.

Applications are currently closed . Click the link below to get added to the waitlist for 2024.

Starter Company Plus participants get:

Dedicated business mentorship

Business fundamentals training

A chance to pitch for up to $5,000

A Smart Start and a Strong Foundation

Participants start by learning business fundamentals while developing a business plan. Topics discussed range from identifying your target market and digital marketing techniques to branding, tax planning for sole proprietors, networking, and pitch skills.

 

Building Your Business

You’ll be introduced to mentors with the expertise and experience best suited for your business. These mentors will guide you as you begin to apply fundamental learning to start building your business. During this program, you’ll need to complete:

  • A functional business plan
  • A realistic cash flow forecast
  • Defined milestones for your business
  • A pitch deck

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Two female entrepreneurs having a brainstorming session

 

Funding Potential

After working to develop the key components of their business, participants will have the opportunity to put their training to the test and pitch their business to a panel of committee members for a chance to be awarded a grant of up to $5,000.

Not all program participants will receive a grant. However, all participants benefit from the training and mentorship provided, and the valuable guidance and experience gained through the program.

 

Who Should Apply

You should apply to the program if:

  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • You are operating your business from Ottawa, Ontario
  • You are an Ontario resident and Canadian citizen (or permanent resident)
  • You are not attending school full-time or returning to school
  • Your company is an early-stage product or service-based business
  • You are not enrolled in a provincial or government-funded employment, self-employment program or entrepreneurship training program (with/without financial assistance).

Still have a few questions before you apply? Reach out to our Program Manager at [email protected]
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Brainstorming session

 

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Thinking about joining Starter Company Plus? Here’s what to expect:

  • Applications open in late summer
  • Program launches in early fall
  • Submissions of course deliverables are made throughout the program
  • The program timeline will be provided upon acceptance
  • Grant pitch requirements and timeline will be provided upon acceptance
  • Program closes early December

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In Their Own Words: Our Entrepreneurs' Stories

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  • Interested in the 2024 cohort? Join the waitlist

    Thank you for your interest in the Starter Company Plus program! Applications for the 2023 cohort are currently closed. If you are interested in being notified for when our 2024 cohort begins, please fill out the form below to be added to our waitlist.

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

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