Starter Company Plus  is a 6-month small group training opportunity where eight business owners will support each other, increase their essential business skills, and connect with business community leaders all while growing their business. It is for new and expanding businesses.

This is a competitive program with two cohorts per year in March and September. Our advisors are here to help you succeed with your application, which is made possible by starting the conversation early!
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Stop dreaming about launching or expanding your business!

Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about where to take your small business dreams next? This program offers the wrap around support you are looking for through mentorship, training, and grants up to $5000.

Through SBEC, business owners can apply for this small group incubator and grant program to launch or expand a business.

Take your business to the next level, today!
"The Starter Company Plus Program was an incredible boost for us while planning and beginning our small business journey. Participating in the program's courses improved our business plan, budgeting skills, and provided marketing ideas.
​We were set up with a wonderful mentor, Elle, who provided us with knowledge and resources, connections with other entrepreneurs, and contacts that helped move our business forward. We found the monthly check-in meetings helpful to stay on task with our business goals and a great way for us to ask questions throughout our start-up. Elle's guidance, advice, positivity, and thoughtful conversations allowed us to create a strong business plan, pivot ideas, and set exciting goals. We are very thankful for the grant money and the support and coaching we received!"
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- Jessie and Remt, Streamline Plumbing

Who is Starter Company Plus for?

  • Residents and business owners of St. Thomas and Elgin County
  • Sole proprietorships or Individuals who are the majority shareholder of their business
  • Individuals who want to learn
  • Collaborative and community-oriented entrepreneurs
  • People who are working in their business full time
  • Viable businesses with a strong plan to succeed
  • People starting or expanding their businesses that have a minimum of $5000 of essential costs (cannot be home improvement, personal computers, or training costs)

Who is it NOT for?

  • Anyone who has previously received a Starter Company Plus grant
  • People employed more than 12 hours/week outside of their business
  • People who are not committed to the 6-month training program​
  • A business that is a general partnership of a 50/50 corporation
A note for EI, OW, and ODSP recipients
If you are currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI), Ontario Works (OW), or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) you may still be able to apply for Starter Company Plus.

Here's what you need to know: accepting a business grant or earning self-employment income can affect your benefits. Before you accept any grant funding, you are advised to check in with your EI representative or caseworker and confirm how the program fits with what you're currently receiving.
The Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre isn't able to speak to how the program might impact your specific benefits, and our advisors can't offer guidance on eligibility. That conversation needs to happen directly with your caseworker or EI representative.
A Business Advisor will follow up within three business days to connect about the business and invite an application if the eligibility criteria are met.
​This is a competitive process with limited spaces available.
Once the program intake is full, we suggest subscribing to our newsletter to be notified when the program reopens.
“I feel that the Starter Company Plus program really helped me with laying a strong foundation for a real plan for my business.
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This program was a great help in working out the details of a solid business plan and helped me identify areas I could do better.  Putting 'pen to paper', with the assistance of this program and my advisor, helped me to work within my budget to grow my business.

Having Elle as a Business Advisor was a really positive experience. She knows the challenges small business owners face, and she was/ is always more than willing to share her knowledge and offer a motivational push when needed.  This was a very positive experience for me and I hope this program can continue.”
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Eligibility and Application Process

Step 1:      Check your eligibility by submitting your expression of interest.
  • A Business Advisor will follow up within three business days to connect about the business and invite application if eligibility criteria is met
  • Keep a list of Key dates handy to maintain your availability for upcoming training sessions
  • The earlier you check your eligibility and start the project plan proposal, the more opportunity for support you have from our advisors.
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Step 2:      Complete Business Project Plan Proposal and Cashflow and ONE reference letter.
  • To support the application, we strongly suggest attendance at one of our Proposal Writing Workshops 
  • Drop in during our dedicated office hours for support or feedback on the application from a business advisor 

Step 3:      Submit Business Plan Proposal 
  • Submissions must include a (1) completed Project Proposal Template, (2) Projected Cash Flow Template, and (3) a 1-minute introduction video by the applicant (upload to your drive and share a link that anyone can view). Submissions should be sent to [email protected].
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​Step 4:      The Grant Review Committee evaluates proposals
  • Following notification of acceptance, arrangements will be made for signing an agreement, submitting proof of insurance, and business registration
  • Participants will receive a preliminary cheque of 75% of the grant once the above requirements are met

Step 5:      Get matched with your Success Team
  • Participants will be matched with a mentor AND business advisor who you will meet with once a month for the duration of the program. You will also commit to attending monthly group training sessions outlined in the Key Dates section below

Step 6:      Celebrate!
  • Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive the final portion of the grant and be featured in local marketing and events.

Key Dates: Fall Cohort
Application Window opens: September 14, 2026
Eligibility Window closes: October 1, 2026. If you have not already completed the eligibility form by this date, your information will be held for contact after the current intake, for consideration for the next intake.

Grant Writing Workshops: September 21, 2026 
Proposal Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026 at 5:00PM
Notification of acceptance: by End of October

Please be aware that if you are approved, you will need to provide proof of general liability insurance, Proof of business registration (or incorporation), and sign a program agreement form prior to first disbursement (75% of grant). In order to receive the remaining 25% of the grant, you must attend the training program below and meet with your assigned SBEC advisor once/month.
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Starter Company Plus Training Session Dates*:
November 9, 2026 1:00-3:00PM
November 30, 2026 1:00-3:00PM
December 14, 2026 1:00-3:00PM
January 18, 2027 1:00-3:00PM 
February 22, 2027 1:00-3:00PM
March 15, 2027 1:00-3:00PM 

All workshop will take place in person in St. Thomas, online accommodation can be made on occasion.
*Sessions are closed to participants outside of the Starter Company Plus program

Starter Company Plus is a program of the government of Ontario, executed through local Small Business Centres designed to support  people over the age of 18 to start a business, grow an existing business or purchase an existing business. The Elgin/ St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre is the hub for this program serving all of Elgin County and St. Thomas through specialized training programs, mentorship, and up to $5000 in grants.

Reach out before you need us.

“Creating an ecosystem where small businesses in Elgin County and St. Thomas can
​connect, learn and grow their business.”

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