*Please ensure to monitor our social media channels for updates on the registration dates of this program, which will be announced on Facebook and Instagram.

The Starter Company Plus Program targets individuals aged 18 and above who are not pursuing further education and wish to embark on, acquire, or grow a business as their primary vocation. This program is offered at no cost to participants and offers a valuable chance to refine their business concepts with access to a range of seasoned and professional resources.  Our team offers a variety of workshops including but not limited to the parts of the business plan and how to write them, marketing and advertising, digital presence, pitch presentations,
Program Description

Tailored for adults embarking on a new business venture, seeking to grow an established one or those purchasing and existing business, this extensive entrepreneurship development initiative covers a wide array of pertinent business subjects. Participants will emerge equipped with valuable insights, having crafted a comprehensive business plan. Moreover, they stand the chance to compete for up to $5,000 in grant funding. This program is provided to participants at no cost, thanks to funding from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.  Our team has discovered that during this twelve-session series of workshops, having spent the time with like-minded individuals who are in various yet somewhat similar stages of business development, these entrepreneurs can at times develop partnerships with fellow Starter Company Plus participants.  Peer support can be incredibly valuable!

During the completion of this program, as a participant, you will:

  • Engage in a sequence of online workshops led by proficient presenters.
  • Benefit from personalized assistance in crafting your business plan document.
  • Have the possibility of becoming eligible to participate in a pitch competition that could potentially award you up to $5000 in grant funding.
  • Gain access to the entrepreneurial network and resources, workshops, and events.
  • Receive mentorship from seasoned professionals.
  • Enhance your prospects for securing future financing with a comprehensive business plan

You are eligible for Starter Company Plus if you are:

  • 18 Years of age or older
  • An Ontario resident and Canadian citizen (or permanent resident) 
  • Not currently enrolled in full-time education or employed full-time.
  • Starting, expanding, or buying a small business
  • To qualify for a grant, you must be able to contribute to your business in cash or in kind, equivalent to at least 25% of the grant amount.
  • Prepared to complete the required business training and business planning components of the Starter Company Plus program as prescribed by Enterprise Temiskaming.
  • Fully responsible for the businesses ongoing operations and decision making.
  • Prepared to commit an average of 35 hours a week to the development and/or operation of their business upon receiving funding.
  • Not enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment related programs that include or do not include financial assistance.
  • Not currently enrolled concurrently in any self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing programs offered by government funded organizations.
  • (Note that individuals enrolled in programs as stated above may participate in the training portion of the program only).

BUSINESSES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR STARTER COMPANY PLUS INCLUDE:

  • Individuals who have received a grant in the past.
  • Part-time or seasonal businesses.
  • Franchises, commissioned sales, and distributorships.
  • Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavors.
  • Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises.
  • Multi-level marketing ventures (MLM).
  • Single event such as musical ventures bands, DJs, or dance/party event organizations.
  • Businesses that will strictly pay per click and 1-900 businesses.
  • Businesses that have been operational for more than 5 years.
  • Businesses that derive their revenue from streaming services or affiliate marketing.
  • Businesses incorporating or selling investment vehicles, property investment (flipping) and/or short-term rental investment.
  • Note: Enterprise Temiskaming may also, at its sole discretion, determine a particular business is inappropriate for the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Review Starter Company Plus Information Package, to ensure your eligibility for the program.

Complete/Submit the Starter Company Plus Program Application and email to info@enterprisetemiskaming.ca. 

Applicants may be required to meet virtually with Enterprise Temiskaming’s program coordinator prior to approval to discuss their business idea and eligibility in further detail.

Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the program.

PITCH/FUNDING PROCESS:​

If the applicant completes all the workshops, provides all assigned tasks and completes their business plan, prove commitment, viability and sustainability, they may have the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in grant funding for their business. This is a competitive process and in order to pitch participants must meet the above-mentioned requirements, contribute a minimum of 25% (cash or in kind) of the grant value towards their business, as well as be recommended by the Program Coordinator.  If there are any details that participants need clarification, they are encouraged to connect with our team at info@enterprisetemiskaming.ca. 

Business Plans are reviewed by the Pitch Committee approximately 1 week prior to the scheduled pitch date. If participants who have successfully completed the series of workshops and have provided a business plan are deemed eligible to pitch, they will do so to an independent committee. If approved for funding by the committee, the grant will be distributed according to both the team at Enterprise Temiskaming’s discretion as well as the committee’s guidance.  The Enterprise Temiskaming’s Starter Company Plus Pitch Competition committee is comprised of carefully selected, properly vetted, reputable business individuals from the community and surrounding area.

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