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Source verified July 23, 2026
Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus
Business startup and growth support in Ontario
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: Starter Company Plus moved from a pending June 22, 2026 opening to open applications closing July 31, 2026, and the waitlist link was replaced with an application form.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: Starter Company Plus moved from a pending June 22, 2026 opening to open applications closing July 31, 2026, and the waitlist link was replaced with an application form.
Starter Company Plus applications open
The 2026 Starter Company Plus page now says applications are open and will close on July 31, 2026, replacing the earlier notice that applications were closed and would open on June 22, 2026. The application link text also changed from a 2026 Starter Company Waitlist to a 2026 Starter Company Application. No changes were shown to the program’s eligibility, funding amount, or contact phone details.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
July 31, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Starter Company Plus offers support for new, expanding, or business-purchase projects in Ontario. Eligible participants can compete for up to $5,000 in funding, alongside training, mentoring, and business planning support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a new small business
- Growing an existing business
- Buying an existing business
Documents Needed
- Eligibility checklist
- Application form
- Business plan template
- Business name registration
- Required licensing documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario residents
- Individuals aged 18 and over
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Sole proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, and independent business ventures
- Social enterprises
Who is not eligible
- Full-time students
- Businesses outside Ontario
- Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
- Multi-level marketing ventures
- Businesses such as distributorships, commissioned sales, or strictly pay-per-click models
Eligible expenses
- Business start-up or expansion costs aligned with the approved business plan
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Vehicle purchase or lease
- Ongoing operating costs, including salaries and commercial rent
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Sound business plan
- Meets the program’s criteria
- Presentation to the Grant Committee for selected candidates
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact the local program provider
- Register your interest in the program.
- Obtain the eligibility checklist, application, and business plan template.
- Step 2: Confirm eligibility and apply
- Confirm that you meet the program requirements.
- Submit your application to the program provider.
- Step 3: Complete training and submit documents
- Complete the required online or in-person training.
- Submit the completed application documents to the program provider.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the local program provider.
- Selected candidates are invited to present their business idea to a Grant Committee.
- Approval by the program provider and Grant Committee is required before funding.
- Successful applicants must sign an agreement and follow the program guidelines.
- Participants must meet ongoing reporting and program participation requirements after approval.
Additional information
- The program includes business training, mentoring, and networking support.
- Applicants may be asked to present their business idea to a Grant Committee.
- The award is considered taxable income, and a T4A slip is issued to recipients.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus Program
What is the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus?
Starter Company Plus offers support for new, expanding, or business-purchase projects in Ontario. Eligible participants can compete for up to $5,000 in funding, alongside training, mentoring, and business planning support.
How much funding can be received?
Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus program?
To be eligible for the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus program, you must:
Ontario resident aged 18+
Not a full-time student
25% matching funds available
What expenses are eligible under Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus?
Starting a new small business
Growing an existing business
Buying an existing business
Who can I contact for more information about the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus?
You can contact City of Niagara Falls or by phone at 905-356-7521 ext. 5130.
Where is the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus available?
The Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Niagara Falls Starter Company Plus is a Grant and Funding