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Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus
Funding and mentorship for local business growth
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 15, 2026
- Closing date : July 15, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Starter Company Plus offers up to $5,000 in funding to help entrepreneurs start, expand, or buy a business in Sarnia-Lambton. It also includes training, mentorship, and support for business planning, marketing, and permits and licenses.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 15, 2026
- Closing date : July 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a new business
- Expanding an existing business
- Buying a business
- Training and mentorship for business development
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Full application form
- Business plan
- Cash flow forecasts
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Applicants starting, expanding, or buying a business
- Residents of Ontario
Who is not eligible
- Students or applicants returning to school
- Applicants already in another government employment or self-employment program
- Previous Starter Company Plus recipients
- Part-time, seasonal, or non-profit businesses
- Franchises, distributorships, and certain online reseller businesses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Part-time or seasonal businesses
- Franchises and distributorships
- Non-profits and charities
- Online reseller businesses
- Crypto, money services, and fund-raising platforms for other businesses or charities
Eligible geographic areas
- Lambton County
Selection criteria
- Business plan strength
- Economic impact, including job creation
- Long-term business sustainability
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest form
- Complete the online intake form.
- Step 2: Meet with a small business advisor
- Discuss your plans and the application process.
- Step 3: Submit the full application
- Provide the business plan and cash flow forecasts by the deadline.
- Follow the instructions given after the advisor meeting.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a grant review committee.
- The process is competitive and seats are limited.
- Applicants are notified of the final decision by the last week of July.
- The committee’s decision is final.
- Funding is paid in two installments after program requirements are met.
Additional information
- The program is competitive and has limited seats.
- Applicants receive training and one-on-one business advisory support.
- The funding is paid in two installments.
- A T4A taxable income slip will be issued.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus Program
What is the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus?
Starter Company Plus offers up to $5,000 in funding to help entrepreneurs start, expand, or buy a business in Sarnia-Lambton. It also includes training, mentorship, and support for business planning, marketing, and permits and licenses.
How much funding can be received?
Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is July 15, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus program?
To be eligible for the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus program, you must:
Ontario resident, age 18+
New, expanding, or business purchase
Cash contribution of at least 25%
What expenses are eligible under Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus?
Starting a new business
Expanding an existing business
Buying a business
Training and mentorship for business development
Who can I contact for more information about the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus?
You can contact Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) by email at smallbusiness@sarnialambton.on.ca or by phone at 519-332-1820.
Where is the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus available?
The Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus program is available the province of Ontario.