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Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus

Funding and mentorship for local business growth

Offered by
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP)
Official source: sarnialambton.on.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 5,000
Up to 25% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
See full eligibility

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$5,000
Maximum share of project costs
25%
Financing goals
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Complete an acquisition or business transfer
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Start a business
  • Launch or market a product/service
  • Ensure financial sustainability
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
  • Startups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Starter Company Plus intake closed

The 2026 Starter Company Plus intake is now closed, and the page now directs applicants to book a free consultation through the intake form link.

See more

The Starter Company Plus page now says the 2026 intake is closed instead of showing an application period, and it continues to direct prospective applicants to the intake form for a free consultation. The contact area also now names Kelly Hill, Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager, as an added point of contact.

Official source: sarnialambton.on.ca
August 14, 2026

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

Activities funded

  • Starting a new business
  • Expanding an existing business
  • Buying a business
  • Training and mentorship for business development

How to apply

  • Submit an Expression of Interest form.
  • Meet with a small business advisor to discuss your plans and the application process.
  • Submit your full application, including business plan and cash flow forecasts, by the required deadline.

Documents Needed

  • Expression of Interest form
  • Full application form
  • Business plan
  • Cash flow forecasts

Selection criteria

  • Business plan strength
  • Economic impact, including job creation
  • Long-term business sustainability

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

smallbusiness@sarnialambton.on.ca
519-332-1820

Official sources

Starter Company Plus
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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.

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%

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.

Is the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus?

Sarnia-Lambton Starter Company Plus is funded by Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP)