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Starter Company Plus

Training and mentoring for eligible entrepreneurs

Offered by
City of Toronto
Official source: toronto.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 5,000
Up to 25% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Toronto residents with businesses in Toronto
See full eligibility

Overview

Starter Company Plus Grant supports Toronto entrepreneurs aged 18 or older who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and not attending school, with a micro-grant of $5,000 to help launch, grow or expand a small business. It offers training, mentoring and advice for business planning, market research and financial forecasting.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$5,000
Maximum share of project costs
25%
Financing goals
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Toronto
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • 2SLGBTQI+
Legal structures
Sole proprietorship, For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Starter Company Plus Spring 2027 Opening Date

Starter Company Plus now states that the Spring 2027 application will open on January 4, 2027.

See more

The Starter Company Plus program page now says the Spring 2027 application will open on January 4, 2027. The previous Fall 2026 closed-application notice and the statement that applications would reopen in Spring 2027 are no longer shown.

Official source: toronto.ca
October 8, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Toronto residents with businesses in Toronto

Who is not eligible

  • Any businesses that produce and/or primarily retail products whose ingredients include any derivatives of marijuana/cannabis, psilocybin or any other substances included on Schedule I, II, III and/or IV of the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19)

Eligible expenses

  • Cash invested in the business
  • Marketing efforts and promotional costs
  • Equipment and other legitimate startup expenses
  • Commercial rent

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Nightclubs, lounges, cabarets, discotheques, music festivals and similar activities
  • Online resellers of products made by other manufacturers
  • Charities, non-profits, and franchises
  • Cryptocurrency businesses and money service businesses
  • Businesses that handle client funds in trust

Eligible geographic areas

  • Toronto

Activities funded

  • Scale up business operations and business expansion

How to apply

  • Complete the online application below.

Documents Needed

  • Business registration documentation, including a Master Business Licence or Articles of Incorporation showing a Toronto address
  • Proof of physical address
  • Proof of ownership and/or shareholder agreement
  • Required certification and/or license documents, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Clear revenue model: identifying one or more revenue/sales channels
  • Proposed business’s potential for growth and its ability to create jobs
  • Startup budget and financing requirements of the business
  • Contribution of 25 per cent of the grant amount as monetary investment towards the business

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are evaluated by a review committee of experienced City staff

Additional information

  • Up to 15 hours of business training
  • Up to three months of advisory and mentoring services

Contacts

startercompany@toronto.ca
416-392-6646

Official sources

Starter Company Plus Grant

Program guide

Starter Company Plus Grant
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company Plus Program

What is the Starter Company Plus?

Starter Company Plus Grant supports Toronto entrepreneurs aged 18 or older who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and not attending school, with a micro-grant of $5,000 to help launch, grow or expand a small business. It offers training, mentoring and advice for business planning, market research and financial forecasting.

How much funding can be received?

Starter Company Plus Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Starter Company Plus program?

To be eligible for the Starter Company Plus program, you must: Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older Not attending school or planning to return to school while enrolled Toronto residents with proof of physical address and a minimum 35-hour weekly commitment to their small business

What expenses are eligible under Starter Company Plus?

Cash invested in the business Marketing efforts and promotional costs Equipment and other legitimate startup expenses Commercial rent

Who can I contact for more information about the Starter Company Plus?

You can contact City of Toronto by email at startercompany@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-6646.

Where is the Starter Company Plus available?

The Starter Company Plus program is available the province of Ontario.

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

Starter Company Plus is a Grant and Funding