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Source verified July 23, 2026
Starter Company Plus
Training and funding for Toronto entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: July 9, 2026Latest change: Starter Company Plus now shows updated eligibility rules, a new application deadline of August 5, 2026, and an active apply process with a Microsoft Forms link.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 9, 2026
Latest change: Starter Company Plus now shows updated eligibility rules, a new application deadline of August 5, 2026, and an active apply process with a Microsoft Forms link.
Starter Company Plus updated
Starter Company Plus now shows expanded eligibility requirements, including Ontario residency, Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, school-status restrictions, prior-grant restrictions, and business-location limits within the City of Peterborough or Peterborough County. The program also now states that applications close on August 5, 2026, with mandatory training sessions on September 10, 2026, September 16, 2026, September 23, 2026, October 7, 2026, and October 19, 2026, plus a location at the Venture North Building, Everest Boardroom, 270 George St. N, Peterborough, ON. Application instructions were updated to include a recorded information session, printed copies for hand-written applications, and a new Apply Now link through Microsoft Forms. The funding terms continue to reference a grant of up to $5,000, and the page now presents a more detailed active intake for the 2026 program rather than a closed or general program notice.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
August 5, 2026
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Starter Company Plus provides up to $5,000 and up to 25% of eligible costs to help eligible Toronto entrepreneurs grow or expand a small business. Eligible activities include business training, mentoring, advisory support, marketing, equipment purchases, commercial rent and other legitimate startup or growth expenses.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 2SLGBTQI+
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Training, mentoring, and business advice for small business growth
- Support to expand an existing business
- Support to build export capacity and grow in international markets
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses based in Toronto
- For-profit companies incorporated under Ontario or federal law
Who is not eligible
- Nightclubs, lounges, cabarets, discotheques, music festivals and similar event-based businesses
- Online resellers of existing products from other manufacturers
- Charities, non-profits, and franchises
- Cryptocurrency businesses, money service businesses, and firms handling client funds in trust
- Real estate, retirement home, and long-term care home businesses
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
Selection criteria
- Fit with business and applicant requirements
- Business viability, including proof of concept and customer validation
- Clear revenue model
- Growth potential and job creation
- Startup budget and financing needs
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program information
- Read the eligibility details and stream-specific requirements.
- Attend an information session if available.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Fill out the application form for the relevant stream.
- Submit the application online before the deadline.
- Step 3: Wait for review and notification
- Applications are reviewed by a committee after submission.
- Only successful applicants are contacted.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a committee of experienced City staff
- Applications are assessed against business and applicant requirements
- Applicants are evaluated on business viability, growth potential, and financing needs
- Only successful applicants are contacted
Additional information
- Applications are closed.
- The program has multiple streams throughout the year.
- Only successful applicants will be contacted.
- Trade Accelerator Stream applications are highly competitive.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company Plus Program
What is the Starter Company Plus?
Starter Company Plus provides up to $5,000 and up to 25% of eligible costs to help eligible Toronto entrepreneurs grow or expand a small business. Eligible activities include business training, mentoring, advisory support, marketing, equipment purchases, commercial rent and other legitimate startup or growth expenses.
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:
Toronto resident
Age 18+ and not in school
Full-time to the business
What expenses are eligible under Starter Company Plus?
Training, mentoring, and business advice for small business growth
Support to expand an existing business
Support to build export capacity and grow in international markets
Who can I contact for more information about the Starter Company Plus?
You can contact City of Toronto by email at info@cfpeterborough.ca or by phone at 705-745-5434.
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