Open
Source verified September 21, 2026
Starter Company Plus
Training and mentoring for eligible entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: September 21, 2026Latest change: Starter Company Plus now shows the Fall 2026 cohort closed, with the next application opening in Spring 2027 and a new competitive review process in place.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 21, 2026
Latest change: Starter Company Plus now shows the Fall 2026 cohort closed, with the next application opening in Spring 2027 and a new competitive review process in place.
Starter Company Plus: cohort timing and review criteria updated
Starter Company Plus now says applications for the Fall Cohort 2026 are closed and that the next application opening will be in Spring 2027. The mandatory Accelerate Your Business Workshop is still required, with 2027 dates to be announced. The program page also adds a competitive review process with limited seats and states that preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate potential for future hires.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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.
/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
- Sole proprietorship
- 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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Scale up business operations and business expansion
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
Official resources
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
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
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 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
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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?
Scale up business operations and business expansion
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.