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Starter Company Plus
Supports Toronto entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and business funding
Last Update: April 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
- Closing date : February 25, 2026
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Starter Company Plus Grant offers eligible Toronto entrepreneurs up to $5,000 in micro-grant funding to support the growth and expansion of their small businesses. The program provides business training, mentoring, and advisory services for business development and capacity building.
/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
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
- Closing date : February 25, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Expansion and growth of small businesses based in Toronto.
- Participation in targeted training programs to enhance business skills and knowledge.
- Accessing mentoring and advisory services to improve business operations and strategy.
- Building export capacity and accelerating growth in international markets for eligible businesses.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered small businesses with a physical address in Toronto
- For-profit companies incorporated under Ontario or federal law (for Trade Accelerator Stream)
Who is not eligible
- Nightclubs, lounges, cabarets, discotheques, music festivals and similar event-based businesses.
- Online businesses that resell existing products from other manufacturers.
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), retirement homes, long-term care homes, and student/property rental businesses.
- Charities, non-profits, and franchises.
- Cryptocurrency businesses, quasi-financial institutions, brokers, and businesses handling funds in trust for clients.
Eligible expenses
- Cash investments made into the business by the applicant.
- Marketing efforts, such as advertising and promotional materials.
- Purchase of equipment required for business operations.
- Commercial rent payments.
- Other legitimate startup expenses already incurred by the business.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses located in Toronto, Ontario.
Additional information
- The program offers multiple streams, including the General Business and Trade Accelerator streams, throughout the year.
- Applicants are encouraged to attend online information sessions to improve their understanding of best practices and program timelines.
- Only successful applicants will be contacted regarding their application status.
- Participation in the Trade Accelerator Stream is highly competitive and meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company Plus Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Starter Company Plus. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Starter Company Plus?
The Starter Company Plus Grant offers eligible Toronto entrepreneurs up to $5,000 in micro-grant funding to support the growth and expansion of their small businesses. The program provides business training, mentoring, and advisory services for business development and capacity building.
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 application deadline for this grant program was February 25, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Starter Company Plus program?
To be eligible for the Starter Company Plus program, you must:
Business must be registered and located in Toronto.
Must have a commercial business bank account matching registration documents.
Business must operate year-round with consistent monthly revenues.
What expenses are eligible under Starter Company Plus?
Expansion and growth of small businesses based in Toronto.
Participation in targeted training programs to enhance business skills and knowledge.
Accessing mentoring and advisory services to improve business operations and strategy.
Building export capacity and accelerating growth in international markets for eligible businesses.
Who can I contact for more information about the Starter Company Plus?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) by email at smallbusiness@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.