Open
Source verified July 25, 2026
Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas
Training and funding for new and expanding businesses
Latest source updateLast Update: July 25, 2026Latest change: Starter Company Plus now allows EI, OW, and ODSP recipients to apply, and the intake window, workshop schedule, submission deadline, and contact endpoints have been updated.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 25, 2026
Latest change: Starter Company Plus now allows EI, OW, and ODSP recipients to apply, and the intake window, workshop schedule, submission deadline, and contact endpoints have been updated.
Starter Company Plus intake and eligibility updated
Starter Company Plus now states that EI, OW, and ODSP recipients may still apply, replacing the prior exclusion, and the application instructions now direct applicants to a check-your-eligibility form. The intake schedule also changed from the March 2, 2026 to March 25, 2026 fall cohort window to a new application window opening September 14, 2026, with eligibility closing October 1, 2026, proposal submissions due October 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM, and acceptance notifications by the end of October. The process page also shifted from a visible email-based contact to protected contact links, and the intake-form page no longer shows the prior request fields in the same way. The updated training schedule now lists six in-person sessions running from November 9, 2026 through March 15, 2027 in St. Thomas.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Starter Company Plus is a government of Ontario program delivered through local Small Business Centres for residents and business owners in St. Thomas and Elgin County. It supports new and expanding businesses through mentorship, training, and grants up to $5000 for essential startup or expansion costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- St. Thomas
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Start a business
- Grow an existing business
- Purchase an existing business
Documents Needed
- Completed Project Proposal Template
- Projected Cash Flow Template
- One reference letter
- 1-minute introduction video by the applicant
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Residents and business owners of St. Thomas and Elgin County
- Sole proprietorships or individuals who are the majority shareholder of their business
- People over the age of 18
- People who are working in their business full time
- New and expanding businesses
Who is not eligible
- Anyone who has previously received a Starter Company Plus grant
- People employed more than 12 hours/week outside of their business
- People who are not committed to the 6-month training program
- A business that is a general partnership of a 50/50 corporation
Eligible expenses
- Essential costs for starting or expanding a business
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Home improvement costs
- Personal computers
- Training costs
Eligible geographic areas
- St. Thomas and Elgin County
Selection criteria
- The program is competitive with limited spaces available.
How to apply
- Check your eligibility by submitting your expression of interest.
- Complete Business Project Plan Proposal and Cashflow and one reference letter.
- Submit Business Plan Proposal with a completed Project Proposal Template, a Projected Cash Flow Template, and a 1-minute introduction video by the applicant.
Processing and Agreement
- The Grant Review Committee evaluates proposals.
- Following notification of acceptance, arrangements will be made for signing an agreement, submitting proof of general liability insurance, and proof of business registration or incorporation.
- Participants will receive a preliminary cheque of 75% of the grant once the above requirements are met.
- To receive the remaining 25% of the grant, participants must attend the training program and meet with their assigned SBEC advisor once/month.
- Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive the final portion of the grant.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas Program
What is the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas?
Starter Company Plus is a government of Ontario program delivered through local Small Business Centres for residents and business owners in St. Thomas and Elgin County. It supports new and expanding businesses through mentorship, training, and grants up to $5000 for essential startup or expansion costs.
How much funding can be received?
Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas program?
To be eligible for the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas program, you must:
Residents and business owners of St. Thomas and Elgin County
Sole proprietorships or majority shareholders of their business
People starting or expanding their businesses with at least $5000 of essential costs
What expenses are eligible under Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas?
Start a business
Grow an existing business
Purchase an existing business
Who can I contact for more information about the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas?
You can contact Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) by email at smallbiz@stthomas.ca or by phone at 226.386.5249.
Where is the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas available?
The Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Starter Company Plus - Elgin/St. Thomas is a Grant and Funding