Opening Soon
Source verified July 23, 2026
Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre
Training and mentorship for new Hamilton businesses
Get notified when Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre opens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 25, 2026Latest change: The Starter Company Plus page now says the Winter 2027 application portal opens on October 26, 2026, and it adds upcoming information sessions before applicants submit.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 25, 2026
Latest change: The Starter Company Plus page now says the Winter 2027 application portal opens on October 26, 2026, and it adds upcoming information sessions before applicants submit.
Winter 2027 portal date updated
The Starter Company Plus page now says the Winter 2027 application portal opens on October 26, 2026, replacing the previous Fall 2026 waitlist deadline of September 7, 2026. It also replaces the waitlist follow-up language with guidance to read eligibility details or attend an upcoming information session before submitting, and it lists three sessions on October 28, 2026, November 18, 2026, and December 9, 2026.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Opened October 26, 2026
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre provides up to $5,000 to support new and early-stage businesses in Hamilton. Funding may be used for business start-up and operating needs, and participants also receive training and mentoring.
Opening Soon
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Develop a new product or service
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Hamilton
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Starting a new small business in Hamilton.
- Growing an existing business that is less than two years old.
- Participating in entrepreneurship training and mentoring.
Documents Needed
- Business registration documentation
- Proof of physical address
- Proof of ownership or shareholder agreement
- Financial activity statements
- Business plan
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- New or early-stage small businesses in Hamilton.
- Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
- Independent businesses owned by the applicant.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses older than two years.
- Businesses operated by applicants who are still attending school or working elsewhere.
- Online reseller businesses, franchises, charities, non-profits, and social enterprises.
- Nightclubs, lounges, cabarets, discotheques, music festivals, and similar entertainment activities.
- Crypto, cannabis retail, financial, brokerage, and money transfer businesses.
Eligible expenses
- Working capital for the business.
- Equipment or machinery needed to operate the business.
- Other business start-up costs supported by the grant.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Sweat equity as an in-kind contribution.
- Loans or other loaned support as a contribution.
- Multiple individuals receiving funding for the same business idea.
Eligible geographic areas
- Hamilton, Ontario.
Selection criteria
- Overall participation in the program.
- Quality and completeness of the business plan, start-up costs, and cash flow.
- Clarity of the market opportunity and business viability.
- Sustainability and ability to support full-time operation.
- Professional and well-prepared presentation.
How to apply
- Read the program eligibility below or attend an upcoming information session prior to submitting your application.
- Register below.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission.
- Eligible applicants are contacted by a program coordinator to discuss the application and business.
- A grant committee reviews applications and business pitches.
- Funding recipients must sign a program agreement.
- Non-compliance with the agreement may lead to recovery of grant funds.
Additional information
- Applicants who are not selected may still attend the virtual training component.
- In-person mentoring is reserved for successful grant recipients.
- Participants receiving the grant must sign an agreement outlining their responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre Program
What is the Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre?
Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre provides up to $5,000 to support new and early-stage businesses in Hamilton. Funding may be used for business start-up and operating needs, and participants also receive training and mentoring.
How much funding can be received?
Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on October 26, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre program?
To be eligible for the Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre program, you must:
Business less than two years old.
Applicant based in Hamilton.
Full-time business commitment required.
What expenses are eligible under Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre?
Starting a new small business in Hamilton.
Growing an existing business that is less than two years old.
Participating in entrepreneurship training and mentoring.
Where is the Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre available?
The Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Starter Company Plus Training & Mentorship Program - Hamilton Business Centre is a Partnering and Collaboration