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Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex

Business start-up and growth support for Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs

Offered by

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC)

Official source: webusinesscentre.com

Source change captured September 19, 2026

Funding available: $ 5,000; Up to 25% of project cost
Deadline: Unspecified
Location: Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: Small businesses that are startup (pre-revenue) or operating for less than five years.; See full eligibility

Overview

Starter Company PLUS helps Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs start, buy or grow a small business with up to $5,000 in funding. It provides training, mentoring, networking and personalized consulting support through the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $5,000
Maximum share of project costs: 25%

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships
Develop team skills
Increase production or service capacity
Develop a new product or service
Increase operational productivity
Develop workforce skills
Strengthen organizational capacity
Access new markets
Start a business
Launch or market a product/service
Ensure financial sustainability
Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: All organization sizes
Audience: Startups
Legal structures: For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 1

Latest changes

September 19, 2026

Starter Company PLUS 2026 applications closed

The Starter Company PLUS page now says 2026 applications are no longer being accepted, and applicants are told to return next summer or contact the program.

Starter Company PLUS now states that 2026 applications are no longer being accepted. The previously shown eligibility-form deadline of July 15, 2026 was removed, indicating the intake closed before that date. Applicants are directed to check back next summer or contact the provider, which changes the application timing and path for this intake.

Official source: webusinesscentre.com

September 19, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Small businesses that are startup (pre-revenue) or operating for less than five years.
Applicants who are at least 18 years of age.
Applicants who are not full-time students or returning to school full-time.
Applicants who are residents of Ontario and Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Majority business owners with at least 51% ownership who are willing to operate a business full-time.

Who is not eligible

Distributorships or franchises.
Non-profits and charities.
Pay-per-click businesses, commissioned sales, and multi-level marketing (e.g., Avon, Scentsy, etc.).
Single event businesses (e.g., concert, performance, sports event).
Part-time or seasonal businesses, businesses in the research and development stage of the business development, and applicants planning to use the funds to refinance existing debt.

Eligible expenses

Equipment
Tools
Training
Marketing
Leasehold Improvements

Ineligible Costs and Activities

One-time supplies
Rent
Utilities
Inventory
Wages
Travel
Vehicles
Cell phones
Office supplies

Activities funded

Attend business training workshops and group mentorship sessions.
Meet regularly with a Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre advisor.
Submit an updated business plan incorporating feedback received during the program.
Participate in a business pitch event.
Implement the approved growth initiative outlined in the Business Growth Proposal.

How to apply

Submit the Eligibility Form.
Submit Your Business Plan.

Documents Needed

Business Plan for businesses that are pre-revenue or have been operating for less than three (3) years.
Business Growth Proposal for businesses that have been operating for three (3) to five (5) years.

Selection criteria

Applications are evaluated on business viability, market opportunity, growth potential, commitment to the program and alignment with program objectives.
Preference may be given to businesses that operate in or support key growth sectors, contribute to the local economy, maintain or establish a commercial business location, create employment opportunities, or demonstrate a sustainable and growth-oriented business model.

Processing and Agreement

After reviewing your business plan or growth proposal, you may be invited for an interview to discuss your business, growth goals and application.
Eligible applicants who successfully complete the application process will be considered for acceptance into the Starter Company PLUS program.
Participants must successfully complete all program requirements and meet grant agreement obligations to be eligible to receive grant funding.
Participants must complete monthly progress reports and program check-ins to provide updates on business milestones, outcomes and use of grant funds.
Failure to meet program obligations may affect grant eligibility and could result in the repayment of funds.

Additional information

There are no fees associated with Starter Company PLUS.
The program is funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and delivered locally by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.

Contacts

519.253.6900

Official sources

Starter Company Plus

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex Program

What is the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex?

How much funding can be received?

Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex program?

To be eligible for the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex program, you must: The business must be startup, pre-revenue, or under 5 years old. The applicant must complete all program requirements. The applicant must be the majority owner with at least 51% ownership.