Closed
Source verified August 8, 2026
Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex
Business start-up and growth support for Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs
Get notified when Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: 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.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: 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 2026 applications closed
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.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Small businesses that are startup (pre-revenue) or operating (under 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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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.
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.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses that are startup (pre-revenue) or operating (under five years).
- Majority business owners with at least 51% ownership who are willing to operate a business full-time.
- Applicants who are at least 18 years of age and not full-time students or returning to school full-time.
- Applicants who are residents of Ontario and Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
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
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.
How to apply
- Submit the Eligibility Form.
- Submit Your Business Plan.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex Program
What is the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex?
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.
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.
What expenses are eligible under Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex?
You can contact Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) or by phone at 519.253.6900.
Where is the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex available?
The Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex is a Grant and Funding