Closed
Source verified August 8, 2026
Starter Company PLUS - Windsor-Essex
Business start-up and growth support for Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Closed
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
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
- Complete the Eligibility Form.
- Submit your Business Plan or Business Growth Proposal, depending on the age of your business.
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