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Starter Company Plus

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to take your business to the next level? The Starter Company Plus program provides training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help you start, expand, or buy a business in Sarnia-Lambton.  

You and your business may be eligible to gain valuable business knowledge, guidance, and up to $5,000 in Starter Company Plus funding to help turn your vision into a reality.

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Support and Funding to Launch or Grow Your Business

Selected Starter Company Plus program participants will benefit from training and mentoring roundtables with other participants and will regularly meet one-on-one with a business advisor to help ensure the business is progressing and offer guidance.   

The grant funding is based on strength of the business plan including economic impact, personal investment, and long-term sustainability.   

This is a competitive process with limited seats.  To start your application:

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest form today at Starter Company PLUS Expression of Interest and Intake Form.  
  1. Meet with a small business advisor to discuss your plans and the application process.  
  1. Submit your full application (including business plan and cash flow forecasts) between May 1 and June 1.  Detailed instructions on the application and how to submit will be provided to individuals after meeting with a small business advisor.

Eligible applicants for the Starter Company Plus program are:

  • Over the age of 18
  • Proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company less than 5 years in operation, or buying a business
  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and resident of Ontario
  • Not a student and not returning to school.
  • Not enrolled in any government employment or self-employment related program that include or do not include financial assistance.
  • Able to commit to 12 hours of training plus regular meetings over a 5–6-month period. (Group session schedule to be supplied in July after participant selection.)
  • Prepared to commit a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business.
  • Business owner with the ability to demonstrate proof of business ownership and/or majority ownership through a shareholder agreement.
  • Able match at least 25% ($1,250) of the grant funds requested in cash contribution to the business.
  • Not a previous Starter Company Plus grant recipient.

Eligible businesses for the Starter Company Plus program must:

  • Operate within Lambton County.
  • Be registered with the Province of Ontario before receiving the first grant disbursement.
  • Have a separate business bank account before receiving the first grant disbursement.
  • If a new business, possess all necessary certifications and licenses to operate and be able to launch and generate sales within 60 days of receiving the first grant disbursement.

Ineligible businesses for the Starter Company Plus program include:

  • Part-time/seasonal business 
  • Distributorship/franchise
  • Non-profit or charity
  • Single events
  • Pay-per-click business
  • Commissioned sales
  • Multi-level marketing
  • Nightclubs, lounges, cabarets, discotheques, music festivals, and events, or other similar activities
  • Online businesses that are resellers
  • Technology apps that are not market-ready
  • Student housing and other residential rental accommodation
  • Quasi-financial institutions or money service and money transfer businesses (including insurance companies and financial services companies)
  • Cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin) businesses and traders
  • Businesses brokering funds or taking on a fiduciary duty handling funds for clients (including investment, insurance, and real estate brokers who handle funds in trust for clients)
  • Brokers (insurance, real estate, investment, etc.) who are working for an existing firm are not seen to be creating a new business
  • Collection agencies
  • Businesses and platforms that raise funds for charities
  • Businesses that raise investment capital for other businesses
  • Businesses that include or promote financing from equity crowdfunding (share capital)

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Determination of grant recipients:

  • A grant review committee will review the business plan submissions.
  • This is a competitive process with limited seats, and the decision of the review committee is final. 
  • Preference will be given based on potential for economic impact (i.e. job creation), and long-term business sustainability.   
  • The applicants will be informed about the final decision by the last week of July.  
  • The grant is paid in two installments, the first of the two is expected to be issued by August, with the second installment by end of December after completing the program requirements.
  • NOTE:  A T4A taxable income slip will be issued.  

Some of Our Past Participants

Entrepreneurs across Sarnia-Lambton have used Starter Company Plus to successfully launch and expand their businesses. From innovative startups to thriving local businesses, this program has empowered entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and financial support to achieve long-term success.

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The Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton is a joint venture of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the County of Lambton, and the Province of Ontario.
Contact Us
Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton
1086 Modeland Rd. Bldg 1050, Ste. 100, Sarnia, ON N7S 6L2

Phone: 519-332-1820
Email: smallbusiness@sarnialambton.on.ca
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