The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is once again offering grants of up to $5,000 to small business owners and entrepreneurs through the Starter Company Plus program.
Administered by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Business Enterprise Centre and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Starter Company Plus is a program that supports small business owners and entrepreneurs by combining grant funding, coaching, mentorship, and community support.
In 2019, the Starter Company Plus awarded $30,000 in grants to help four businesses expand their services in the Sarnia-Lambton area, while also helping two additional businesses begin operations.
Six more grants are available through the program in 2020 and will provide successful applicants with up to $5,000 to grow an existing business or start a new one, while also providing personalized business coaching and access to peer-led support sessions.
“The response to the 2019 intake was exceptionally positive and highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of the Sarnia-Lambton area,” said Stephen Thompson, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership.
“The 2019 recipients have grown as entrepreneurs and developed successful working relationships through the sharing of knowledge and best practices not just with each other, but with business leaders in our community. We look forward to providing these growth opportunities to even more entrepreneurs in 2020,” he added.
“Entrepreneurs who are interested in the Starter Company Plus Program will have the opportunity to spend time with the Business Enterprise Centre’s experienced business counsellors and can receive valuable support and guidance regardless of the success of their application,” Thompson noted. “We encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to contact the Economic Partnership and look forward to offering our expertise and services to those who are interested.”
To be eligible for the Starter Company Plus program, applicants must be over the age of 18 and not currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, have at least 25% of the requested grant amount in equity, and have not received a Starter Company Grant in the past.
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership will be hosting a Starter Company Plus Open House at Great Lakes Refill Co. on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm where interested parties can receive more information on the program and the application process.
Applications for Starter Company Plus are due Monday, Apr. 6, although interested applicants are required to meet with a Business Enterprise Centre counsellor prior to that date. More information on how to apply can be found by clicking HERE or by contacting Chantelle Core at chantelle@sarnialambton.on.ca
Posted in: SLEP News