Skip to Content
Invest WindsorEssexEvents CalendarContact Us

Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Logo Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Logo

Contact Us
  • How We Can Help
    • Advice and Consultation
    • Become a Client
    • Business Regulations and Licensing
    • COVID-19 Support
    • Legal Support
    • Marketing
    • Mentoring and Networking Opportunities
    • Programs and Financial Support
    • Training and Seminars
    • Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
  • Start Your Business
    • Become a Client
    • Business Finance and Taxes
    • Business Regulations and Licensing
    • Business Plan Support
    • Buying a Business
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Cyber Security
    • Government Tools and Support
    • Hiring Employees
    • Importing and Exporting
    • Local Workforce
    • Marketing
    • Managing Your Business
    • Programs and Financial Support
    • Property Search and Community Data
  • Grow Your Business
    • Become a Client
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Cyber Security
    • Marketing
    • Government Tools and Support
    • Hiring Employees
    • Importing and Exporting
    • Programs and Financial Support
    • Selling Your Business
    • Succession Planning
    • Wealth Management and Investment
    • Property Search and Community Data
  • News and Events
    • Events Calendar
    • In the News
    • W.E. Shop Local Show
  • Who We Are
    • Accessibility
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reports
Starter Company PLUS - coffee entrepreneur

Starter Company PLUS

HomeStart Your BusinessPrograms and Financial SupportStarter Company PLUS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Starter Company PLUS logo

If you have an idea to start a new business, are purchasing a business or would like to grow your current business, you may be eligible for the Starter Company PLUS program. The program offers a grant of up to $5,000 as well as access to training, mentoring, networking and one-on-one consulting support through the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.

 

 

Starter Company PLUS

The Starter Company PLUS program is geared to startup and operating small businesses located in Windsor-Essex.  Please contact us if you have questions about the application process.

Application process

  1. Complete the eligibility form
  2. If eligible for the program, you will be invited to submit an application
  3. You may be contacted to meet with a program coordinator to review your application

Applications are now closed and will reopen in Spring/Summer 2023

Applicant preferences

Preference will be given to businesses that meet the following criteria:

  • Can make an economic impact
  • Storefront location
  • Possibility for job creating
  • Sustainable business model with potential to scale
  • Fulfills market demand in priority industries 

Cost

There is no cost to apply or participate in the Starter Company PLUS program. This program is provided by the Province of Ontario in partnership with local Small Business Enterprise Centres.

Eligibility

You can apply for this program if you're:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Not a full-time student or returning to school full-time
  • A resident of Ontario
  • A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • Willing to operate your business full-time
  • Starting a new business or operating a business that is less than five years old
  • Able to demonstrate 25 per cent matching funds in cash or in-kind assets
  • Not in the research and development stage of the business development
  • Not going to use the funds to refinance existing debt

What businesses don't qualify for the program?

The following businesses don't qualify for the Starter Company PLUS program:

  • Distributorships or franchises
  • Non-profits and charities
  • Pay-per-click businesses
  • Commissioned sales
  • Multi-level marketing (e.g., Avon, Scentsy, etc.)
  • Single event (e.g., concert, performance, sports event)
  • Part-time or seasonal businesses

About the program

To receive the grant, you'll be required to take part in mentorship and reporting for three months. You'll also need to:

  • Complete the business training component of the Starter Company PLUS program
  • Spend a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business

Benefits

The Starter Company Plus program, provides:

  • One-on-one guidance from the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre
  • Grant of up to $5,000
  • Three months of mentorship from an entrepreneur or business professional
  • Networking opportunities

You'll also get access to workshops on topics, such as:

  • Business plan development
  • Cash flow strategies
  • Developing and executing a marketing plan
  • Growing your business with confidence

Past Participants

Check out our 2022 program participates from the Windsor-Essex area.

Carley Noelle - Ethos Grocery Ltd.

 Carly Noelle

Stacey Coene - Bloom Child and Youth Counselling
 Stacey Coene
Jordyn Bailey - Twenty Two Coffee House
 Jordyn Bailey
Timothy Kuhn - Enova Electric Inc.
 Timothy Kuhn
Sarah Jacobs - Jacobs Dispute Resolution
 Sarah Jacobs
Sleiman Sleiman - Sam's Convenience
 Sleiman Sleiman
Becky Young - The Little Petal Truck
 Becky Young
Riley Marques - Beauty Addiction
 Riley Marques
Sheldon Edwards - Sunshine Grocers Inc.
 
Byron Griffith - Smootheezz Bar
 Byron Griffith
Fernanda Hernandez - La Dulce Vida Cafe
 Fernanda Hernandez
 Bob Meloche - The Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast 
 Bob Meloche
Start Your Business
    • Become a Client
    • Business Finance and Taxes
    • Business Regulations and Licensing
    • Business Plan Support
    • Buying a Business
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Cyber Security
    • Government Tools and Support
    • Hiring Employees
    • Importing and Exporting
    • Local Workforce
    • Marketing
    • Managing Your Business
    • Programs and Financial Support
      Toggle Section Programs and Financial Support Menu
      • Digital Main Street
      • Growing Creative Careers
      • Foodpreneur Advantage
      • Starter Company PLUS
      • Summer Company
      • RE3: Rebuild, Reopen, Revive
      • Regional Programs and Supports
    • Property Search and Community Data

Let's Talk

Events calendar

Loading Calendar Feed...

Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre footer logo

Windsor Office:

119 Chatham St. W, Unit 100
Windsor, ON N9A 5M7

519-253-6900
Email Us

Essex Office:

39 Maidstone Ave East, Unit 5
Essex, ON N8M 2J3

519-253-6900
Email Us

AccessibilitySitemapWebsite FeedbackContact UsPrivacy Policy
Follow Us: View our Facebook Page View our Twitter Page View our LinkedIn Page View our Instagram Page

© Copyright 2022 Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.