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.
About the program
Since 2015, Starter Company PLUS has supported hundreds of Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs to start, grow and purchase a small business. This program is funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in partnership locally with the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.
Benefits
- 15 hours of in-person business training
- Group mentorship sessions
- One-on-one guidance from a Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre business advisor
- Grant of up to $5,000
- Mentorship from entrepreneurs and business professionals
- Networking opportunities
Program requirements
The Starter Company PLUS grant is awarded to participants that complete the following program requirements over a four-month period.
- Participate in business training and group mentorship sessions
- Submit a completed business plan
- Participate in a business pitch event
- Spend a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business
- Complete monthly reports and meetings with a small business advisor
Who should apply
The Starter Company PLUS program is geared to small businesses that are startup (pre-revenue) or operating (under five years) and are located in Windsor-Essex. Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria.
- 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 a 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
How to apply
Complete an eligibility form. If eligible for the program, you will be invited to submit a business plan to apply
You may be contacted to meet with a program coordinator to review your application. Please contact us if you have questions about the application process.
Application intake is currently closed and will open again in Summer 2025.
Applicant preferences
- Fulfills market demand in priority industries
- Can make an economic impact
- Storefront location
- Possibility for job creating
- Sustainable business model with potential to scale
Cost
There is no cost to apply or participate in the Starter Company PLUS program.
Past Participants
Check out our 2024 program participates from the Windsor-Essex area.
Ember Ridge Celebrations of Life
Amber LaSorda & Sandi Guadagno
Introducing Windsor-Essex’s first luxury venue for modern, inclusive memorials, Ember Ridge Celebrations of Life offers elegant spaces, unique amenities and all-inclusive packages — including catering, floral arrangements and personalized displays for a warm, stress-free alternative to traditional services.
The Oven Door
Christopher Garbutt
Located in Amherstburg, The Oven Door food truck serves up fresh smashed burgers, chicken burgers and fresh-cut fries for a quick bite. Operating weekdays and at community events, they also offer catering services for private gatherings and special occasions.
Balanced Fitness Wellness Studio
Jen Haggitt-Lutsch
A dedicated nurse practitioner, Nancy Mahon takes a holistic and personalized approach to healthcare, working closely with clients to create individualized treatment plans that focus on achieving health goals and addressing the root cause.
Rose City 360
Nicholas Ellul
Rose City 360 specializes in 360 Photo Booth rentals using state-of-the-art technology and an elegant setup for an unforgettable entertainment experience. Capture captivating moments for corporate events, weddings and special occasions.
Genio Tech Robotics
Peri Mahmoud & Ahmed Zaky
Genio Tech is inspiring future innovators through STEM education, equipping children and entrepreneurs with the skills to drive creativity
and progress. Their mission is to help shape next the next wave of scientists, engineers and changemakers.
Work Lingo
Helen Skuratova
Helen a multilingual educator and passionate entrepreneur, founded Work Lingo to help migrant workers achieve their dreams. Through personalized English lessons, she fosters language skills, cultural adaptation and confidence-building.
Yolanda’s Woodslee Pharmacy
Yolanda Stanczak
Yolanda’s Woodslee Pharmacy is a independent, family-established pharmacy offering a personalized approach to clients. Owner Yolanda is a registered pharmacist with over 25 years of clinical experience.
Weldok
Artem Sutkovoi
WeldOK provides mobile welding, line-boring, and engineering consulting across various industries. Led by welding expert Artem, the company specializes in MIG-MAG, TIG, MMA and advanced metal construction. Committed to innovation, delivering cutting-edge welding solutions tailored
to industry needs.
Cementology
Emad Booya
Leaders in advanced concrete technologies, Cementology offers comprehensive solutions for the construction industry, including structural analysis, quality control and project management. Partnering with industry leaders, they support a variety of infrastructure and architectural projects.
TOTO Cafe Inc.
Joe Proeski
A thriving coffee destination, TOTO Cafe
redefines the experience with premium coffee, and delicious pastries. Owner Joe is driven by global hospitality expertise, innovation and sustainability with plans to expand into coffee roasting and wholesale distribution.
Daisy & Co. Wine Bar
Nancy Burke
Daisy & Co. is not just a wine bar but a hub for connection, offering curated local and international wines in a welcoming atmosphere. With over 25 years of hospitality experience and a Master Wine Taster Certification, Nancy continues to support the growth of Windsor-Essex as a vibrant destination for wine and tourism, where guests feel at home.
The Tipsy Toucan
Lana Rodrigues & Angus Smith
This local neighborhood pub offers excellent
food, drinks, entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere. In 2023, Tipsy Toucan Private Bartending LLC was founded to bring upscale mobile bartending services to private events, delivering expertly crafted cocktails and genuine experiences.
VANtastic Wellness Inc.
Sarah Simone
VANtastic Wellness Inc., a mobile massage and wellness practice, has grown into Sweet Retreat, a thriving brick-and-mortar wellness space. This new haven brings together diverse practitioners offering specialized treatments and workshops that promote mental, emotional and physical well-being, providing clients with a place to recharge and rejuvenate.
Dustfree Cleaning
Patricia Riveron
Dustfree Clearning is a certified eco-friendly cleaning company providing healthy solutions with cleaning standards that prioritize the health and well-being of clients and the environment. Patricia is committed to offering fair wages and training
well-qualified, certified cleaners.
Musicland
Bethany D’Alimonte
Musicland Amherstburg has taken Windsor-Essex by storm since its rebranding and new ownership. Local owner Bethany, through her lessons, is excited to share her passion for music, creating a dynamic space where enthusiasts of all ages can embrace and explore their love for music.
Femi Soluade
FEPSS
FEPSS is an e-commerce business offering comprehensive language solutions to help businesses communicate across diverse cultures and platforms. Services include subtitling, translation, voice-over and interpretation in over 200 language pairs with a mission is to break down language barriers and foster inclusivity.
Junk4Less
Michael Espinola
Owner Mickey built his family-run business on hard work and determination. Junk4Less offers junk removal, bin rentals and hauling services with flexible solutions — everything from small clean-ups to large commercial projects.
Functional Health Practitioner
Nancy Mahon
A dedicated nurse practitioner, Nancy Mahon takes a holistic and personalized approach to healthcare, working closely with clients to create individualized treatment plans that focus on achieving health goals and addressing the root cause of various conditions.
Anchor Leather Design
Mike Moro
Producers of high-quality, handcrafted leather goods that blend timeless style with exceptional functionality. Their workshop space serves as the heart of their production — creating a variety of products, including wallets, belts, purses, bags and keychains, with tailored solutions and meticulous craftsmanship using only the finest materials.
Ford City Potters
Lisa Gabriele & Gisele Bick
Gisele, owner and talented pottery artist at Ford City Potters, has over 15 years of experience and earned numerous awards. As a skilled teacher, she leads workshops alongside Lisa Gabriele, who manages marketing initiatives. Together, they hope their passion for pottery becomes contagious and inspires others to embrace the art form.
