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Learn about Starter Company Plus, which supports entrepreneurs with training, grants and more! The Small Business Centre is Halton's local program facilitator.

Overview of Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus supports eligible (aspiring) entrepreneurs looking to build their small businesses. The program provides training, mentoring, and advice. It also helps small business owners apply for grants that will aid them financially.

The Halton Region Small Business Centre is the program administrator in Halton Region.

Program Sponsor

Starter Company Plus is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Eligibility criteria for Starter Company Plus

To apply for the Starter Company Plus program, you must:

  • be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
  • be 18 years of age or older
  • not be attending school or planning to return to school while enrolled in the program
  • not be enrolled in any other government-funded employment program
  • own, or plan to own, a business in Halton Region

Application / Registration

  • Before applying to the Starter Company Plus program, you must attend an information session
  • Applications will not be accepted if you fail to meet all program requirements. All submissions must be complete to be considered

Starter Company Plus Pitch Competition for grant funds

You may be eligible for a grant if you:

  • can provide match funding of 25% of the grant amount
  • can provide a comprehensive business plan
  • can provide a 2 year forecast of financials
  • have completed mandatory training (including seminars, webinars, modules and workshops)
  • are selected to take part in the Pitch Competition

The Halton Region Small Business Centre sponsors a Pitch Competition as part of the Starter Company Plus program. Each Starter Company Plus participant is invited to submit their business plan for consideration for the Pitch Competition. Business Plans will be reviewed and evaluated. Participants with the top Business Plans will be invited to pitch to our panel of judges. If your pitch is successful, you will be awarded a grant of $5,000. If you are awarded a grant, you must spend the funds before the end date of your cohort. You must provide receipts showing how the grant funding was spent.

Winners of Grant Funding

A panel of judges chosen by the Halton Region Small Business Centre select grant winners. Each business plan oral pitch presentation is carefully evaluated and scored. Those with the highest scores are awarded grant funding. All pitch participants will be notified by telephone or email. Notifications will be made within two weeks of evaluations. Should an award be declined or a winning applicant not be contacted within 5 days of our effort, we may select another recipient.

The decision of program judges is final and binding.

All Starter Company Plus participants must:

  • meet all eligibility requirements;
  • agree to abide by all rules and regulations* of the program

*Rules and regulations are subject to change without notice.

If you require certification and/or license for your business, you must have these on program enrolment in Starter Company Plus.

Only those who participate in the program will receive group mentoring.

By participating in the Program you agree to release and hold harmless The Regional Municipality of Halton and its employees, volunteers, officers and representatives, from any liability, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not from (i) participation in the Program (including the pitch competition) and (ii) one’s acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the grant or any portion thereof.

Participants in Starter Company Plus are added to a mailing list, but may unsubscribe at any time.

Starter Company Plus is subject to the laws of the Province of Ontario.

Starter Company Plus events

Aug
27
Starter Company Plus: Information Session - August 27, 2025
Sep
03
Starter Company Plus: Information Session - September 3, 2025

Meet our Grant Winners

Photo of Amanda Dindayal
Photo of Ana Cotoros
Photo of Danielle Murray
Photo of Gina Tsiapalis
Photo of Kyleigh Darchiville
Photo of Nisha Rajasundaram
Photo of Patty Chronopoulos
Photo of Paul (PK) Kurantsin-Mills
Photo of Zihao Wang
Red Pocketbook Financial Coaching logo
Photo of Amanda Dindayal

Red PocketBook empowers small businesses and individuals with personalized coaching and consulting, fostering financial health, confidence, and lasting success.

Pâtisserie by Ana Cotoros logo
Photo of Ana Cotoros

Luxurious French inspired pastry lab crafting bespoke cakes and pastries with reduced sugar, premium quality, and visually stunning designs.

Cake made by Pâtisserie by Ana Cotoros
Nestled in the Back Registered Massage Therapy logo
Photo of Gina Tsiapalis

Home-based, registered massage therapy practice with 20+ years’ experience, specializing in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care.

InquiSiTEM Early Learning Center logo
Photo of Nisha Rajasundaram

A unique early learning centre fostering curiosity, creativity, and STEM skills in young children aged 18 months to 4 years.

Ripe Charcuterie & Grazing Boxes logo
Photo of Patty Chronopoulos

Creating connections with beautifully crafted grazing boxes that celebrate quality and artistry, making each gift a memorable shared experience.

Procyon Laboratories Inc. logo
Photo of Zihao Wang

Manufacturing drone accessories for police and search and rescue operations.

Mentors for Starter Company Plus

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