Starter Company Plus Program
Are you an entrepreneur who is starting, growing, or buying a business? Through Starter Company Plus, you could be eligible to apply for our guided mentorship and training program.
Stay tuned for application details for the next cohort. Sign up for the waitlist to receive information when program applications launch again in late 2025/early 2026.
Those who meet the criteria set out in the program guidelines and are accepted to the program have access to:
Training and business skills development to help to run or grow your own business.
Advice and mentorship from local business leaders.
The potential of receiving a grant of up to $5,000 to help you start a new business or expand your current business.
The amount of grant funding is based on strength of the business plan, economic impact (jobs created), personal investment and long-term sustainability. The number of grants available is limited.
Health Venture
Health Venture is a specialized stream pilot of the Starter Company Plus Program for entrepreneurs in the health and wellness sector. Designed to support paramedical professionals going into business for themselves and health-focused enterprises ready to take their practice to the next level, Health Venture offers Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County entrepreneurs business training, sector-specific mentorship, and a micro-grant funding opportunity. Participants engage with weekly in-person classes, develop and refine a business plan, and have the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 upon successful completion of the program.
Meet the 2025 Starter Company Plus Cohort
Pet accessory company specializing in innovative and durable AirTag dog collars made from high-quality neoprene and featuring a metal buckle, quick-release clasp, and emergency handle, designed to keep pets safe during outdoor adventures.
Driveline specialists with expertise in engine building, front and rear differentials, axle upgrades and precision regearing to optimize performance for both on and off road applications.
Life-changing tool designed to help people unlock their full potential through it's quick and easy strategies to follow & video training supports.
Managed service that integrates built-in AI agents with a CRM, streamlining customer relationship management and boosting sales efficiency.
Full service social media marketing and management business tailored for restaurants offering curated content, social media strategies, and hands-on management.
Professional service for digitizing memories and stories by interviewing individuals and packaging their stories in podcast-style audio formats.
Homemade sweets for desserts and events that bring comfort and connection, and fudge making classes.
Helps organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by making creativity a strategic advantage through their proprietary Seven Pillars of Creative Organizations framework.
Specialty honey, hive-byproducts (beeswax wraps, candles etc.), and beekeeping products.
Bookkeeping business focusing on income tax, small business and corporate tax returns, monthly, quarterly, yearly bookkeeping.
Creative videography studio specializing in crafting cinematic, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning videos for real estate and commercial projects.
Home styling brand offering interior styling, home organization, furniture selection, color consultation and curated decor shopping with a unique blend of Nigerian heritage and modern Canadian aesthetics.
Coaching programs providing personalized academic assistance for student athletes, ensuring they can excel in their education without compromising their passions.
Rogan Mei Music is an artist led venture focused on creating, performing, and promoting indie folk music.
Fashion design programs for children and youth, as well as sewing classes for adults, taking students through sketching and pattern drafting to sewing and showcasing their work.
Renovations contractor company specializing in ageing-in-place home improvements and chronic illness home modification solutions.
Pet CPR and first-aid certified Grooming Salon with a specialization in caring for senior and special needs/high-anxiety dogs.
