
starter company plus
Starter Company Plus is a training and mentoring program for start-up businesses less than two (2) years in age. Currently, we are inviting all types of businesses to apply!
This program offers opportunities for FREE training in Business Planning, Marketing and Social Media, as well as Bookkeeping and Financial Management. Plus, there is an ongoing FREE mentorship opportunity and funding opportunities of up to $5,000 for eligible businesses approved into the program.
apply now for the spring cohortBusiness training and ongoing mentorship opportunities available
Funding opportunities of up to $5k for eligible businesses
Program Information:
Applications for the Spring cohort are now being accepted. The Application portal will remain open until March 31, 2023. Apply today!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Starter Company Plus Grant Expenditures
- Starter Company Plus Cohort Date Commitments (TBA)
Have questions about the program? Contact us today by clicking the button below and we’d be happy to answer them.
CONTACT starter company plusProgram Eligibility:
Individual Eligibility
- 18 years of age and over
- Ontario resident – living in Hamilton
- Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident
- Not attending school full-time
- Operating a full-time business in Hamilton (35+ hours per week)
- Not enrolled in another self-employment program
- The applicant is fully responsible for the ongoing operation of the business and is the majority shareholder (at least 50%) in the case of a corporation
- Agree to follow all government rules and regulations for operating a business
Business Eligibility
- Business is in the start-up and/or operational phase – less than two (2) years in age
- Businesses must be sales-ready within the funding timeframe
- Business is an independent business venture
- Business does not rely on commission sales
- Business is not an existing franchise operation
- Business operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Business operates full-time as defined in the business plan (35+ hours per week)
- Business maintains its own books and records
- Business maintains a separate business bank account
Join the Waitlist:
If you do not qualify for the Winter 2023 cohort, you are welcome and encouraged to add your name and email address to our waitlist. Everyone signed up on the waitlist will be notified as soon as the next cohort application opens!
While you wait to hear about the next Starter Company Plus cohort, we encourage you to start and grow your business, as well as take advantage of the other resources and services the Hamilton Business Centre offers including workshops and FREE consultations.
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