For the purposes of this Program, youth are defined as those between 15 and 29
years of age. Starter Company provides:
• training and business skills development to help youth prepare to run their own business;
• advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running;
• experience running a business that will better position youth to obtain more traditional financing, such as a bank loan, if required; and
• where applicable/eligible, a micro-grant to kick-off a new business or expand an existing business. What is Eligible? Eligible participants for the Starter Company program are:
• 18 to 29 years of age;
• proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company or buying a business from a retiring entrepreneur;
• not a full time student and not returning to school;
• a resident of Ontario;
• a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week to running a business;
• prepared to attend monthly meetings for at least six months after the start or assumed ownership of the business;
• has not received a Starter Company grant in the past; and
• not currently enrolled in the Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program. What is Not Eligible?
• Youth attending school or returning to school;
• Part-time or seasonal businesses;
** Youth aged 15-17 may be considered in exceptional cases when they meet all other criteria. Training:
Young entrepreneurs interested in Starter Company will work with The Regional Business Centre to create a learning plan and receive necessary training, including the creation of a business plan with performance milestones. These entrepreneurs can be buying a business, starting their own, or expanding an already existing business. In order for a business expansion to be eligible for a grant, concrete growth goals must be established – ideally including the hiring of staff. No funding will be provided to the participants during the training module. Participants will be ready to leave the training module and approach the Regional Grant Committee to apply for funding (if needed) when they have:
• completed all of the elements in their learning plan;
• produced a viable business plan with reasonable milestones and targets; and
• demonstrated their commitment to the Program to the satisfaction of their service provider. Funding:
The Regional Grant Committee will determine whether and how much funding the applicant should receive based on:
• feasibility of the business;
• quality of applicant – teachability, entrepreneurial aptitude;
• potential for job creation;
• start-up budget/financing needs of the business; and
• cash/in-kind contributions of the participant
The participant may receive up to $5,000 in funding, provided that they can match that funding by 25% (may include asset-based in-kind contribution, at fair market value, such as equipment or machinery required to run the business i.e. ladders/scaffolding for a painting company; camera and lenses for a photographer). The participant will receive up to 75% of total eligible funding at the time of funding being approved. The final amount of the grant will be received when the participant has reached the mutually agreed upon milestones/targets laid out in their business plan. Mentoring and Follow Up:
The participant operates the business and attends formalized mentoring meetings at least monthly for six months. They may also meet informally with their personal mentor. During the six month period the business provides report backs to The Regional Business Centre detailing:
• revenues
• cash-flow
• hiring
• other business details as requested
