Starter Company Program

The Starter Company Program is an opportunity for eligible youth to be provided with business skills development, training, advice & mentoring. Appropriate participants can also apply for a grant of up to $4,000 to start, grow or buy a business.

Applicants must meet all requirements as listed below, please contact the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre if you have any questions.

Eligibility

• Between 18 & 29 years of age
• Not in full time education & not returning to school
• Canadian citizen, resident of Northumberland County
• Commit to minimum 35 hours per week to your business
• Not currently participating in any other government funded entrepreneurship training/financing programs
• Starting / Operating / Expanding a business (Existing businesses must show growth – creating a job / hiring)
• Business must be sole proprietorship, an independent business venture, maintain own books and records, maintain separate business bank account, operate full time as defined in business plan

Not Eligible: Franchises, not for profits, multi-level marketing ventures, single event such as musical ventures, DJs or dance/party organizations, pay per click or 1-900 businesses. 

Program process and requirements

• Complete an application
• Meet (on Zoom/phone) with program coordinator to discuss your idea or business venture
• Complete a business planning document & cash flow forecast (we can assist with this)
• Provide a copy of business registration, bank account, SIN# (required if approved for grant funding), and any other required licensing documents your program provider requests
• Submit completed business planning portfolio for review by a grant committee, and if approved, receive grant disbursement in 2 installments
• Agree to participate in coaching, mentoring, peer to peer discussions
• Complete all business training (workshops, online webinars, etc.)
• Operate your business on full-time basis
• Maintain an activity log with business tasks, operations and marketing activities for program provider review
• Maintain business records of income & expenses, including receipts

Please note this is a competitive process and not all grant applicants will receive grant money.

All grant program participants must agree to:

1. Complete the Great Biz Now Readiness Challenge survey
2. Complete a business planning worksheet and cash flow financials
3. Complete all appropriate online training and attend educational components
4. Attend and participate in virtual group and individual mentor meetings as required
5. Attend and participate in virtual workshops and seminars

Contact us for further program information and application information.