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:
- Complete the Great Biz Now Readiness Challenge survey
- Complete a business planning worksheet and cash flow financials
- Complete all appropriate online training and attend educational components
- Attend and participate in virtual group and individual mentor meetings as required
- Attend and participate in virtual workshops and seminars
Contact us for further program information and application information.