Starter Company Plus

The Starter Company Plus program is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Northumberland County who are looking to grow and expand a business that has been operating for at least 6 months+.
The Starter Company Plus program offers business growth and development support, training, advice, and mentoring. Eligible applicants who are approved may receive a grant of up to $3,500. Completion of the required business training is mandatory to receive grant funds. Please refer to the application for further details about the training requirements.
This is a competitive process, and not all applicants will receive grant funding. Spaces are limited. Applications will be scored and evaluated based on the information provided, so please be as detailed as possible.
Applicants must meet all requirements as listed below. If you have any questions, please contact the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland.
Training is available to all applicants and interested individuals, regardless of eligibility.
OSBAC programs and services are delivered by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
Eligibility
- Operate a full-time business in Northumberland County with regular monthly sales. Part-time and seasonal businesses are not eligible.
- Have been in operation for at least 6 months.
- Demonstrate a cash or equivalent investment of at least 25% of the grant amount ($875).
- Comply with all applicable government rules and regulations. Required permits, certifications, and licences must be current at the time of application.
- Business is NOT a franchise, including those individually owned and operated, a not-for-profit or charitable organization, or a multi-level marketing business.
- Not operate a single-event venture, including musical acts, bands, DJs, or dance and party event organizations.
- Not operate a technology app that is not market-ready or a standalone app.
- Not operate a childcare centre, including a daycare.
- Individuals are not eligible if they have received funding from the Business Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland within the past two years.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applications open until Monday, November 16!
Celebrate Small Business Week by taking the next step toward growing your business. Applications for the Starter Company Plus fall Intake open October 19, offering eligible entrepreneurs the opportunity to access training, mentorship and a chance to receive up to $3,500 in grant funding.
Mandatory Training
The following training is open to everyone. However, successful grant applicants are required to attend all three training sessions listed below and complete a 1:1 personalized business consultation with a BECN Advisor in order to receive grant funding.
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Financial Planning for Businesses with Carey McMaster of TRAICON
Location: Zoom
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Register now -
Build Your Own Marketing Plan with Lisa Marie Einarson of Simple Desk Solutions
Location: Northumberland County Council Chambers, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
Date: Monday, January 25, 2027, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Snow date: Thursday, January 28, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Register now -
Peer-to-Peer Connect
Location: BECN Boardroom at 600 William Street, Cobourg
Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.(Snow date: Wednesday, February 3, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Register now
OSBAC programs and services are delivered by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland and are funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
