Two business owners pose in front of their gym logo

Starter Company Program

Starter Company logo

The Starter Company Growth Program is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Northumberland County looking to grow and expand a business that have been in operation for 6 months+.

The Starter Company Growth Program offers businesses growth development, training, advice, and mentoring.  Eligible approved applicants could receive a grant of up to $3,500. Completion of business training is mandatory to receive grant funds. Please see application for further training details.

This is a competitive process and not all applicants will receive grant funds, spaces are limited. Applications will be scored and evaluated based on the information provided, please be as detailed as you can.

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

Training is available and open to all applicants and those who are interested, regardless of eligibility.

EligibilityCollage of Starter Compnay Photos

  • A full-time business operating in Northumberland County, with regular monthly sales.
  • In operation for a minimum of 6 months+.
  • Business is NOT a franchise, including those individually owned and operated, is NOT a not-for-profit/charitable organization.
  • Business is NOT a multi-level marketing business (also known as network marketing, direct selling, referral marketing, and pyramid selling) for sales.
  • Individuals are not eligible to apply if they have received any funds from the Business Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland in the past two years.

Application Process and Deadlines

  • Online Application Submission: All online applications must be submitted by Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11:55 PM.
  • Video Interview: After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions to complete a self-recorded video interview. Video interviews must be submitted by Monday, April 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon).
  • Notification of Results: All applicants will be notified of their grant status by email on Monday, May 4, 2026.

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 personalized business consultation in order to receive grant funding.

  • How to use Google Ads & AI to Grow Your Business – Rebecca Hawthorne of Four Corners Collective Location: Zoom | Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Financial Foundations for Profit & Growth: Mastering Cashflow, Pricing and Performance – with Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch Location: Northumberland County Council Chambers, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg | Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Peer-to-Peer Connect – with Tracey Tink of Extraordinary by Design Location: Keeler Centre, 80 Division Street (Upstairs Rotary Room), Colborne | Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

 

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