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.

Program process and requirements

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Application opens
Monday, November 10, 2025 – Application closes
Monday, December 1, 2025 – Successful recipients notified 

If approved, mandatory online and in-person training is scheduled for the following days:

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 December in order to receive grant funding. Additional details will be provided shortly.

  • “Strategic Marketing Made Simple” with Barb Smith. 600 William St., Cobourg – Monday, January 12, 2026 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Snow Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 
  • “Grow & Scale Your Business” with Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch. Alnwick Civic Centre, Roseneath – Tuesday, January 20, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Snow date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
  • “Peer-to-Peer Connect” with Martin Delahay. 600 William St., Cobourg – January TBC, 2026 9:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Snow date: January TBC, 2026 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
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