Applications are Now Open for Starter Company Plus
August 1, 2025Cornwall, Ontario – The Starter Company Plus program is once again open for applications.
A new intake of applications has been announced by the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC), which administers the program on behalf of the Government of Ontario. The highly sought-after program offers new entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from community experts, develop a comprehensive business plan, and create a solid financial forecast for their ventures.
The Fall Session will begin on September 9th, 2025, with an orientation session from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
“We’ve seen firsthand how the right support at the right time can completely transform a business,” says Mireille Lemire of the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre. “Starter Company Plus offers just that – a chance for new and growing entrepreneurs to gain real-world skills, confidence, and connections that can carry them forward. I encourage anyone with a business idea or anyone looking to grow their business to take that first step and apply.”
The program covers various essential aspects of entrepreneurship, including:
- building a business plan,
- market research,
- market analysis,
- financial forecasting, and
- pitch training.
Participants will have the chance to work closely with experienced mentors who will provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the program. The program also offers a grant component for the top participants who score the highest upon program completion.
Intake Now Open
Applying to the Spring Session of the Starter Company Plus Program is easy. Interested individuals can submit their applications online through the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre’s website. The application portal will remain open until August 29th, 2025.
The Starter Company Plus program is open to residents of Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne who are 18 years of age and older.
Quick Facts
The Starter Company program was launched in 2014 to support younger entrepreneurs and then re-launched in 2017 as Starter Company PLUS – opening the program to a much larger demographic. Since inception, the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre has worked with over 200 participants and has helped to distribute over $600,000 via in micro-grants to local entrepreneurs across the region.
- Entrepreneurs starting, growing, or purchasing a business in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne, can apply to the Starter Company PLUS program by submitting a program application to the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre.
- To apply, participants must be an Ontario resident, 18 years of age or older, and no longer attending school.
- Successful applicants may receive up to a $4,500 grant to help launch/purchase/expand their business.
- Applications close August 29th, 2025.
All interested new small business owners are encouraged to visit the CBEC website for more information:
A complete list of successful Starter Company Plus grant receipts can be found on the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre website.
About the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre
The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is dedicated to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship in Cornwall, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and Akwesasne. Funded by the Province of Ontario as part of the 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres across the province, the Centre provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to new and existing entrepreneurs, helping them grow into successful businesses.
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is located at 100 Water Street East (Cornwall Civic Complex) :