Applications are Now Open for Starter Company Plus
February 2, 2026Cornwall, 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 Spring Session will begin on March 10, 2026, with an orientation session from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
“We consistently see how targeted training and mentorship can elevate a business from concept to reality,” says Mireille Lemire, Business Advisor at the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre. “Starter Company Plus empowers entrepreneurs with the skills and connections they need to grow with purpose. I encourage anyone who’s been thinking about starting or strengthening a business to take advantage of this opportunity.”
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 February 24th, 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.
- Program participants who complete the program may be eligible to receive a grant of up to $5,000.
- A complete list of successful Starter Company Plus grant recipients can be found on the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre website.
All interested new small business owners are encouraged to visit the CBEC website for more information:
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) :