Starter Company Plus Program

Program Overview

The Starter Company Plus Program is specifically tailored for individuals aged 18 and over who are interested in expanding an existing business or purchasing a business in Brampton.

This program provides extensive support through personalized mentorship, advanced business training, and access to funding opportunities. Participants can benefit from expert guidance, enhance their business acumen, and obtain the resources needed to successfully grow or acquire a business within the dynamic Brampton community. Whether you are looking to take your current business to the next level or acquire a new venture, the Starter Company Plus Program offers the essential tools and support to help you achieve your business objectives.

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre and the Brampton Arts Organization aimed at empowering our creative entrepreneurs. This collaboration will ensure that our programs are tailored specifically to meet the needs of the creative community.

As part of this initiative, we are dedicating a minimum of 8 out of the 30 available grants to support creative entrepreneurs. This is a significant step toward promoting innovation and creativity within Brampton, providing vital resources and opportunities for artists and creative businesses to thrive.

Program Benefits

Comprehensive Business Training - Gain essential knowledge on topics like business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and legal considerations through structured workshops and seminars.

One-on-One Mentorship - Receive personalized guidance from experienced business mentors who can provide insight and advice tailored to your specific business needs and challenges.

Networking Opportunities - Connect with other entrepreneurs, through networking events and workshops, enhancing your business visibility and potential collaborations.

Funding Opportunities - Eligibility to apply for grants up to $5,000, providing critical financial support for business expansion or acquisition.

Marketing and Promotion Support - Assistance in developing effective marketing strategies and materials to increase brand awareness and customer reach.

Technology Support - Guidance on adopting new technologies and digital tools that can improve business operations and customer engagement.

Access to Market Research - Resources and support in conducting market research to better understand your target customers and competitive landscape.

Eligibility for Further Financing - Completion of the program may improve eligibility for further financing from banks and other financial institutions.

Ongoing Support Post-Program - Continued access to certain resources and mentorship even after the program concludes to ensure long-term success.

Priority Consideration for Future Opportunities - Participants may receive priority consideration for other local business opportunities and programs.

Visibility in Community - Opportunities for local media exposure and participation in community events, increasing public awareness of your business.

Note:

The program is delivered by the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) for the Brampton & Caledon area and funded by the Province of Ontario. BEC is part of the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office. Similar programs are available across Ontario through Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs).

For information about the program outside Brampton, visit the Small Business Entrepreneur Centres and Community-Based Provider Locations in Ontario.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Starter Company Plus Program in Brampton, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

Resident of Ontario
18 years or older at the time of application
Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Not attending school full-time nor planning to return to school
Proposing to expand an existing business or buy a business in Brampton or Caledon
Commit a minimum of 35 hours a week to running a full-time business
Attend mandatory training and mentorship meetings
Not enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment-related programs
Not concurrently enrolled in any other government-funded self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing programs
Not have received a Starter Company Program or Starter Company Plus Program grant in the past
If applying as a business partner, confirm a minimum of 51% ownership
Provide proof of a 25% contribution of the potential program grant (up to $1250), in cash or in-kind contributions as approved by BEC

Business Requirements

Eligible businesses must:

Be an independent venture based in Brampton or Caledon
Not rely on commissioned sales
Be legally registered in Ontario
Not be a franchise
Operate at arm’s length from family businesses
Operate full-time (no part-time or seasonal businesses)
Maintain its own books and records
Have a Master Business License or Articles of Incorporation, or register business
Maintain a separate bank account
Comply with all government rules, regulations, and by-laws
Demonstrate a viable and sales-ready business plan at the time of funding

Priority Consideration

Priority is given to Brampton-based entrepreneurs starting or expanding main street businesses (e.g., retail, bars, restaurants, cafes) and professionals in the creative industries. BEC may also determine that a particular business is inappropriate for the program.

Mandatory Orientation Session

Before applying, you must attend a (one) mandatory orientation session, scheduled for August 8th, 2024 or September 5th 2024.

This session will cover:

Eligibility Requirements - It outlines who can apply for the program, including age and residency criteria, commitment to the program’s schedule, and status of the business prior to application.

Program Requirements and Expectations - Details about the nature of the program, including training and mentorship components, as well as the requirement to complete a business plan.
Program Training and Mentorship - A structured phase of the program that involves a 10-12 week training period with mandatory weekly assignments, culminating in the creation of a detailed business plan and financials.
Program Grant Opportunity - Information on how to apply for a grant of up to $5,000, including the need for a pitch video, a minimum business plan score, and financial contribution from the applicant.
Application Process - Steps to apply, including an online application form and subsequent steps like submitting a business plan and undergoing an assessment by a grant committee. (Application Due September 13th, 2024.

Contact and Updates

For more information or to contact your local Starter Company Plus Program provider, visit here.

The Program Administrator (Daniel Bishun) for Brampton's Starter Company Plus, can be reached at daniel.bishun@brampton.ca

Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social channels @bramptonbec.

Program Information

I don't live in Brampton. Can I still apply?
Starter Company Plus is a provincial program, but you must apply in the municipality where your physical business is located. The program in Brampton is open to Brampton and Caledon residents only.
If I previously received a Starter Company grant, may I apply to Starter Company Plus
No. If you or your company have already received a grant under the Starter Company program you may not apply to any of the other grant streams that are offered as part of Starter Company Plus.
I am in school full time. Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?
A potential applicant to the program who is enrolled in part-time schooling or training (part-time can include in-class, on-line or distance studies) is eligible for participation in the Starter Company Plus program. You must be prepared to satisfy program training and mentoring requirements and commit a minimum average of 35 hours per week to running your business.
I am working full time. Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?
The intent of Starter Company Plus is to help people start or expand an existing business where other forms of financing are unavailable. Those working fulltime are not eligible.

**you are able to work throughout the training/mentoring period, but must be ready to launch your business full time IF you receive the grant.
Who decides if I get approved for funding?
A grant committee made up of City of Brampton staff and private sector stakeholders will review applications and determine which applicants are approved for grant funding.

Approval decisions are based on:

feasibility of the proposed business

proposed business’s potential for job creation

start-up budget and financing needs of the proposed business

cash and in-kind contributions of the applicant

applicant’s entrepreneurial aptitude

Have the ability to create sufficient economic impact

Sustainable business model with potential to scale

Fulfills market demand in priority industries
What happens if I pitch to the grant committee and don't receive the grant funding?
You will have an opportunity to pitch again at the next intake period only. This will give the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre an opportunity to work with you to refine your pitch and business model to increase your chances of receiving the grant.
What happens if I don't complete the requirements?
If for whatever reason you are unable to complete the program requirements during the intake period you applied to, you will have an opportunity to apply again at the next intake only.
BEC Waiver
BEC reserves the right to disqualify any participant that, in its sole judgement violates the spirit of the program and its guidelines, process and rules. BEC and the grant review committee decisions are final.

BEC reserves the right to suspend, delay, modify or cancel these terms and conditions for any reasonable applicable law.

**Please note: not all program participants will receive the grant money, but all will receive training.
Grant Application Process and Disbursement
1. Submit completed application
2. Attend mandatory orientation session
3. Complete mandatory business training and mentoring provided by BEC
4. Submit your completed business plan and cash flow for review by the Grant Committee, if your business plan score is 80% or higher, opportunity to pitch for grant funding
5. Provide proof of equity 25% ($1,250)
6. Comply with the Participant Agreement
7. Operate your business on a full-time basis, a minimum average of 35 hours a week
8. Agree to one site visit by the program provider
9. Complete the anonymous participant survey upon receiving grant funding
Businesses not eligible for Starter Company include
- Side Hustles
- Partnerships where the applicant holds a minority share, franchises, commissioned sales and distributorships
- Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
- Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
- Multi-level marketing ventures
- Single event such as musical ventures bands, DJs or dance/party event organizations
- Businesses that are strictly pay per click and 1-900 number businesses
- Rely on commission salesely on commission sales
- Are part of an existing franchise operation
- Are based on a pyramid scheme or multi-level marketing operation
- Gas Station
- Tire Recycling
- Scrap Metal Recycling
- Pawnbrokers
- Holding Companies
- Laundromats
- Automated Car Wash Operations
- Pay Day Loan and related businesses
- Real Estate Investment
- Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former Starter Company participants (including Starter Company Plus)

​​​Starter Company Plus Program