Markham’s Starter Company Plus program seeks to help entrepreneurs start, expand or grow a small business in Markham by providing training, education and advisory services and an opportunity to be selected for grant funding of up to $5,000.00 including access to mentorship from local business leaders.

Expressions of interest are now being accepted and the deadline is Wednesday September 15, 2021.

If you are:

• A for-profit business located in the municipal boundaries of Markham
• Not employed full time elsewhere
• Not in a full-time education program and/or not planning to return to school full-time in the next 3 years
• Not currently receiving funding from another Provincial entrepreneurship or business program
• Not a previous recipient of the Starter Company (Plus) grant nor Small Business Recovery and Digital Resilience Program grant
• Not a commission-based business nor franchise business
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario.

And are willing to:

• Create and follow a business plan/growth plan/pivot plan and a 2-year financial forecast/budget
• Agree to participate in training and monthly mentoring meetings over a 3-month period
• Agree to provide business reports to the Markham Small Business Centre for verification over a 3-month period.
  

Then:

• Your business may be a fit with the Starter Company Plus program.  Complete the Expression of Interest survey here.

The program is delivered in two phases:

1. Open to all applicants: Training, Education and assistance with preparation of an updated Business Plan/growth plan/pivot plan and Budget
2. For selected applicants chosen to proceed to Phase 2: Receive grant funding and begin 3-month mentoring period

Complete the Expression of Interest here.