Entrepreneurship Funding Programs

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Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, the Starter Company Plus and Summer Company grant programs are offered through the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre to assist you in starting or growing your company.

Starter Company PLUS

Are you looking to start up or scale up a company? Get funded with Starter Company PLUS!

Successful Applicants get business training, 3 months of mentorship and up to $5,000 in funding.

To apply, you need a developed business proposition that you can launch immediately. This program is open to applicants who are 18 years or older and not in full time school or work. To get started, please fill out this inquiry form.

Please note: Starter Company Plus Applications are now closed.

Application Process

Complete the Inquiry Form (Applications are now closed)
Complete the Eligibility Application
If eligible, you will be invited to attend an information session
Attend 5 training sessions
Submit your complete business plan and your cash flow forecast
Submit all the required documents, including program Application and Agreement

Eligibility

Not currently enrolled in full-time education and not planning to return to school fulltime in the next 3 years
Proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company or buying from another entrepreneur (if existing business: must have been operating less than 3 years)
18 years of age or older
Not full time employed
A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Prepare to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week to run your business
Prepare to commit to the monthly mentorship requirements for a minimum of 3 months
Prepare to complete a mandatory Business Training program
Not currently participating in any other self-employment or entrepreneurship training or financing programs offered by government funded organizations
Have not received other government funding
Can demonstrate 25% cash or equivalent commitment to the business

Summer Company

Do you have an idea that you are super excited to bring to life or a business you are inspired start? Are you a student who is interested in learning what it would be like to be your own boss?

Get funded with Summer Company! Successful applicants get business education, 2 months of mentorship and up to $3,000 in funding.

To apply, you need a launch-ready business idea, a free summer, and a short business plan. This program is available for full time students between 15 - 29 years of age. To get started, please fill out this inquiry form.

Please note: the next Summer Company applications begin January 2019 and close May 2019.

Application Process

Complete the Inquiry Form (above)
Complete the Eligibility Application
If eligible, you will invite to an interview
Submit your application, as well as your business plan and cash flow forecast

Eligibility

Enrolled in an Ontario high school, college or university
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
15 to 29 years old
Not currently running a business
Not currently employed and working more than 12 hours
Not a past Summer Company grant recipient
Commit to an average of 35 hours a week to run your business

Mentorship Opportunities

If you have business experience and expertise and a desire to help develop new and aspiring entrepreneurs, then we'd like to hear from you. Start mentoring with the Richmond Hill SBEC and you will have the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs who are starting or scaling up their businesses.

Apply for group mentorship or one-on-one mentorship below:

Be a Mentor

Access Richmond Hill

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Entrepreneurship Funding Programs

Starter Company PLUS

Summer Company

Mentorship Opportunities

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