Thunder Bay AI
Funding Radar
Ontario · Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre2026 Intake Closed

Starter Company Plus

THE SHORT ANSWER

A provincial grant and training program for Ontario entrepreneurs starting, buying, or expanding a small business — up to 15 hours of training, business-plan help, a grant up to $5,000, and a three-month mentorship. A dedicated Indigenous stream is available locally. Applications for the 2026 program are closed; the program runs in intakes, so check with the Entrepreneur Centre for the next one.

Max funding$5,000
CoverageGrant up to $5,000 plus training and a three-month mentorship (applicant investment required — confirm the current terms)
Deadline2026 intake closed — ask the Entrepreneur Centre about the next intake
Last verifiedJuly 10, 2026

Who can apply

LocationThunder Bay & surrounding Northwestern Ontario
Business typeFor-profit small businesses starting, buying, or expanding
Not eligibleCharities, non-profits, and certain regulated industries
Requirements18+; Ontario resident & Canadian citizen/PR; not a full-time student; confirm the next intake and investment terms with the Entrepreneur Centre (807-625-3960).

Eligibility is guidance only — always confirm directly with Ontario · Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre before planning around this program. Never assume you qualify based on this summary alone.

Frequently asked

What is the Starter Company Plus?

A provincial grant and training program for Ontario entrepreneurs starting, buying, or expanding a small business — up to 15 hours of training, business-plan help, a grant up to $5,000, and a three-month mentorship. A dedicated Indigenous stream is available locally. Applications for the 2026 program are closed; the program runs in intakes, so check with the Entrepreneur Centre for the next one.

Who can apply for the Starter Company Plus?

Starter Company Plus is open to For-profit small businesses starting, buying, or expanding in Thunder Bay & surrounding Northwestern Ontario. Not eligible: Charities, non-profits, and certain regulated industries. Confirm your specific eligibility directly with Ontario · Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre before applying.

How much funding does the Starter Company Plus provide?

The Starter Company Plus can provide up to $5,000. Coverage: Grant up to $5,000 plus training and a three-month mentorship (applicant investment required — confirm the current terms). Current funding availability and your specific entitlement must be confirmed with Ontario · Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre — amounts depend on program budget and individual circumstances.

How do I apply for the Starter Company Plus?

18+; Ontario resident & Canadian citizen/PR; not a full-time student; confirm the next intake and investment terms with the Entrepreneur Centre (807-625-3960). Visit the official program page for the full application process. Deadline: 2026 intake closed — ask the Entrepreneur Centre about the next intake.

This page summarizes publicly available program information verified against official sources. All amounts, deadlines, and eligibility details must be confirmed with the program administrator before applying.

Official program page

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