The Starter Company Plus Program is for entrepreneurs looking to grow and expand their full time business between 1 to 3 years old, or looking to buy an existing business, in the Durham Region.

The Program provides:

  • The program has 3 mandatory training days over 2 weeks (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) covering Business Concept, Organization, Operations and Customer Relations
  • The chance to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to assist with growth and expansion of your business 
  • The experience of running a successful business that may help you obtain more traditional financing such as a bank loan if you so require in the future

This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

BACD Waiver
BACD reserves the right to disqualify any participant that, in its sole judgement, violates the spirit of the program and its guidelines, processes and rules. BACD and its Grant Committee decisions are final. BACD reserves the right to suspend, delay, modify or cancel these terms and conditions for any reasonable applicable law.

**Please note: All program participants will receive business training, however, not all will receive the grant/seed funding.

Program Application
Apply early – Space is limited and the
program reaches capacity quickly.
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Application Details:

Step 1: Complete the ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION

  • Our Program Coordinator will contact you within 24 – 72 hours to review your application
  • If eligible, you will be asked to register for all 3 training days and mentor sessions. Registration links will be provided by the Program Coordinator

Step 2: Submit your completed program Participation Agreement and proof of in-kind contribution.

  • Provide copies of business registration, business bank account, SIN# (required if approved for seed funding), and any required licensing documents to your Program Provider
  • Provide proof of equity ($1,250)
  • Complete mandatory business training provided by the Business Advisory Centre Durham
  • Upon completion of training, participants may apply for the seed funding. If awarded seed funding, disbursement is in 2 payments and there are mandatory requirements to stay in the program and milestones for the final disbursement
  • Submit your completed business plan and cash flow for review by a Grant Committee, if approved by committee, receive seed funding disbursement in 2 installments

  • Comply with the program guidelines and implement the business substantially in accordance with your completed business plan and financials included with the application
  • Operate your business on a full-time basis, a minimum average of 35 hours a week
  • Attend 6 mandatory business mentor sessions over 3 months
  • Agree to one site visit by the program provider
  • Maintain an activity log provided and reviewed by BACD, include time allocations, outline business tasks, operations and marketing activities
  • Maintain appropriate business records of income and expenditures including receipts which must be submitted to BACD
  • Complete the participant survey at the end of program cycle (1, 2 and 3-year update)
  • Submit an exit questionnaire on your business (learning outcomes and experience)

  • 18 years of age or older and has a SIN#
  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Durham Region (proof required)
  • Not attending school or planning to return to school while enrolled in the program
  • Not employed full time anywhere else
  • Proposing a new business that has been at least 6 months in operation, expanding an existing business that is 3 years old or less, or buying a business, in the Durham Region (proof required)
  • Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours per week to run your business
  • Prepared to complete the mandatory Business Training Program and attend the mandatory mentor meetings
  • Can demonstrate 25% of $5,000 ($1,250) cash or equivalent investment in the business
  • Not enrolled in any other Government Funded Entrepreneurship Training Programs, and/or have not previously received funding from BACD or other SBEC (Small Business Enterprise Centre) (i.e. grant recipients from Starter Company, Second Start, etc.)

  • A sole proprietorship, partnership, or a corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder (document required at time of application and must show a Durham Region address)
  • An independent business venture
  • Partnership where the applicant holds the Majority share; if 50/50 shared, only one partner may apply. (proof required)
  • Fits the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed in FORM RC 4110
  • Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures in Ontario
  • A business that operates full-time as defined in the business plan and maintains its own books and records
  • Maintains a separate business bank account which corresponds with Business Registration documentation.
  • Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business (Businesses that require permits/certification and/or a license must be current at the time of application).

  • Franchises, commissioned sales and distributorships
  • Quasi-financial institutions or money service and money transfer businesses (including insurance companies and financial services companies)
  • Collection Agencies
  • Cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin) businesses and traders
  • Businesses brokering funds or taking on a fiduciary duty handling funds for clients (including investment, insurance, and real estate brokers who handle funds in trust for clients),
  • Vending machines/laundry mats and other traditionally coin operated operations
  • Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
  • Not-for-profit, social enterprise, co-operatives or charitable enterprises
  • Multi-level marketing ventures
  • Single event such as musical ventures, bands, DJs or dance/party event organizations
  • Recording artists, authors, and other similar ‘self-promoting’ artists and activities.
  • Businesses that are strictly online (e.g. drop shipping, resellers), pay per click, 1-900 number businesses, or subscription models
  • Technology apps which are not market-ready
  • Businesses that are operated part-time/seasonally
  • REIT’s, retirement homes, and long-term care homes
  • Student housing and other residential rental accommodation
  • Childcare centres, including daycares, 
  • Home care for elderly and/or vulnerable populations,
  • Medical Marijuana and Cannabis Retailers are not supported due to the complex regulatory requirements.

BACD reserves the right to determine the nature of business types to be accepted into the Starter Company Plus Program.

Connect with Patrice Esper, Program Coordinator to find out more (905) 668-4949 x2370 or email patrice.esper@durham.ca