Inspiring Entrepreneurship
Starter Company Plus
Training, Mentoring, Funding Opportunity
An accelerated training program that provides hands-on support in developing your business plan and cash flow projections, with the opportunity to pitch for grant funding.
Autumn 2024 intake is now closed. Join the contact list for the spring 2025 session!
The next available intake for the Starter Company Plus program will be spring 2025. Information session registration will open in April for a May start date. Please join the contact list to ensure you receive an invite to register! Thank you!
Recent Grant Award Recipients
Spring 2024
Tyler Armstrong of Pinnacle Haven Farms located in Horton Township; Maria Arvizu of Salsa Sabor a Mexico located in Head, Clara & Maria Township; Tyson Bromley of Bromley Acres Wagyu located in Laurentian Valley Township; Zuzana Keslerova of Kesler Architect located in McNab/Braeside Township; Hani Morsi of Montu Canada located in Arnprior; Alyssa Pearce of Barron Canyon Coffee & Tea Co. located in Petawawa; Shawna Plotz of Bloom Wildly located in Bonnechere Valley Township; Noelle Shangraw of Ottawa Valley Sports located in Petawawa; Tauney Stinson of Forager Bee located in Renfrew; and Bronwyn Wearring of White Forest Farm located in Whitewater Region.
Testimonials
'Starter Company Plus has offered me and my small business an amazing opportunity, not just the chance to compete for a grant - but to learn, grow and hone my abilities to operate as a small business owner. I would recommend any new entrepreneur to this program and would even go as far to say it is a MUST before you launch!'
Alexis
"The Starter Company Plus program was incredibly beneficial for me as a new business owner. It provided a wealth of information on integrating legal aspects, taxes, marketing strategies, and business planning. This comprehensive program was extremely helpful in identifying areas where I still need to grow and focus on building my business successfully. The program equipped me with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of starting, running and building a business and I am truly grateful for the guidance and support, the entirety of the program provided. Big thanks for this incredible program for our growing community of entrepreneurs!"
Noelle
'As someone who didn't put in quite enough time into the program and who didn't have a clear vision at the start of the program, I still found the whole program incredibly useful. I may not have pitched but the info, advice and other stories from everyone has given me a clear vision for where I want to take my business. Highly recommend this program!'
Connor
Program Details
Starter Company PLUS participants in training write a full business plan, complete two years of cash-flow projections, complete sessions with insurance, legal, and accounting experts, and have opportunity to compete through a pitch for a grant of up to $4,000 to start, grow or purchase their business.
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Please Note: The award portion of the program is a competition; Not every applicant will receive a grant.
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Applicants can only compete for the grant during the time frame of their application and acceptance into the Starter Company Plus program.
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Applicants must be a resident of the County of Renfrew and the business must be based in and operating within the County of Renfrew.
Information Session Dates:
Please check the workshop calendar for info session dates and registrations or register below for an info session. Typically sessions are offered in the spring and fall. All meetings and training sessions are held online via Zoom.
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Mandatory Training Dates
To take part in the Starter Company PLUS Program you must be available to attend business training. All training will take place remotely via Zoom. You must have Microsoft Office Suite to access program training templates and will require @gmail address to access google classroom.
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Application Process
- Choose a time and attend an Information Session
- Submit the application form (will be provided after attending an Information Session)
- Participate in a one-on-one telephone interview
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- If accepted into the training portion of the program, applicants must:
- Submit and sign an application form electronically
- Submit and sign a learning agreement
- Provide a copy of a business registration
- Write a business plan that includes two years cash-flow projections
- Attend all business training sessions
- Follow a personal learning plan
- Attend all sessions and complete all requirements to earn a pitch opportunity
- Applicants competing for the grant must provide 25% proof of financial contribution
- To compete for the business grant, you must prepare and pitch a fifteen minute presentation
to the Grant Review Committee.
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*Successful grant recipients will continue with an additional two month coaching and reporting period. All program participants may access individualized business coaching post program.
To discuss the program and ask any questions call at: 613.735.8224
