The Starter Company Plus program assists people 18 years and older who are interested in expanding or purchasing a business in Brampton.

The program is delivered by the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) for the Brampton & Caledon area. It is funded by the Province of Ontario and part of the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) network. For other locations, visit: SBEC Locations

Program Benefits

• Free training and business skills development
• Free mentorship and guidance
• Opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000

To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and attend a mandatory info session. Attendance does not guarantee acceptance or funding.

Eligibility Requirements

You must:

• Be a resident of Ontario
• Be 18 years or older
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Not be in or returning to full-time school
• Be expanding or buying a existing business in Brampton or Caledon
• Commit 35+ hours/week to the business
• Attend all required training/mentorship sessions
• Not be in another provincial business support program
• Not have previously received a Starter Company grant
• Own at least 51% if applying as a business partner
• Provide 25% matching contribution (up to $1250)
• Have sales and been operating for at least 6 month before Sept 2025 (Able to prove)

Your business must:

• Be independent and based in Brampton or Caledon
• Be legal, full-time, and registered in Ontario
• Not be a franchise or commission-based model
• Maintain separate bank account and records
• Operate at arm’s length from family businesses
• Have or plan to get a Master Business License or Incorporation
• Comply with laws/by-laws and show a viable business plan

Priority will be given to:

• Main street businesses (retail, bars, restaurants, cafes)
• Creative industry professionals

Orientation Session

To apply, you must attend one of the mandatory online info sessions. These cover:

• Eligibility and program requirements
• Training and mentorship schedule
• Details on how to access the grant

Ineligible Businesses

Businesses not eligible for Starter Company include:

• Side hustles or part-time businesses
• Partnerships where the applicant holds a minority share, franchises, commissioned sales and distributorships
• Incorporated businesses controlled by someone who would not be eligible for the program
• Continuations of existing commercial endeavors
• Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing ventures or pyramid schemes
• Single-event businesses (bands, DJs, party organizers)
• Strictly pay-per-click or 1-900 number businesses
• Gas stations, tire or scrap metal recycling, pawnbrokers, holding companies, laundromats, automated car wash operations, payday loan businesses, real estate investment
• Businesses previously owned or operated by past Starter Company participants
• Early-stage (6 months to 2 years) or an established small business (2 or Greater) in Brampton with under 50 employees;
• Legal business registered and operating in Mississauga;
• Sole proprietorship or a corporation in which the Program Applicant is the majority shareholder (minimum 51%);
• Independent business venture based in Mississauga;
• Able to demonstrate financial activity statements;
• Business that requires certification and/or license must be current at the time of program application;
• Operate at arm’s length from family business ventures;
• Part-time or seasonal business;
• Business that relies on commissioned sales;
• Franchise;
• Home-based food business;
• Not-for-profit or charitable enterprise;
• Multi-level marketing ventures;
• Business that is pay-per click;