Eligibility:

• 18 years of age or older
• Not currently enrolled in full-time education
• Not full-time employed
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario
• Currently running a business, proposing a new business, or expanding or buying a business in Brampton
• Be sales-ready at the time of funding
• Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours per week to run your business
• Prepared to complete the mandatory Business Training Program 12 weeks
• Prepared to attend mandatory mentor meetings 
• Not participating in any other Government Funded Entrepreneurship Training Programs, and/or have not received funding from BEC (i.e. grant recipients from Starter Company, Summer Company)
• Can provide proof of equity in the business ($1,250)

What types of businesses are eligible?

• A sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder
• An independent business venture
• Partnership where the applicant holds the Majority share; if 50/50 shared, only one partner may apply
• 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, following government rules and regulations for operating a business
• A business that is sales-ready at the time of funding

A participating business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation;  however, the award can only be given to one person in the company. If there are two partners, only one is eligible to receive the Starter Company Plus grant. Grants will not be given to multiple individuals for the same business idea. For corporations and partnerships, the applicant must own at least fifty one percent (51%) of the shares. The applicant must be responsible for the ongoing management of the business.  Previous grant recipients are not eligible to be partners

What type of businesses are not eligible?

• Partnerships where the applicant holds a minority share, franchises, commissioned sales and distributorship
• Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavors
• Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing ventures
• Single event such as musical ventures bands, DJs or dance/party event organizations
• Businesses that are strictly pay per click and 1-900 number businesses
• Rely on commission sales
• Are part of an existing franchise operation
• Are based on a pyramid scheme or multi-level marketing operations
• Gas Stations
• Tire Recycling
• Scrap Metal Recycling
• Pawnbrokers 
• Holding Companies
• Laundromats 
• Automated Car Wash Operations 
• Pay Day Loan and related businesses 
• Real Estate Investment
• Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former Starter Company

What is the grant application process and disbursement?

1. Submit completed application 
2. Attend the mandatory orientation sessions
3. Complete mandatory business training and mentoring provided by BEC
4. Submit your completed business plan and cash flow for review by the Grant Committee, if your business plan score is 80% or higher, opportunity to pitch for grant funding
5. Provide proof of equity ($1,250)
6. Comply with the Participant Agreement
7. Operate your business on a full-time basis, a minimum average of 35 hours a week
8. Agree to one site visit by the program provider
9. Complete the anonymous participant survey upon receiving grant funding

What happens if I don't complete the requirements?

If for whatever reason you are unable to complete the program requirements during the intake period you applied to, you will have an opportunity to apply again

What happens if I pitch to the grant committee and don't receive the grant funding?

You will have an opportunity to pitch again at the next intake period.  This will give the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre an opportunity to work with you to refine your pitch and business model to increase your chances of receiving the grant.

Who decides if I get approved for funding?

A grant committee made up of City of Brampton staff and private sector stakeholders will review applications and determine which applicants are approved for grant funding.

Approval decisions are based on:

• feasibility of the proposed business
• proposed business’s potential for job creation
• start-up budget and financing needs of the proposed business
• cash and in-kind contributions of the applicant
• applicant’s entrepreneurial aptitude 

I am working full time.  Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?

The intent of Starter Company Plus is to help people launch a new business or expand an existing business where other forms of financing are unavailable. Those working full time are not eligible.  You may work part-time and still apply. A part-time job is defined as no more than 20 hours per week.

I am in school full time.  Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?

Yes, a potential applicant to the program who is enrolled in part-time schooling or training (part-time can include in-class, on-line or distance studies and is defined as 1 course per semester) is eligible for participation in the Starter Company Plus program. You must be prepared to satisfy program training and mentoring requirements and commit a minimum average of 35 hours per week to running your business.

If I previously received a Starter Company grant, may I apply for Starter Company Plus?

No. If you or your company have already received a grant under the Starter Company program you may not apply to any of the other grant streams that are offered as part of Starter Company Plus.

I don't live in Brampton.  Can I still apply?

Starter Company Plus is a provincial program, but you must apply in the municipality where your physical business is located.  The program in Brampton is open to Brampton and Caledon residents only.

PLEASE NOTE:

• To be considered to be a participant of the program you must complete the online program application, comply with the program requirements and the program terms and conditions provided by the City of Brampton and the Government of Ontario.
• Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance as a participant in the program.
• There are limited spots available for participation in the program.
• Submission of your program application does not guarantee your acceptance into the program as a participant, nor the receipt of the program grant.
• Incomplete program applications will not be considered.
• The process by which this program is delivered is subject to change.
• Not all program participants will receive the grant and/or prize money, but all will receive training.
• BEC reserves the right to disqualify any participant that, in its sole judgement violates the spirit of the program and its guidelines, process and rules.  BEC and its Judges decisions are final.