Form Builder

Starter Company PLUS Application

Part 1 of a 2 of the application process

Helping you start, expand or purchase an early-stage business. Get the knowledge and guidance you need to confidently launch your business idea and discover a community that can help make it happen.

The deadline to submit an application is Oct 18th 2023. The program will begin end of Oct. 2023.

The Starter Company Plus program provides entrepreneurs with free access to training and mentorship to help launch or grow their early-stage business. (startup businesses that are pre-revenue and under three years in operation) Participants will receive training and business skills development as well as mentorship from local business leaders and may be eligible for a grant of up to $5,000.

The Program consists of:

•  4 training days

•  3 Roundtable workshops with subject matter experts

•  1 on 1 mentoring for 6 months

• Annual business showcase

 The program outcomes:

• Business Lean Canvas

• Marketing Plan for 1 year

• Cash Flow for 2 years

• Create company Policies and Procedures

• Develop Sales Techniques

Who can apply: (this cohort has limited spaces)

• Canadian Citizen, or permanent Ontario resident aged 18 or older

• Businesses pre-revenue to under three years in operation

• Available to complete business fundamental training and attend group mentoring sessions

• Currently/or prepared to operate your business 35 hours a week

• Available to attend mentor meetings for at least six months after the start of the business

• Operating your business in the Kawartha Lakes area

• Online business owners must reside in Kawartha Lakes

• Not participating in any other government funded entrepreneurship training Programs, and/or not received funding from KLSBEC or other SBECs i.e. previous grant recipients from Starter Company Plus within the past 3 years.

• A sole proprietorship/partnership or a corporation where the applicant holds the Majority share.

• Able to make a contribution to your business in cash or in kind, equivalent to at least 25% of the grant amount (must provide proof)

• Operate at arm’s length from family business ventures in Ontario

• An independent business venture; non franchised, multi level marketing, single events, distributorship, not for profit nor pay per click

• Fits the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed in FORM RC 4110

• Maintain a separate business bank account, following government rules and regulations for operating a business.

Eligible activities for funding:

• Looking for new ways to offer your services

• Build or enhance your website

• Buy equipment or machinery

• Renovations to your location

• Develop marketing material or hire marketing expert

• Purchase POS system

• Introduce new product lines

• Hiring staff etc.

Part 2 of application process

A video pitch is required in order for us to consider your application.

Video - Pitch It!

• Create a 1 - 3 minute video pitch for your business, using the outline below (a video on your phone is acceptable).

  If your video is too large to download here email a link to a google doc. or youtube video to sgreenberg@kawarthalakes.ca

  If you are emailing your video you still need to submit your form with botton below.

Video content outline:

• Introduce yourself/ your company name

• Describe/ showcase your products or services

• What is your differentiator/ special sauce/ WOW factor?

• Summarize why your business will succeed

• Why do you want to take this program?

• Showcase your products or services  , use a work location, backdrops, slides and/or talent

Your video can be taken with a phone, tablet or any video recording device. The content of your video is more important to us than the quality.