Entries open for Markham Starter Company Plus Program (Canada)

Entries open for Markham Starter Company Plus Program (Canada)

Deadline: 18 August 2025

Markham’s Starter Company Plus Program seeks to help entrepreneurs start, expand or grow a small business in Markham by providing training, education and advisory services and an opportunity to be selected for grant funding of up to $5,000.00 including access to mentorship from local business leaders.

Funding Information

• A $5,000 micro-grant along with advisory support and mentorship.

Program Phases

• The program is delivered in two phases:
  • Open to all applicants: Training, Education and assistance with preparation of an updated Business Plan/growth plan/pivot plan and Budget
  • For selected applicants chosen to proceed to Phase 2: Receive grant funding and begin 3-month mentoring period

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must fit the following criteria:
  • A for-profit business located in the municipal boundaries of Markham
  • Not employed full time elsewhere
  • Not in a full-time education program and/or not planning to return to school full-time in the next 3 years
  • Not currently receiving funding from another Provincial entrepreneurship or business program
  • Not a previous recipient of the Starter Company (Plus) grant nor Small
  • Business Recovery and Digital Resilience Program grant
  • Not a commission-based business nor franchise business
  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario
• And are willing to:
  • Create and follow a business plan/growth plan/pivot plan and a 2-year financial forecast/budget
  • Agree to participate in training and monthly mentoring meetings over a 3 month period
  • Agree to provide business reports to the Markham Small Business Centre for verification over a 3-month period

For more information, visit Markham.