CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, is pleased to announce the launch of a new program available to residents from Cornwall, SD&G and Akwesasne.
Starter Company PLUS offers the successful applicants unparalleled assistance to start, grow or purchase an existing small business. Assistance includes training, business skills development, mentoring from local business leaders and all-important access to capital. The program is open to residents 18 years of age and older.
“The Starter Company PLUS program will partner entrepreneurs with experts who will help them develop the skills needed to launch and sustain a successful business,” said Candy Pollard, Business Consultant with the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. “Training and mentorship are the core of the program, but participants are also eligible to receive up to a $5,000 grant.”
Interested prospective entrepreneurs are invited to visit the CBEC website for an outline of this new program and to find application information. CBEC staff will work with approved entrepreneurs to create a learning plan, schedule necessary training, and ultimately create a business plan, start-up budget and a 2 year financial forecast.
Eligible entrepreneurs include those purchasing an existing business, starting their own, or expanding their already existing business. In order for a business expansion to be eligible for a grant, concrete growth goals must be established – ideally including the hiring of staff.
Depending on the readiness of the applicant, they may remain in the training module for weeks or months. They may be matched with a mentor or receive advice/coaching/training from the mentoring group as part of the training process.
Once training is complete, the applicant is eligible to apply for funding of up to $5,000. No funding will be provided to the participants during the training module.
“Starter Company PLUS is expected to be very popular,” said Candy Pollard, Business Consultant with the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. “Local entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of this program should apply as soon as they have solidified their business vision in order to ensure the best possible chances of being accepted.”
Starter Company Quick Facts
Entrepreneurs in Cornwall, SD&G and Akwesasne, can apply to the Starter Company PLUS program by submitting a program application to the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre.
To apply, participants must be an Ontario resident, 18 years of age or older, and no longer attending school.
Successful applicants may receive up to a $5,000 grant to help launch/purchase/expand their business.
