Starter Company Plus
Overview
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.
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
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
How to Apply
Download and complete a business plan and a financial forecast and then upload them through the online form.
Business Plan Template: Download
Financial Forecast Template: Download
Need help on your Business Plan and Financial Forecast documents? Join the training sessions below:
- Intro to Financial Forecasting Session - July 17, 1-3PM
- How to Write your Financial Forecasting - Recording
- DIY Your Business Plan Session - July 30th, 1:30PM - 3PM
Have More Questions? Book a 1-1 Consultation with us here.
Apply before August 18, 2025 by 11:59PM.
Training Schedule for 2025 cohort
| Descriptions | Date |
| Orientation day | September 18, 3pm-4:30pm |
| 1-1 Mentor Session #1 | Week of September 22 ( Options for Sep 22, Sept 23 PM and Sept 24 AM) |
| 1-1 Mentor Session #2 | Week of October 20 (Options for Oct 21, Oct 22 PM and Oct 23 AM) |
| 1-1 Mentor Session #3 | Week of November 10 (Options for Nov 10, Nov 11 PM and Nov 12 AM) |
| Starter Company Regional Networking Event | TBA |
