Northwest Business Centre | Programs & Services

Programs & Funding

Starter Company Plus

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Now accepting applications:
The current intake period runs from July 8 to July 18, 2025.

Starter Company Plus is a Government of Ontario funded program and delivered by the Northwest Business Centre designed to create sustainable jobs for its residents through entrepreneurship. If you’re starting, expanding or buying a small business, apply for training, mentoring and a grant through Starter Company Plus program. The program provides: training and business skills development; advice and mentorship from local business leaders; assistance in writing a comprehensive business plan to better position participants in obtaining financing; and an opportunity for a $5,000 grant.

Eligibility & Details

Individuals who are 18 years or older and a resident of the Kenora or Rainy River Districts may apply for the training portion of the program. Individuals applying for the grant must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

18 years of age or older at the time of registration
Proposing starting a new company, expanding an existing company or buying a business located in the Kenora or Rainy River Districts in Ontario – must be operational within 3 months of applying to the program
Not attending school full time or returning to school
A resident of the Kenora or Rainy River Districts in Ontario
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Not enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment-related initiatives and programs that include or do not include financial assistance
Not currently enrolled concurrently in any self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing initiatives and programs offered by government funded organizations
Not working full time (working no more than 20 hours/week at a part-time job);
To qualify for a grant, you must demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets
Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business
Is a sole proprietorship, partnership or a corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder. Proof is required.
Is an independent business venture and operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

Suitability

While the Starter Company Plus Initiative is open to all eligible individuals, it is a training and mentoring initiative geared towards assisting those in need of business knowledge and support. Approval into the Starter Company Plus Initiative is competitive and eligible applicants may not all be accepted.

Ineligible Businesses

Partnerships that are 50% shared, franchises, commissioned sales and distributorships
Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
Multi-level marketing ventures
Single events such as musical ventures bands, DJs or dance/party event organizations
Businesses that are strictly pay-per-click and 1-900 businesses
Businesses that have received the Starter Company, the Starter Company Plus grant or the Starter Company Plus Indigenous Stream from the Northwest Business Centre or any SBEC in the province of Ontario

Training

Entrepreneurs interested in Starter Company Plus will participate in one-on-one and self-directed training with the Northwest Business Centre to create a comprehensive business plan complete with an operational plan, market research and financial statements. No funding will be provided to the participants during the training module.

Participants may move forward to apply for funding from the Grant Committee once they have:

Completed all training components of the program
Developed a viable business plan with three years of projected financial statements
Prepared a 3-minute pitch to present to the Grant Committee
Agreed to work with a business mentor, attending monthly meetings for three months after the program
Ensured the business will be operational within three months of applying
Committed to working an average of 35 hours per week in their business after receiving funding
Demonstrated commitment to the program, to the satisfaction of their service provider

Application process:

To apply, please complete the online form below.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email from the Northwest Business Centre with full program details. This email will also include:
- A request to complete a one-page business overview assignment
- An invitation to interview and discuss your business idea
Program requirements and expectations will be clearly outlined in the email. Please note that space is limited.

Questions?
Contact us at smallbusiness@nwbiz.ca

Funding provided by the Government of Ontario

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

First Last

Gender*

Male

Female

Other

Please indicate your age bracket*

18-29

30-39

40-54

55+

Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario?*

Yes

Do you identify as a Canadian Aboriginal individual? A Canadian Aboriginal individual is a person who is: a Status Indian; or a Non-Status Indian; or an Inuk; or Métis.*

Yes

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City Province Postal Code

Primary Phone Number*

When is the best time to reach you at the above phone number?*

Email*

Have you participated in the Starter Company Program in the past?*

Yes

Are you interested in applying for the grant of up to $5000?*

Yes

To qualify for the grant, are you able to contribute a cash value or in kind that is equal to 25% of the grant amount? How will you provide the contribution?*

Are you planning to start a new company, expand an existing company or purchase a business?*

Describe your business/ business idea in detail. Please ensure you answer the following: (1) Name of the business, (2) Do you have a website or social media platforms set up? Please provide the links here if applicable, (3) Business launch date (or anticipated launch date), (4) Category that the business falls under - i.e retail, restaurant, etc.*

If successful in entering the program, will you be able to commit to the Training Program?*

Yes

What do you hope to gain from the training?*

Are you currently enrolled in full time education or have plans to enroll in full time education in the near future (6 months - 1 year)?*

Yes

Are you currently enrolled in any self-employment or entrepreneurship training/ financing programs offered by government funded organizations?*

Yes

Is your business related to a trade monitored by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (you will be required to provide proof)?*

Yes

Do you plan to keep a full time job while operating your business?*

Yes

Will you be able to commit to an average of 35 hours a week to operating your business?*

Yes

Are you currently or have you ever received any grants or loans for your business?*

Yes

Will you be able to commit to the monthly mentor meetings for three months?*

Yes

What do you hope to gain from the mentorship component?*

How did you hear about us?*

Northwest Business Centre Website

Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc)

City of Kenora Website

Government of Ontario Website

Word of mouth

Other

This program requires that you work with the Northwest Business Centre to develop your business plan. You must be 100% dedicated to the program and your business. This will include meeting all the requirements as indicated on this webpage and information in the training package. The possibility to compete for Provincial grant funding is based on program participation, commitment, completion of your business plan as indicated on the deadline schedule (will be provided), proven business viability and sustainability, and recommendation from the Northwest Business Centre.

I hereby certify that the above information are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that a false statement may disqualify me for this program and further program opportunities.

Print Name*

Signature*

Date*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Entreprise en démarrage Plus

Obtenez des conseils et une subvention pour votre petite entreprise

Si vous démarrez, agrandissez ou achetez une petite entreprise, faites une demande de formation, de mentorat et de subvention par l’intermédiaire du programme Entreprise en démarrage Plus.

Qu’est-ce que vous obtiendrez?

Grâce à Entreprise en démarrage Plus, vous pouvez :

obtenir des conseils individuels d’un conseiller d’un centre d’encadrement des petits entrepreneurs;
participer à des ateliers d’affaires, des séminaires ou des événements de réseautage;
- les sujets vont de l’écriture d’un plan d’affaires aux campagnes de marketing, en passant par l’établissement d’un budget.
parler à un mentor possédant de l’expérience en matière de démarrage, d’agrandissement ou d’achat de petites entreprises.

Vous pouvez également présenter une demande de subvention d’une valeur maximale de 5 000 dollars.

Ces services de soutien sont disponibles si vous voulez démarrer, agrandir ou acheter une entreprise en Ontario.

Qui peut présenter une demande?

Vous êtes admissible si :

vous êtes âgé de 18 ans ou plus;
vous êtes résident de l’Ontario et citoyen canadien (ou résident permanent);
vous n’êtes pas aux études à temps plein ou n’effectuez pas un retour aux études.

Pour être admissible à une subvention, vous devez être en mesure de faire une contribution en espèces ou en nature. Cette contribution doit représenter au moins 25 % du montant de la subvention.

Programs & Funding

Starter Company Plus: Indigenous Stream

Applications for the Starter Company Plus: Indigenous Stream are now closed.

Starter Company Plus: Indigenous Stream is a Government of Ontario funded program and delivered by the Northwest Business Centre designed to create sustainable jobs for its residents through entrepreneurship. If you’re starting, expanding or buying a small business, apply for training, mentoring and a grant through Starter Company Plus program. You will get one-on-one guidance, training to complete a business plan and the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 grant. If you are a driven individual with a unique business idea, over the age of 18, a resident of Ontario, and are not attending school or working full time, the Starter Company Plus program could be your first step to a new adventure.

Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?

You can apply if you’re:

A Canadian Aboriginal individual 18 years and older. A Canadian Aboriginal individual is a person who is: a Status Indian; or a Non-Status Indian; or an Inuk; or Métis
An Ontario resident and your business must be located within the Treaty 3, Treaty 5 or Treaty 9 area of Ontario
Not attending school full-time or returning to school or working full time (working no more than 20 hours/week at a part-time job)
To qualify for a grant, you must be able to make a contribution in cash or in kind. It has to be for least 25% of the grant amount.

What type of business can I start? Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it:

Is a sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder
Is an independent business venture
Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures
Operates full-time as defined in the business plan and maintains its own books and records (minimum average of 35 hours a week)
Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

Businesses NOT eligible for Starter Company Plus include:

Partnerships that are 50% shared, franchises, commissioned sales and distributorships
Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
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 businesses
Businesses that have received the Starter Company or Starter Company Plus grant from the Northwest Business Centre or any SBEC in the province of Ontario.

Application process:

You must apply online using the form below.
You will receive an email from the Program Coordinator with complete program details which will include the Starter Company Plus Enrolment Agreement form. You will need to sign and submit this document back to the Program Coordinator before they can release any of the business training materials.
Email smallbusiness@nwbiz.ca for more information

Funding provided by the Government of Ontario

Entreprise en démarrage Plus

Obtenez des conseils et une subvention pour votre petite entreprise

Si vous démarrez, agrandissez ou achetez une petite entreprise, faites une demande de formation, de mentorat et de subvention par l’intermédiaire du programme Entreprise en démarrage Plus.

Qu’est-ce que vous obtiendrez?

Grâce à Entreprise en démarrage Plus, vous pouvez :

obtenir des conseils individuels d’un conseiller d’un centre d’encadrement des petits entrepreneurs;
participer à des ateliers d’affaires, des séminaires ou des événements de réseautage;
- les sujets vont de l’écriture d’un plan d’affaires aux campagnes de marketing, en passant par l’établissement d’un budget.
parler à un mentor possédant de l’expérience en matière de démarrage, d’agrandissement ou d’achat de petites entreprises.

Vous pouvez également présenter une demande de subvention d’une valeur maximale de 5 000 dollars.

Ces services de soutien sont disponibles si vous voulez démarrer, agrandir ou acheter une entreprise en Ontario.

Qui peut présenter une demande?

Vous êtes admissible si :

vous êtes âgé de 18 ans ou plus;
vous êtes résident de l’Ontario et citoyen canadien (ou résident permanent);
vous n’êtes pas aux études à temps plein ou n’effectuez pas un retour aux études.

Pour être admissible à une subvention, vous devez être en mesure de faire une contribution en espèces ou en nature. Cette contribution doit représenter au moins 25 % du montant de la subvention.

Programs & Funding

Summer Company

Are you between the ages of 15-29? If you’ve got a winning idea for starting a new business and are a student who is not afraid of hard work, you should consider applying to our Summer Company program. Summer Company is a great opportunity for enterprising young people who want to start and run their own summer businesses. The program provides hands-on business coaching and mentoring from local community business leaders who will work with you to make your Summer Company a reality. All applicants must have a business plan completed and a feasible business in order to apply.

How it Works

Through a program called Summer Company, you can get two things:

start-up money to kick-off a new summer business
advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running

You could be eligible, if you:

go to high school, college or university in Ontario
live in Ontario
are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
are between 15-29 years old (if under 18: a parent needs to sign the application)
are not already running a business
are not working more than 12 hours week at another job during the program
are returning to school after the program ends
you cannot apply again, if you have received a Summer Company grant in the past

Maximum grant:

$3,000
up to $1,500 up front to help with start-up costs
up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements

Over the summer program period, you must be prepared to commit:

a minimum of 280 hours for high school students
a minimum of 420 hours for post-secondary students

What kind of business you can choose to start almost any type of business, as long as it:

is a sole proprietorship or corporation (where you are the majority shareholder)
is an independent business venture (not a part of an existing or family business)
qualifies as “self-employed” for income tax purposes
operates in Ontario on a full-time basis
follows government rules for operating a business
Learn more about self-employed workers (Canada Revenue Agency).

How you’re approved:

Fill out the online application form below.
Your program provider will invite you for an interview.
If your business is feasible, you will be asked to submit an application, which includes a business plan and cash flow. Your program provider will help you with your application, if required.
Your program provider will review your application and provide feedback.
If your application meets the program’s requirements, your program provider will let you know if you are approved to participate in the program.

For more information email smallbusiness@nwbiz.ca.

Summer Company Application:

Please fill out the online application below.

"*" indicates required fields

1Elegibility

2Contact

3Education

4Business Details

Are you a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident living in Ontario?*

Yes

Will you be employed elsewhere working, or attending school more than 12 hours per week during the summer?*

Yes

Have you received a previous Summer Company award?*

Yes

Are you currently enrolled in an education program?*

Yes

Are you returning to an education program in the fall?*

Yes

Are you starting a new business?*

Yes

Are you planning to operate your Summer Company business as a partnership?*

Yes

You are not eligible for the Summer Company program

Name*

First Last

Age*

Date of Birth*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Phone*

Email*

Address*

Street Address City Postal Code

Parent or Guardian Contact Information

If you are under 18, please provide parent or guardian name and email address. Parent or guardian must sign the agreement for the applicant.

Name*

First Last

Email*

What is your current education status?*

High School

Post-secondary

Other

Current School Name*

School Name in the Fall*

Name of Business*

Please provide a description of your business.*

Where did you hear about the Summer Company program?*

Démarrer une entreprise d’été

Fonctionnement

Grâce au programme Entreprise d’été, vous pouvez obtenir :

des fonds de démarrage pour lancer une nouvelle entreprise d’été
des conseils et un mentorat des chefs d’entreprises locales pour vous aider à mettre sur pied votre entreprise

Apprendre à diriger votre propre entreprise est l’un des meilleurs emplois d’été que vous pouvez avoir. Vous avez la chance d’être votre propre patron tout en apprenant les compétences requises pour gérer une entreprise. Ventes, commercialisation, facturation, tenue des comptes, relations avec la clientèle, réseautage ne sont que quelques-unes des compétences très utiles que vous acquerrez.

Montant de la bourse

Montant maximal de la bourse : 3 000 $

Les candidats retenus Entreprise d’été reçoivent :

jusqu’à 1 500 $ d’avance pour participer aux coûts de démarrage
jusqu’à 1 500 $ lorsque vous réussissez à satisfaire aux exigences du programme

Pour en savoir

Programs & Funding

Digital Transformation Grant

Applications for the Digital Transformation Grant are Now Closed!

Attention brick and mortar businesses, located in downtowns and commercially zoned areas in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts!

The Digital Main Street’s Digital Transformation Grant could provide you with $2,500 for training, advisory support and software to increase your capacity through digital transformation.

How to apply:

Complete the Digital Main Street Assessment and take the pre-qualification quiz: Click here
Watch the online training modules and develop your Digital Transformation Plan
The application portal will remain open until the grant funds are exhausted

Eligible costs include the following:

Digital Marketing
- Hiring a consultant/agency/person to execute digital marketing initiatives
Website
- Redesign, improvement of existing website
- Development of new website
- Photography/videography costs for production of photos and/or videos
- Ecommerce enablement
- Accessibility compliance
Software
- Graphic design software
- Productivity software (LastPass, Hootsuite, Dropbox, etc.)
- Social media software (Hootsuite, Buffer, etc.)
- Security software
- Other software as evidenced in the DTP
Digital Training
- Ongoing digital training courses (in-person & online)
Hardware (limited to $1,000)
- POS systems
- All hardware must be deemed necessary (as determined by OBIAA in its sole discretion)

Learn more and sign up now at the following link: digitalmainstreet.ca/digital-transformation-grant-4-0

Programs & Funding

Futurepreneur

Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for two decades. They are the only national, non-proﬁt organization that provides ﬁnancing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.

Click here to visit their website.

The Northwest Business Centre is the Community Partner for the Kenora and Rainy River District. For more information please contact us by email at smallbusiness@nwbiz.ca