St. Catharines Enterprise Centre supporting entrepreneurs with Starter Company Plus
Back to SearchNote: this release has been updated to reflect an extension of the application deadline to Oct. 4
It’s not easy to head out and pursue one’s dreams, but, for budding entrepreneurs there’s some help at the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre to assist in making those dreams a reality.
The City’s small-business support office is gearing up for another annual run of Starter Company Plus. Through the provincially funded program, the team at the Enterprise Centre provides business training, mentorship and a grant up to $5,000 to help eligible entrepreneurs successfully launch their own businesses.
Since 2013 the centre has assisted 100 new businesses through the program. Of those 100 businesses, 88 still operate, accounting for over 200 local jobs.
“There’s a lot to account for when starting a business, a lot of moving parts between an entrepreneur’s dreams and the reality of opening doors, especially as we move out of a period of uncertainty. The Starter Company Plus program really bridges the gap between passion, vision and the reality of opening a business. It’s a chance to learn from small business leaders who have faced the same challenges and overcome them to achieve success,” said Rob Belchior, Enterprise Centre small business consultant.
Designed to support entrepreneurs at the start-up phase or within their first year of operation, Starter Company Plus is part of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and is available to those over the age of 18. Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in business training and will be coached on the development of a business plan. The program will also help de-mystify the marketing and sales process, explain financial forecasting, teach how to set attainable goals and more.
After participants complete the program, they become eligible to pitch their businesses for a limited number of grants.
The application deadline for this year is Oct. 4.
Before signing up, interested business owners are encouraged to participate in one of two upcoming information sessions on Sept. 15 and 22. More information, including registration, for the information sessions can be found at www.investinstc.ca/site/training-and-seminars.
For more information on the Starter Company Plus program, including how to apply, visit www.investinstc.ca/site/startercompany.
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