Youth Business Program
Starter Company Program
The Starter Company program will provide mentoring, training and capital in an amount up to $5,000 for youth to start, grow or buy a small business. Eligible candidate are residents of Ontario between the ages of 18 and 29 who are not attending school full time and looking to start a full time business. The program is 6-8 months in length with ongoing mentoring and training.
To qualify for funding, a candidate must contribute at least 25% (in cash or in kind) of the grant amount.
How to Apply
For small business start-ups in Norfolk County, the Starter Company program is available through the Brantford Brant Resource Centre (BRC) located at Suite 201, 1 Market Square, Brantford (across the hall from William’s). If you are interested in attending a monthly orientation session, contact the BRC office at 519-756-4269 or see the list of workshops at [email protected].
For more information, click here
Summer Company is a great opportunity for enterprising students who want to start their own business. The program provides hands on business coaching from local mentors and small business owners, and the opportunity to receive an award of up to $1,500 to assist with start-up costs and an additional $1,500 upon completion of the program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who:
- Are between the ages of 15-29 years of age (as of April 30, 2021)
- Are returning to school in the fall of 2021
- Are proposing a new start-up business
- Are residents of Ontario
- Are Canadian citizens or Landed Immigrants
- Are not working at other jobs or attending school for more than 12 hours per week (during the duration of the program)
- Are prepared to commit a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks and a minimum of 35 hours per week to the experience (12 consecutive weeks for post-secondary students)
How do Students apply for Summer Company?
Fill out an application form online by visiting www.ontario.ca/summercompany
For assistance, please contact the Summer Company Coordinator Melanie Mears at [email protected] or 519-756-4269.
Futurpreneur
Futurpreneur Canada, formerly Canadian Youth Business Foundation, has been fueling the passions of Canada’s enterprising youth for nearly two decades. They are the only national non-profit organization providing a full spectrum of financing, mentoring and support to help entrepreneurs aged 18 – 39 successfully launch and grow businesses.
If you have any questions or would like help getting involved in this program, please feel free to Contact Us.
Starter Company Plus Program
The Starter Company Plus program provides mentoring, training and capital up to $5000 for entrepreneurs to start, grow or buy a small business.
Eligible candidates are Ontario residents 18+ years of age, not attending school full time, and looking to start a full-time business. The program is 6-8 months in length, with ongoing mentoring and training. Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs), part of Ontario’s Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), through the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth and the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, deliver the Starter Company Plus Program.
How to Apply
For small business start-ups in Norfolk County, the Starter Company Plus program is available through the Brantford-Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre located at Suite 201, 1 Market Square, Brantford. Contact the BRC office at 519-756-4269 or visit their website Workshops and Events tab for details on the next Starter Company Plus Orientation Session. www.businessresourcecentre.ca