2026 Program Overview
The
Starter Company Plus Program is specifically tailored for individuals aged 18 and over who are interested in expanding an existing business or purchasing an existing business in Brampton.
This program is not available to not-for-profit organizations. For funding opportunities specific to Brampton-based not-for-profits, please refer to the
Advance Brampton Fund.
Starter Company Plus provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive business support, including:
- FREE advanced business training and development workshops
- FREE one-on-one mentorship and expert guidance
- Business planning and growth support
- The opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000 (upon successful completion of program requirements)
As part of Starter Company Plus, Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) has partnered with the
Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) to deliver the BAO Creative Entrepreneurship Intensive. This specialized stream combines BEC's proven business training with arts and culture sector expertise to help creative entrepreneurs strengthen and scale their businesses.
Through a blend of group learning, mentorship, expert-led workshops, and applied business planning, participants will refine their business strategies, strengthen financial and operational plans, and prepare for a final pitch presentation.
To support Brampton's creative community, a minimum of 8 of the 34 available Starter Company Plus grants are dedicated to creative entrepreneurs. Whether you're a painter, performer, photographer, designer, filmmaker, or other creative business owner, this program provides the tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities needed to take your business to the next level.
Starter Company Plus 2026/27
APPLICATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 13th
Mandatory Orientation Sessions NOW POSTED!
2026 Brampton's Starter Company Plus ($5,000 Grant - Information Sessions)
July 9th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
COMPLETED
August 6th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register here
August 26th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register here
September 11th from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Register here
Program Benefits
- Comprehensive Business Training - Gain essential knowledge on topics like business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and legal considerations through structured workshops and seminars.
- One-on-One Mentorship - Receive personalized guidance from experienced business mentors who can provide insight and advice tailored to your specific business needs and challenges.
- Networking Opportunities - Connect with other entrepreneurs, through networking events and workshops, enhancing your business visibility and potential collaborations.
- Funding Opportunities - Eligibility to apply for grants up to $5,000, providing critical financial support for business expansion or acquisition.
- Marketing and Promotion Support - Assistance in developing effective marketing strategies and materials to increase brand awareness and customer reach.
- Technology Support - Guidance on adopting new technologies and digital tools that can improve business operations and customer engagement.
- Access to Market Research - Resources and support in conducting market research to better understand your target customers and competitive landscape.
- Eligibility for Further Financing - Completion of the program may improve eligibility for further financing from banks and other financial institutions.
- Ongoing Support Post-Program - Continued access to certain resources and mentorship even after the program concludes to ensure long-term success.
- Priority Consideration for Future Opportunities - Participants may receive priority consideration for other local business opportunities and programs.
- Visibility in Community - Opportunities for local media exposure and participation in community events, increasing public awareness of your business.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Starter Company Plus Program in Brampton, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Resident of Ontario
- 18 years or older at the time of application
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Not attending school full-time nor planning to return to school
- Proposing to expand an existing business or buy a business in Brampton or Caledon
- Commit a minimum of 35 hours a week to running a full-time business
- Attend mandatory training and mentorship meetings
- Not enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment-related programs
- Not concurrently enrolled in any other government-funded self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing programs
- Not have received a Starter Company Program or Starter Company Plus Program grant in the past
- If applying as a business partner, confirm a minimum of 51% ownership
- Provide proof of a 25% contribution of the potential program grant (up to $1250), in cash or in-kind contributions as approved by BEC
- Please refer to the FAQ for a list of ineligable businesses
Business Requirements
Eligible businesses must:
- Be an independent venture based in Brampton or Caledon
- Not rely on commissioned sales
- Be legally registered in Ontario
- Not be a franchise
- Operate at arm’s length from family businesses
- Operate full-time (no part-time or seasonal businesses)
- Maintain its own books and records
- Have a Master Business License or Articles of Incorporation, or register business
- Maintain a separate bank account
- Comply with all government rules, regulations, and by-laws
- Demonstrate a viable and sales-ready business plan at the time of funding
Priority Consideration
Priority is given to Brampton-based entrepreneurs starting or expanding main street businesses (e.g., retail, bars, restaurants, cafes) and professionals in the creative industries. BEC may also determine that a particular business is inappropriate for the program.
Disclaimer:
Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any business for our programs and services. Eligibility decisions will be based on factors such as business location, stage of development, alignment with our program goals, and available resources. BEC may, at its discretion, review applications on a case-by-case basis and make determinations as necessary to ensure fairness and consistency.
Mandatory Orientation Session
Before applying,
you must attend one mandatory
orientation session, scheduled for July, August and September.
2026 Brampton's Starter Company Plus ($5,000 Grant - Information Session)
July 9th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
COMPLETED
August 6th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register here
August 26th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Register here
September 11th from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Register here
The session will cover:
- Eligibility Requirements - It outlines who can apply for the program, including age and residency criteria, commitment to the program’s schedule, and status of the business prior to application.
- Program Requirements and Expectations - Details about the nature of the program, including training and mentorship components, as well as the requirement to complete a business plan.
- Program Training and Mentorship - A structured phase of the program that involves a 10-12 week training period with mandatory weekly assignments, culminating in the creation of a detailed business plan and financials.
- Program Grant Opportunity - Information on how to apply for a grant of up to $5,000, including the need for a pitch video, a minimum business plan score, and financial contribution from the applicant.
- Application Process - Steps to apply, including an online application form and subsequent steps like submitting a business plan and undergoing an assessment by a grant committee.
Contact and Updates
For more information or to contact your local Starter Company Plus Program provider,
visit here.
The Program Administrator (Daniel Bishun) for Brampton's Starter Company Plus, can be reached at
daniel.bishun@brampton.ca
Stay updated by
subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social channels @bramptonbec
