We can help you start your business!
If you’ve been considering starting a new business or are looking for ways to expand your existing venture in Vaughan, you don’t want to miss out on the City of Vaughan’s Starter Company Plus program! The application period is now open until Monday, June 10.
Through this program, the City offers tailored training for various business types, including brick-and-mortar, food and beverage, new startup and home-based, and technology ventures to develop a business plan, marketing strategy, budget and financial forecast. The program includes one-on-one consultations with one of the City’s business advisors who will support the development of your new business plan as well as the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in provincial grant funding to execute it.
Qualifying startup and home-based businesses will also be enrolled in training sessions offered through the Business Planning Launchpad Series, while food- and tech-based businesses will be offered sector-specific mentorship and training delivered in partnership with York University’s YSpace.
Application intake is ongoing for those interested in grant funding.
If you are applying to the program for the first time, follow these steps:
- Complete an eligibility survey at vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
- Upon qualifying, Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre staff will connect with you to discuss a business training plan.
- Submit your completed business plan and financial budget by Monday, June 10.
In partnership with The Hub Vaughan – a storage, office and co-working space located at 290 Caldari Rd. – participants will also receive a discounted rate on:
- two weeks of co-working space.
- two months of storage.
- showroom space.
- a free mailbox for one year after becoming a customer at The Hub Vaughan.
In partnership with Vaughan Public Libraries, interested individuals are invited to attend an upcoming program information session to learn more about this opportunity:
Date: Tuesday, April 9
Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Date: Monday, April 29
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Date: Monday, June 10
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: In person at Civic Centre Resource Library (2191 Major Mackenzie Dr.) and online via Zoom.
Registration: Registration will open on Tuesday, May 21.
For more information, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
As part of the 2024 provincial budget, Ontario is investing an additional $6.8 million over the next two years to enhance the Starter Company Plus program and it is also providing additional support for Ontario entrepreneurs. The enhancement will allow more eligible entrepreneurs to receive a Starter Company Plus Grant of $5,000, and will provide grants to an additional 500 entrepreneurs across Ontario over two years.
To stay informed on the City’s latest tourism, business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters and follow the official channels on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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