Apply Now for Starter Company Plus!
Build your business with expert guidance, practical training and grant opportunities
Are you looking to start a business, grow an existing venture or take your next step as an entrepreneur in Vaughan? A new round of intake is NOW OPEN for the City of Vaughan's Starter Company Plus program. Apply by Friday, Dec. 4 to access training, mentorship and funding support.
Submit your application online at vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
Delivered through the City of Vaughan's Economic Development department and Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), Starter Company provides training, mentoring and grant opportunities up to $5,000 for eligible entrepreneurs (18+) to start, expand or buy a small business. Participants will receive tailored training and one-on-one business advisory support to help develop their business plan, marketing strategy, budget and financial forecasts.
The 2026 program offers five specialized training streams:
- Main street brick-and-mortar businesses
- Food and beverage businesses
- Technology businesses
- Mobility businesses
Market expansion and export-ready businesses
Sector-specific streams will include specialized training and mentorship.
Grant funding is awarded through a competitive application process and is not guaranteed for all participants. Funding decisions are based on the strength of the business proposal, demonstrated business progress and potential local economic impact. Vaughan's business advisors will support participants throughout the application process.
All eligible entrepreneurs can access training and mentorship focused on market research, digital marketing, business operations, budgeting, financial forecasting, online presence, business resiliency and revenue growth strategies offered through sector-specific training as well as the Business Planning Launchpad Series.
Follow these steps if this is your first time applying for the program:
- Complete the eligibility survey at vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
- Upon review, Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre staff will contact you to discuss your business training plan.
- Participate in required training and mentorship activities.
Submit your completed business plan and budget package by Friday, Dec. 4, for consideration to receive provincial grant funding.
Interested individuals are invited to attend an upcoming program information session to learn more about this opportunity:
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged
Date: Monday, Nov. 16
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: In person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Kleinburg Room 249) and online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged
For more information, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
VBEC
Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) deliver provincially funded programs and services that help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and succeed. With more than 50 centres across Ontario, OSBACs foster local business growth and strengthen communities across the province.
OSBAC programs and services are delivered by the VBEC and are funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
VBEC provides information, referrals, advisory services, mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities and business resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of development.
To learn more about starting or growing your business, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
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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