Turn your business idea into reality with Starter Company Plus
Vaughan entrepreneurs can access expert training, one-on-one mentorship and funding opportunities
Have you been thinking about starting a new business? Or are you looking for ways to grow your existing venture in Vaughan? If so, apply for the City of Vaughan's Starter Company Plus program by Friday, Oct. 9.
Delivered through the City of Vaughan's Economic Development department and Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), Starter Company Plus is a comprehensive training, mentorship, business development and provincial funding initiative designed to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.
Participants will receive tailored training and one-on-one business advisory support to help develop their business plan, marketing strategy, budget and financial forecasts. Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in provincial grant funding to help launch or grow their businesses.
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
Qualifying applicants will receive access to 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.
Sector-specific streams will include specialized training and mentorship delivered through community and ecosystem partners, including York University's YSpace and the Toronto Region Board of Trade's Trade Accelerator Program.
Application intake for the 2026 Starter Company Plus program is now open and continues until Friday, Oct. 9. Applications are accepted through vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
Follow these steps if this is your first time applying for the program:
- Complete the eligibility survey at vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
- Upon qualifying, 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, Oct. 9, for consideration for provincial grant funding.
Interested individuals are invited to attend an upcoming virtual program information session to learn more about this opportunity:
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 2
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Date: Monday, Sept. 28
Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: In-person (Vaughan City Hall, Kleinburg Room 249) and online via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
For more information, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/Starter-Company-Plus.
Funded by the Government of Ontario, Starter Company Plus has been helping entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses since 2014. The program provides participants with practical business training, mentorship and access to funding opportunities, helping strengthen Vaughan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and local economy.
The VBEC program is delivered locally by the City of Vaughan and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
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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