Waterloo Region & Guelph

GrantLocal program

Starter Company Plus (Waterloo Region)

An Ontario program delivered in Waterloo Region by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre. It combines an 8-week training program and mentoring with a chance to pitch for a grant of up to $5,000. It's for people starting, buying or growing a business under 5 years old in Waterloo Region.

Amount
Up to $5,000, with a 25% personal contribution
Status
Closed for nowThe 2026 intake ran August 14 to September 17, 2026. The centre says applications will open in 2027 (no date given).
Type
Grant plus training (25% own contribution)
Run by
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, funded in part by the Government of Ontario
Where
All of Waterloo Region
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026

Who it's for

  • 18 or older, living in Ontario, Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Owns at least 51% of the business
  • New start-up, a business being bought, or one under 5 years old
  • Business runs full-time in Waterloo Region
  • Not in school full-time and not working 20+ hours a week elsewhere

Not for

  • Franchises, commissioned sales and multi-level marketing
  • Not-for-profits and single events
  • Family ventures not at arm's length, and minority partners
  • Anyone who already got Starter Company or Starter Company Plus funding in Ontario

What it covers

  • Tools and equipment
  • Computers (up to $1,000)
  • Raw materials and product inventory (up to $2,000 each)
  • Print marketing (up to $500)
  • Social media and digital marketing (up to $2,500)
  • Business insurance (up to $500)

How to apply

  1. Read the eligibility rules on the centre's page
  2. Apply through the centre's online form during the intake
  3. Finish all training and mentoring, then submit a business plan and pitch
  4. A committee of local business people reviews the pitches and recommends who gets funding

Good to know

  • The page contradicts itself: one part says "Applications are now open", another says this year's applications closed on September 17, 2026 and will open in 2027. The dates point to closed.
  • The intro mentions grants of $2,500 to $5,000; the rest of the page says up to $5,000.
  • You put in 25% of the grant yourself, e.g. $1,250 for a $5,000 grant. Assets and in-kind count at fair market value; sweat equity and loans don't.
  • The grant can't be used for salaries, rent, debt, vehicles, office furniture, trade shows or leasehold improvements.
  • The centre says the grant counts as taxable personal income and may affect other assistance you get.
  • Training is offered even if your grant pitch isn't picked, while seats last.

Questions

Is the grant guaranteed if I take the training?

No. Participants pitch at the end, and a grant committee recommends who gets funding. The centre says training is still available to those not selected, subject to seats.

Can I apply if my business is already running?

The page lists existing businesses under 5 years old as eligible, along with new start-ups and businesses being bought.

Do I pay tax on the grant?

The centre says the grant is taxable personal income and may affect other assistance you receive. For your own situation, ask an accountant.

Related programs

Open, closes Nov 27, 2026Grant

Tourism Funding Programs

Destination Animation Fund up to $5,000 (10% match). Gather Here sponsorship up to $25,000, and no more than 15% of the event budget. The Marketing Assets program gives photos, video and training, not money.

City of Guelph (with Destination Marketing Guelph for for-profit applications)Guelph

Open, closes Feb 1, 2027Grant

Heritage grants

No per-grant maximum stated; about $50,000 to $60,000 is shared among successful applicants this window

Waterloo Regional Heritage FoundationAll of Waterloo Region

Open nowGrant

Community Improvement Plan grants

$500 to $7,500 per project or property depending on the program, up to $10,000 for priority sites

Township of WellesleyWellesley