The Starter Company Plus program offered through Kingston Economic Development Corporation with funding from the Government of Ontario, is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs aged 18 and over with the opportunity to pitch for a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 to start or grow your business. This program is delivered twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
While the Starter Company Plus initiative is open to eligible individuals (see below for eligibility criteria), the training and mentoring is a mandatory aspect of this program geared toward assisting those in need of business knowledge and support.
What You Get
Through Starter Company Plus, you receive:
· The opportunity to pitch for a non-repayable business grant of up to $5,000
· One-on-one guidance from a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor
· Professional business workshops, seminars and networking events
· Training for entrepreneurs from business plan development to financial planning and marketing
· Access to a professional business mentor with experience in starting, expanding or buying a small business
“The Starter Company Plus bootcamp really helped me organize my thoughts, and put all the swirling in my brain down on paper. I hope to create new connections, and gain knowledge and confidence from ongoing mentor support. The Starter Company Plus provides the village that I am needing to expand and grow Rampant Kitchen.“
– Elisa Corrigan, Owner of Rampant Kitchen
Interested In Applying For The Starter Company Plus Program?
Timeline for 2025 Fall Cohort:
September 17 – October 5, 2025 – Application window open
October 6 – 16, 2025 – Mandatory Virtual Asynchronous Business Bootcamp
October 29, 2025 – Final day to submit business plan and pitch
November 14, 2025 – Participants notified of the results of the judging panel
December 4, 2025 – Mandatory cheque and media day for successful participants
January – April 2026 – Coaching and mentorship program
Applications for the Fall cohort are now closed!
To be eligible, the applicant must:
· not be currently attending school on a full-time basis nor intending to return to school;
· be a resident of Ontario;
· be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
· be 18 years of age or older at the time of application;
· not have full-time employment outside of the Project at the time of funding;
· not be receiving social assistance ie. ODSP;
· be fully responsible for the ongoing operations and decisions of the Project and is the majority partner or shareholder;
· not be enrolled in other provincial business startup programs that include financial assistance;
· not be currently enrolled concurrently in any self-employment programs offered by government-funded organizations;
· be expected to match the grant amount they are requesting with a 25% personal investment (eg. a $2000 grant will require a $500 personal contribution in the business);
· not have previously received Starter Company or Starter Company Plus funding in Ontario; and
· business training is mandatory in order to submit an application
To be eligible, the business must:
· be proposing a project or expansion to a business at least 1 year old since the date of registry or incorporation, with proof of sales;
· not be a business that relies on national sales frameworks ie. Pyramid Marketing;
· be a legal business in Ontario;
· not be a drop-shipping business;
· not be a franchise;
· operate full-time as defined in the business plan;
· have a separate bank account in order to maintain books and records; and
· follow all government rules and regulations and applicable by-laws for the operation of the business.
Suitability
While the Starter Company Plus initiative is open to eligible individuals, the training and mentoring is a mandatory aspect of this program geared toward assisting those in need of business knowledge and support.
Approval into the Starter Company Plus initiative is competitive and eligible applicants may not all be accepted.
Meet the 2025 Starter Company Plus Participants
MoriCat by Shirley Chen
MoriCat, founded by Rebecca and Shirley, is a science-backed cat lifestyle brand creating modular collars, handmade wool toys, and cat personality boxes. Blending feline behaviour research with thoughtful craftsmanship, the brand offers safer, smarter products that enrich daily life and strengthen the bond between cats and their owners. As a new Canadian immigrant and longtime cat rescuer, Shirley leads product design, visual identity, and offline distribution, bringing deep care and creativity to every handcrafted piece.
Manajoy by Célia Galas
Manajoy, led by bilingual consultant Célia, helps entrepreneurs overcome unstructured operations through clear leadership guidance, streamlined processes, and simple systems that work. With 18 years of corporate and consulting experience, Célia supports founders in building businesses that run smoothly, scale sustainably, and breathe without relying on the owner’s constant presence.
The Dutch Spice Mill by Sjoukje van der Laan
The Dutch Spice Mill, founded by Dutch-born creator Sjoukje van der Laan, is a woman-led social enterprise in South Frontenac crafting high-quality, mostly organic spices and Dutch-inspired blends. Rooted in tradition, storytelling, and the culinary history of the Netherlands, the business focuses on ethical sourcing, sustainable agriculture, and nature restoration. Sjoukje blends art, science, and cultural heritage to create flavourful, meaningful products that connect communities through food and shared history.
B2B Carpentry by James Wydryk
B2B Carpentry, founded by Red Seal carpenter James Wydryk, provides high-end finish carpentry in Kingston and surrounding areas. Specializing in custom trim, doors, panelling, built-ins, and detailed woodwork, they deliver precise, Red Seal-certified craftsmanship on every project. As an owner-operated business, James focuses on quality, reliability, and exceptional results for homeowners and contractors seeking premium carpentry done right.
Lake + Main by Alyson & Lisa
Lake + Main, a Canadian clean-beauty brand founded by wellness experts Alyson and Lisa, crafts plant-based facial oils and natural skin care. They create toxin-free, high-performance products designed to transform daily routines into luxurious self-care rituals. Committed to effective, intentional formulas, they honour the skin’s natural wisdom while delivering visible, trustworthy results.
LOLIFIT.CO by Lilian Estafanous
Lolifit.co, founded by natural competitive bodybuilder and researcher Lilian Estafanous, crafts organic dark chocolate and snacks made with real ingredients. Handmade in a certified Kingston kitchen, the brand partners with local retailers and community events to offer clean-label, no-added-sugar treats that support brain and body health. Lilian blends evidence-based nutrition with community-focused entrepreneurship to create functional, guilt-free chocolate people can feel good about.
VirtuEd by Rielly Keeler & Cesar Hernandez
VirtuEd, founded by Rielly Keeler and Cesar Hernandez, specializes in intelligent training simulations and digital twin technology that transforms education and culture. Through 3D object scanning, custom virtual environments, and a strong focus on accessibility and compliance, the company creates immersive digital experiences for sectors such as cultural heritage, education, and health care.
Elevate Collective by Michelle Lawrence
Elevate Collective, founded by brand strategist Michelle Lawrence, supports female entrepreneurs through strategic branding, Showit web design, and business development. With 13 years of corporate marketing experience with brands such as Boston Pizza, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, and CAA, she blends clear strategy with refined, conversion-driven design to help women attract aligned clients and scale sustainably. Her strategic, collaborative process supports founders in making confident, well-aligned branding decisions.
Macaila’s Mudhouse Spa by Macaila McLeod
Macaila’s Mudhouse Spa, founded by esthetician Macaila McLeod, is a women owned, inclusive spa located in Harrowsmith dedicated to accessible self-care and community well-being. With training from St. Lawrence College and a skills Canada gold medal in Esthetics, Macaila offers personalized, affordable treatments in a safe and welcoming space. Her focus on comfort, quality, and care ensures everyone can enjoy the wellness services they deserve.
Girl Friday by Beth Wylie
Girl Friday, founded by community-minded entrepreneur Bethy Wylie, provides non-medical support to seniors and busy families. Offering companionship, errands, meal prep, and home organization, Beth delivers thoughtful, personalized assistance that helps clients maintain independence and reduce daily stress. With a background in client service, fundraising, and relationship-building, she brings compassion, reliability, and genuine care to every household she supports.
Frontenac Forest School by Rebecca Klapwyk
Frontenac Forest School, founded by certified elementary teacher Rebecca Klapwyk, offers inclusive, nature-based learning experiences that support children’s curiosity and development. Serving families in Frontenac, the school provides outdoor programs such as forest school sessions, loose parts play, and educational workshops. Rooted in play, respect, and child-led exploration, Rebecca creates joyful, welcoming environments where all children can thrive through meaningful, hands-on connection with the natural world.
DesignScape Luxury Travel by Alex Kriss
DesignScape Luxury Travel, founded by Alex Kriss, designs bespoke travel experiences for those who value exclusivity, comfort, and exceptional service. With over a decade of hospitality experience and a passion for exploration, Alex delivers high-touch, personalized journeys grounded in operational excellence. From tailored itineraries to discreet concierge support, each trip is thoughtfully curated to reflect your pace, preferences, and definition of luxury—making travel seamless and unforgettable.
Santa Mia Cosmetics by Emily Green
Santa Mia Cosmetics, founded by Emily Green, offers a luxurious ritual of self-care for mature women on a journey of unapologetic self-rediscovery. With nearly 20 years of experience in natural cosmetics and herbalism, Emily crafts effective, handcrafted skincare that unlocks radiant, healthy skin through exceptional formulations and the magic of embracing your authentic self. Santa Mia builds community by celebrating the matriarchy and empowering women to Never Fade.
Back-Slide by Margaret Millar
Back-slide™ is a quilted sleep mat made from fine, durable 100% polyester materials, designed to reduce friction and support smoother movement during sleep. Created to improve sleep quality and ease lower back stiffness, it offers a practical, affordable solution for those with sleep-related back pain. Developed by a retired retail professional with over 30 years of experience and former co-owner of Stitch by Stitch, Back-slide™ blends thoughtful design with proven expertise.
Little Dot HR by Steph Little
Little Dot HR, founded by Steph Little, provides Fractional HR services for small to mid-sized businesses navigating growth, change, or challenge. With 20+ years of experience, Steph brings humour, business sense, and genuine care to help founders and teams access great HR when they need it most—flexibly and affordably. Her mission is to build strong, thriving workplace cultures through tailored, people-first solutions.
WM Rentals by Mandy Fleming
WM Rentals, founded by healthcare professional and entrepreneur Mandy Fleming, provides reliable tool and watercraft rentals in Gananoque, Ontario. Offering equipment like pressure washers, cement saws, paddleboards, and kayaks, WM Rentals serves both residents and tourists with easy, accessible solutions for home projects and outdoor fun on the St. Lawrence River. Mandy brings a passion for community wellness and hands-on vision to local business development, filling a vital gap left by recent closures.
Smith & Smith Tree Services by Emily Smith
Smith & Smith Tree Services Inc., founded by ISA-certified arborist Emily Smith, delivers professional, reliable tree care to homeowners and businesses in Kingston and surrounding areas. With five years of industry experience and a Forestry degree, Emily brings technical expertise, safety-first leadership, and a customer-focused approach to her team’s services, including tree removal, storm cleanup, and arborist reports. Emily’s mission is to set a new standard for excellence and care in the tree services industry.
Castle Museum Solutions by Benjamin Oakley
Castle Museum Solutions Inc., located just north of Kingston, is a family-owned business specializing in the design and fabrication of museum-quality fine art shipping crates. CMC also offers expert services including exhibition preparation and installation, pedestal and mount making, and modern art conservation/restoration. Founded by Benjamin Oakley—a visual artist, woodworker, and professional exhibition technician—CMS brings craftsmanship and curatorial precision to every project.
JRS Audio & Production by Jordan Shew
JRS Audio & Production, founded by lifelong musician and audio professional Jordan, is a boutique music studio offering recording, mixing, songwriting, and production services. With experience working under top industry engineers in both music and film, Jordan brings rare studio insight, technical expertise, and creative intentionality to every project. His refined ear and deep knowledge of the recording arts ensure a personalized, high-quality experience for artists at every stage.
Caird Lumber by Micayla Caird
Caird Lumber Ltd. is a small-scale, locally owned lumber mill providing high-quality, custom-cut wood from sustainably harvested timber. Serving builders, contractors, and DIYers across Frontenac County and beyond, the company is expanding with a new Kingston retail store opening in May. Founded in 2022 Caird Lumber was launched to build a lasting family legacy rooted in craftsmanship and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to receive funding, the business can be a minimum 1-year old start-up, an acquisition (i.e. the participant is purchasing a business from a retiring entrepreneur) or an existing business. As long as the applicant is fully responsible for the ongoing operation and decisions of the business and is the majority shareholder in the case of a corporation, most types of businesses are allowed under the program.
To be eligible, a business or proposed business must:
- be proposing a project to a minimum 1-year-old business or expand an existing business with proof of sales;
- not be a business that relies on national sales frameworks ie. Pyramid Marketing;
- not be a drop-shipping business;
- be a legal business in Ontario;
- not be a franchise;
- operate full-time as defined in the business plan
- have a separate bank account in order to maintain books and records; and
- follow all government rules and regulations and applicable by-laws for the operation of the business.
Yes. A business or proposed business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, but the grant can only be given to one person in the company. For corporations and partnerships, the recipient must own at least 50% of the shares. The Starter Company Plus recipient must be responsible for the ongoing management of the firm. In addition, if there are two partners only one is eligible to receive the Starter Company Plus grant of up to $5,000 for a specific business idea (grants will not be given to multiple individuals for the same business idea).
Participants may receive up to $5,000 in funding. Participants are expected to match the grant amount they are requesting with a 25% personal investment (eg. a $5000 grant will require a $1250 personal contribution in the business). This may include asset-based or in-kind contributions at fair market value, such as equipment or machinery required to run the business, e.g., ladders/scaffolding for a painting company, camera and lenses for a photographer. In-kind contributions may not include “sweat equity” (a contribution in the form of effort as opposed to a financial contribution) or loans or other types of loaned support.
Yes. Participants who receive a Starter Company Plus grant must sign an agreement that outlines their responsibilities under the program. If they do not adhere to this agreement, they will be considered in default of the program and recovery of all grant monies disbursed.
A grant committee made up of local business professionals, entrepreneurs and private sector stakeholders will review final applications and determine which applicants are accepted and the amount of funding a proposal receives.
Acceptance decisions are based on:
· feasibility of the proposed business;
· proposed business’ potential for growth and job creation;
· start-up budget and financing needs of the proposed business;
· cash and in-kind contributions of the applicant;
· applicant’s overall participation in the training program; and
· regional economic development priorities based on specific industry sectors
Yes. Even if a proposal is not selected to receive funding, a participant can still participate in the training component of the program to help them open a business.
Yes. There is no restriction against participants receiving Employment Insurance (EI), however, once you register and start the business you are no longer eligible for EI as a self-employed person.
Those participating in Starter Company Plus may not be enrolled at the same time in the Ontario Works Self Employment Development program, Summer Company, or any other similar programs offered by government-funded organizations. However, it is possible to access these programs sequentially. For example, someone who has started a business through Summer Company may later apply to participate in Starter Company Plus in order to take their business to the next level. Similarly, participants may apply to Futurpreneur (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation) after receiving Starter Company Plus funding and mentoring, provided that they apply in the first year of operation of their business.
Yes. A potential applicant to the program who is enrolled in part-time schooling or training (part-time is defined as 1 course per semester) is eligible for participation in the Starter Company Plus program. You must be prepared to satisfy program training and mentoring requirements and commit a minimum average of 30 hours per week to running your business.
No. The intent of Starter Company Plus is to help people launch a new business or expand an existing business where other forms of financing are unavailable. Those working full-time in a separate field are not eligible. You may work part-time and still apply. A part-time job is defined as no more than 20 hours per week.
Starter Company Plus is a provincial program, but you must apply in the municipality where you reside and where your business is located. In the Kingston region, all applications are submitted to the Kingston Economic Development Corporation office.
Contact Rob Tamblyn
Business Development Manager,
Small & Medium Enterprises
613-544-2725 x 7261
Cell: 613-540-1843
tamblyn@investkingston.ca
