Kingston, Ontario – September 23, 2024 – Kingston Economic Development is excited to announce that applications for the Fall 2024 Starter Company Plus cohort are now open. This highly anticipated program, funded by the Government of Ontario, offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to develop essential skills, receive one-on-one coaching, and access up to $5,000 in microgrants to help launch or grow their businesses.
The Starter Company Plus program is offered twice a year through Kingston Economic Development, where successful candidates gain access to invaluable business training and one-on-one coaching. At the end of the program, eligible individuals can pitch their business ideas to secure microgrants of up to $5,000.
“Starter Company Plus is an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurs at any stage,” says Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager, Small Business & Entrepreneurship. “Whether you’re at the idea stage or looking to expand your business, the combination of financial support, mentorship, and business skills training will help you thrive.”
A highlight of the program is that the participants in the Starter Company Plus program benefit from an intensive Business Bootcamp, covering essential topics including financial management, marketing, and creating a business plan. Combined with personalized mentoring, this training equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge and guidance to overcome challenges and grow their businesses.
“The business boot camp in the first portion of the Starter Company Plus program created a great framework for setting up a successful business,” said Aimee Shaw, Evergreen Health Collective and former Starter Company Plus participant. “Moving into the business mentorship phase, I was excited to receive advice from someone in the community who had been in my shoes. Their insight, grounded in local knowledge, was more meaningful than advice from a business guru unfamiliar with the unique challenges of doing business in a small city”.
Applications for the Fall 2024 cohort are open until October 11, 2024. For more details and to apply, visit investkingston.ca/startercompanyplus.
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
