City of Vaughan

The opportunity to apply for the provincial grant is currently closed. Pending funding confirmation from the province, additional cohort deadlines may be approved for future dates. This training series will continue to be delivered in the interim.

Training

For existing brick and mortar business, training will be targeted and focused on:

• Supporting business owners in developing digital skills, and improving their online presence.
• Adopting new business strategies, such as e-commerce, that will allow them to continue generating revenue amid the emergency measures are lifting, and as the economy is opening back.

For new start-up and home-based businesses, training will cover creating a comprehensive business plan, marketing strategy, budget and financial forecasts through 4 parts of Business Planning Launchpad series. This will include training focused on:

• Conducting market research and trends analyses
• Marketing, value proposition, advertising, promotional strategies, including digital and online
• Operations (Legal, HR, risk and insurance)
• Budgeting and financial forecasting

To receive further information about the program, please complete the Starter Company Plus eligibility survey. All eligible participants will be invited to attend training sessions on an ongoing basis.

Important: The opportunity to apply for a provincial grant funding through Starter Company Plus is competitive. Not all program participants will receive a provincial grant, but all are eligible to participate in training. Priority for grant funding decisions will be based on the quality and viability of the application in terms of the level of demonstrated traction (i.e., minimum viable product, sales, subscribers/users, pilot projects underway) and realistic prospects from immediate local impact (i.e., job creation, use of commercial property, business expansion). Final approval for a Provincial Grant lies with a Regional Grant Administration (RGA) made up of economic development professionals from across York Region. The City of Vaughan’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship team will help applicants prepare their grant applications for the RGS through training and mentorship programs.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for grant funding, participants must:

• Be at least 18 years old at time of application;
• Not be attending school full time;
• Be a resident of Ontario;
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Not currently be enrolled in other self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing initiatives financed by government-funded organizations;
• Not have previously received a Starter Company or Starter Company Plus grant

In addition, for businesses to be eligible under the existing brick and mortar businesses stream, businesses must:

• Be located in and operate in Vaughan
• Have operated out of a commercial storefront or office/industrial space at a Location other than the applicant’s principal residence
• Have access to at least 3 months working capital (either cash savings or access to credit)
• Be an independent business and operate at arm’s length from family business ventures

• Have less than 10 full-time employees (25 if a restaurant) (or equivalent)

Businesses not eligible to receive funding include:

• Distributorships
• Franchises
• Incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Starter Company Plus Award
• Commissioned sales
• Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing ventures

Dates and Deadlines

The opportunity to apply for a provincial grant is currently closed.  Pending funding confirmation with the Province, additional cohort deadlines may be approved for future dates. This training series will continue to be delivered in the interim.

Bonus Offer*

All program participants will receive:

• 50 percent off two weeks of co-working space;
• 50 percent off for two months of storage;
• 75 percent off showroom space; and/or
• a free mailbox for one year when becoming a customer at the HUB Vaughan.

Successful grant applicants will also receive a $200 credit voucher to the HUB Vaughan services.

*Subject to change, limited quantities available.

Be Part of the Largest Startup Community in Vaughan

THE HUB VAUGHAN’s mission is to provide our community with a complete and comprehensive modern multi-space for individuals and small businesses.  We provide high end storage solutions and office space solutions to meet the ongoing demand for space.  We advocate an honest and open communication work environment with the utmost respect and consideration for our coworkers and for our community.  We will strive to bring the latest technology and security systems to our environment that would foster an innovative all in one storage and office complex.