Please Read the Eligibility Criteria Before Completing Application

Based on the responses to the below questions, your eligibility for the program will be determined.  

If you are eligible, our program coordinator will be in contact to discuss next steps. If you have any questions, contact us at patrice.esper@durham.ca or (905) 668-4949 x2545 

2025 - 2026 STARTER COMPANY PLUS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY

• 18 years of age or older and has a SIN#
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Durham Region (proof required)
• Not attending school or planning to return to school while enrolled in the program
• Not employed full time anywhere else
• Proposing a new business that has been at least 6 months in operation, expanding an existing business that is 3 years old or less, or buying a business, in the Durham Region (proof required)
• Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours per week to run your business
• Prepared to complete the mandatory Business Training Program and attend the mandatory mentor meetings
• Can demonstrate 25% of $5,000 ($1,250) cash or equivalent investment in the business 
• Not enrolled in any other Government Funded Entrepreneurship Training Programs, and/or have not previously received funding from BACD or other SBEC (Small Business Enterprise Centre) (i.e. grant recipients from Starter Company, Second Start, etc) 

ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES

• A sole proprietorship, partnership, or a corporation in good standing, where the applicant will be the majority shareholder (document required at time of application and must show a Durham Region address)
• An independent business venture
• Partnership where the applicant holds the Majority share; if 50/50 shared, only one partner may apply. (proof required)
• Fits the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed in FORM RC 4110
• Operates at arm’s length from family business ventures in Ontario
• A business that operates full-time as defined in the business plan and maintains its own books and records
• Maintains a separate business bank account which corresponds with Business Registration documentation.
• Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business (Businesses that require permits/certification and/or a license must be current at the time of application).

NON ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES

• Franchises, commissioned sales, and distributorships
• Quasi-financial institutions or money service and money transfer businesses (including insurance companies and financial services companies)
• Collection Agencies
• Cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin) businesses and traders
• Businesses brokering funds or taking on a fiduciary duty handling funds for clients (including investment, insurance, and real estate brokers who handle funds in trust for clients),
• Vending machines/laundry mats and other traditionally coin operated operations
• Business ventures that are continuations of existing commercial endeavours
• Not-for-profit, social enterprise, co-operatives or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing ventures
• Single event such as musical ventures, bands, DJs or dance/party event organizations
• Recording artists, authors, and other similar ‘self-promoting’ artists and activities.
• Businesses that are strictly online (e.g. dropshipping, resellers), pay per click, 1-900 number businesses, or subscription models
• Technology apps which are not market-ready (operational)
• Businesses that are operated part-time/seasonally 
• REIT’s, retirement homes, and long-term care homes
• Student housing and other residential rental accommodation
• Childcare centres, including daycares,
• Home care for elderly and/or vulnerable populations,
• Medical Marijuana and Cannabis Retailers are not supported due to the complex regulatory requirements.

BACD reserves the right to determine the nature of business types to be accepted into the Starter Company Plus Program.

 

Notice of Collection and Privacy Practice: 
Personal information is collected under the authority of section 108 of the Municipal Act, 2001 for the purpose of administering a counselling service to small businesses operating or proposing to operate within the Region of Durham. It will be used to determine program eligibility, for statistical reporting, and for outcomes follow-up and evaluation. Questions regarding the collection, use and sharing of your personal information should be directed to the Access and Privacy Office by email at privacy@durham.ca or by telephone at 905-668-7711, extension 2204. Please review the Region of Durham’s Privacy Statement (Privacy - Region of Durham) for more information. 
 
Limitation of Liability: 
The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), a division of the Regional Municipality of Durham (Region), provides free information resources for general guidance on your business venture. This Information is not a substitute for professional advice. The Region and BACD do not offer legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice. Consult a professional adviser before making any decisions regarding your business. While the Region and BACD strive to provide accurate Information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or timeliness. The Information is provided “as is,” without any warranties. The Region and BACD are not liable for any decisions made based on the Information or for any consequential damages. 
 
Consent to Subscription: 
By subscribing, you are providing consent, as defined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation, to receive email updates from the Business Advisory Centre Durham and the Regional Municipality of Durham. 

To submit your application, please read and agree to the terms and conditions of the program.

Sometimes our responses end up in junk folders, please check there for our response and if you don't hear from us in 72 hours call Patrice Esper at (905) 668-4949 x 2370