A quick, time-sensitive heads-up for those of you running a business in the City of Toronto.
The City of Toronto - with funding from the Government of Ontario - is currently accepting applications for the Starter Company Plus Grant. The General Business stream is open right now, and the window closes May 29 at 4:29 p.m. If you've been operating for at least six months, this is worth a look.
What you actually get
Selected entrepreneurs receive:
A $5,000 micro-grant to put toward growth
Up to 15 hours of business training
Up to three months of one-on-one mentoring and advisory support
Do you qualify?
There are two sets of boxes - you, and your business.
You need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18 or older, not currently in school, devoting at least 35 hours a week to the business (and not employed elsewhere), and a Toronto resident.
Your business needs to:
Be registered with a Toronto address and have a commercial bank account
Have been operating between 6 months and 5 years, with financial statements to show it
Run year-round with fairly steady month-to-month revenue
Here's the one people miss → you must have already invested at least $1,250 of your own money (25% of the grant) into the business before you apply. Cash, equipment, marketing, rent, and other legitimate startup costs all count.
A few business types are excluded → franchises, charities and non-profits, online resellers, real estate and money-service businesses, crypto, and cannabis-related products, among others. Worth a two-minute check before you start the form.
How applicants are chosen
It's competitive. A City review committee looks for a viable business: proof of concept, real customer demand, and a clear revenue model - plus growth potential and a solid startup budget. A clean, well-documented application makes a real difference.
Ready, or not sure?
Apply online here — the deadline is firm: May 29, 4:29 p.m.
The City also runs free virtual info sessions if you'd like to ask questions first.
Even if this round isn't the right fit, the program runs in multiple streams through the year so it's good to have on your radar.
All the best!
Power to you,
Think Team 🙏
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