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Starter Company Growth Program

The Starter Company Growth Program is a grant opportunity for existing full-time businesses operating in Northumberland County for a minimum of 6 months+. The program offers educational and networking opportunities, virtual business skills development, online training, and mentoring. Eligible participants could receive a grant of up to $3,500 to further develop their existing business.

Process and Deadlines

  • Part One: The deadline for this online form application submission is Monday, June 2, 2025 (11:55pm)
  • Part Two: Upon submission of the online application, you will be emailed a link to complete a simple secondary video/audio interview recording. Step by step instructions will be sent to you. Video completion is due by Friday, June 6, 2025.
  • Successful recipients will be contacted by email by Monday, June 16, 2025.
  • If approved, mandatory online and in-person training is scheduled for the following days. Additional details and information to follow.
    Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm, In-Person. "Introduction to Financial Statements" 
    Tuesday, July 15 at 9:30am - 11:00am, In-Person. "Peer-to-Peer Connect." 
    Thursday, July 17, Zoom. Digital Marketing (Content TBD). 

Eligibility

  • A full-time business operating in Northumberland County, with regular monthly sales.
  • In operation for a minimum of 6 months+. 
  • Business is NOT a franchise, including those individually owned and operated, is NOT a not-for-profit/charitable organization.
  • Business is NOT a multi-level marketing business (also known as network marketing, direct selling, referral marketing, and pyramid selling) for sales.
  • Individuals are not eligible to apply if they have received any funds from the Business Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland in the past two years.

Please note

  • This is a competitive process, and limited funds are available. Not all applicants will receive grant funds. All applicants will have access to training. 
  • Applications are scored individually and are based on the level of detail provided in the application. 
  • Approved participant cheques will be remitted in the applicant's personal name (not the business name), and Social Insurance Number must be provided before cheques are awarded. T4A’s will be issued in the following calendar year.
  • Individuals/businesses are ineligible to apply for additional funding if they have received grant money funds from BECN in the past two years. 
  • Mandatory training such as; an in-person sales workshop, educational videos, virtual roundtable and networking sessions, must be completed before cheques can be remitted.

This application contains the following sections: 

  1. General business information 
  2. Business Development Growth Plan
  3. Grant Expense Plan 
  4. Terms & Agreement