Entrepreneurs in the city and county of Peterborough looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one have until the end of April to apply for the spring intake of Starter Company Plus.
The entrepreneurial training program, offered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government, offers business training for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established ones who are expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less.
The program provides one-on-one consultations with the program facilitator and in-person or virtual training featuring experts who guide entrepreneurs through writing a business plan.
“For many, 2023 is a year where individuals are looking to take something they may have been operating on the side or a passion project developed throughout the pandemic and turn that business into a reality,” says Business Advisory Centre manager Madeleine Hurrell in a media release. “This is a comprehensive self-employment training program that sets entrepreneurs up for long-term success.”
Participants who successfully complete the five-week Starter Company Plus program and submit a final business plan and pitch to a panel of judges are eligible to receive one of six $5,000 microgrants to start or grow their business.
Since its launch in 2017, Starter Company Plus has assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses, creating over 200 jobs in the local economy.
Interested entrepreneurs can learn more and apply online at investptbo.ca/starter. Applications close on Sunday, April 30th.
