On Tuesday, October 3, the Prescott and Russell Economic Development and Tourism Department (PREDT), through the Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre (PREC) marked the official launch of the Starter Company Plus program. This grant program, which aims to help entrepreneurs start a new company, expand an existing one or buy a business in Ontario, has welcomed its first cohort of 34 businesses equivalent to 41 entrepreneurs in the Prescott and Russell region.

Through the Starter Company Plus program, these entrepreneurs can obtain one-on-one guidance from the Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre Project Officer, can participate in business workshops, seminars and networking events with topics ranging from writing a business plan to marketing & social media campaigns, to budgeting and making their elevator pitch.

Unlike the Starter Company program, which started in 2013 for adults aged 18 to 29 only, the 2.0 version of the program – Starter Company Plus – abolishes the age limitation. In other words, you can apply if you’re an Ontario resident and Canadian citizen, not attending school full-time or returning to school and are 18 years of age or older.

“Not only will these entrepreneurs get sound advice from experts in their respective fields, they will also be able to apply for a grant of up to $5,000. This financial assistance, in the form of a grant funding, will help with several expenses, including equipment purchases, inventory purchases, marketing expenses, registration and training fees and miscellaneous entrepreneurial expenses” , says Benoit Brunette, the PREC Project Officer. “If there is an essential document to present for funding or to apply for a grant, that is the business plan. Not only does it help to convince investors and lenders, it is also a reflection tool to better understand what these entrepreneurs are committing to as a freelancer, consultant or self-employed worker ” he explains.

The Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help small business owners and small business entrepreneurs succeed in Prescott and Russell by providing information, tools and support during their start-up and growth phases.

 

Benoit Brunette Project Officer

Prescott and Russell Entrepreneurship Centre

59 Court street, P.O. Box 304, L’Orignal Ontario K0B 1K0

Tel. : 613 675-4661 ext 8106

Email: [email protected]