SCP Guidelines and Application

Please ensure you read the following information carefully and understand the program requirements and eligibility before submitting an application.

Please note SCP is a competitive process and not all applicants will be accepted into the program or approved for funding.

NOTABLE DATES: 

• Application Deadline is August 1st, 2025. Please submit this application by then to be considered for the 2025-26 program year.
• Sessions will include a mix of self-study, in-person (Bracebridge) and virtual  (Zoom) formats. The program typically runs from approximately late September through to December 2025. 
• Grant Review Committee presentations take place in early December. 
• 75% of the grant funds are disbursed to candidates in early January.
• The final 25% is disbursed to candidates in late March, after submission of reeipts demonstrating that spending was in line with the business plan.

The duration of the training and business planning portion of the SCP program, provided by the Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC), is approximately 10 weeks in which you will receive:

• Assistance with developing your business plan
• Training on all aspects of running a small business
• Ongoing support for running your business
• Coaching and mentoring
• Networking opportunities
• On-site support through a site visit

After the 10-week training, you may be eligible to apply for a grant of up to $5000.00. If approved for the grant, you will commit to an additional 3 months of participation in the program (further support and networking opportunities).

• 18 years of age or older;
• Proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company or buying an existing business;
• Not a full time student and not returning to school full time;
• A resident of Ontario and Canadian citizen (or a permanent resident);
• Prepared to complete the business training components of the SCP Program as prescribed by your Small Business Enterprise Centre Program Provider;
• Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business once up and running;
• If applying for the grant money, you must demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets;
• Prepared to attend all required training and mentorship meetings;
• Have not received a government business grant in the past.

• A sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder
• A partnership*
• An independent business venture
• A social enterprise
• Fits the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed
• Operates at arm's length from family business ventures
• Operates in Ontario
• Operates full-time as defined in the business plan
• Maintains its own books and records
• Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

*If only one partner is eligible for SCP, they must demonstrate at least 51% ownership of the company.

Businesses not eligible for Starter Company Plus include:

• Distributorships
• Incorporated businesses that are controlled directly or indirectly by a person who would not be eligible for a Starter Company Award
• Commissioned sales
• Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises
• Multi-level marketing ventures
• Single events such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, etc.
• Businesses that are strictly pay per click
• 1-900 businesses

Part 1: Complete the eligibility and application forms below. Once you submit, your application will be reviewed and evaluated by the Muskoka Small Business Centre (program provider).

If your application is sound and meets the program's eligibility criteria, you will be asked to schedule an interview with the Managing Consultant to talk through your business idea. Once completed, the MSBC will evaluate your fit in the program and you will be contacted via email if you are accepted or not. If you accept the offer to join the program, you must attend all training/business planning workshops to then be eligible to apply for a grant. You will also be paired with experts that will mentor you throughout the program. You are required to complete a minimum of 10 mentorship hours with your paired experts.

Part 2: After the 10-week training and mentorship period as well as the completion of your business plan, you may be invited to apply for the grant portion of the program through a short presentation of your business idea to a Grant Committee (as long as you have completed all requirements and documentation). After the presentation, if your application is approved by the program provider and grant committee, you will be required to:

• Sign an agreement with your program provider outlining each party's rights and responsibilities
• Agree to comply with the program guidelines and implement the business substantially in accordance with the business plan and cash flow included with your application
• Show your business name registration and any required licensing documents to your program provider for verification
• If operating a partnership, provide copies of the partnership agreement
• Operate your business on a full-time basis, minimum average of 35 hours a week
• Agree to one site visit by the program provider
• Hand in monthly progress reports; including time allocations, business tasks, operation and marketing activities
• Prove receipts for the spending of the grant money, in accordance to it's allocation in your financial forecasts
• Maintain appropriate business records of income and expenditures including receipts
• Participate in additional business training/networking activities
• Attend an exit interview with your program provider

Notes

1. Funds from the SCP Award cannot be used for the purchase or lease of a vehicle.
2. Failure to successfully complete the program will result in default as specified in the Letter of Agreement.
3. Funding must be used to implement all components outlined in the business plan. Certain restrictions will apply.

Tax Treatment of Award: The Starter Company Plus grant is considered taxable under the Canada and Ontario Income Tax Acts. A T4A slip will be issued to the recipient of the Award.

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the program requirements, email or call your local program provider: 

Muskoka Small Business Centre - Bracebridge, ON

Mon-Fri 9am-4pm: 705-646-9021 or email admin@muskokasmallbusiness.ca.

Or book a free 1-hour consultation to discuss your new or existing business and the program before applying. Book here: https://calendly.com/elizabeth-msbc