Business programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses

Our entrepreneurship programs and education centre provide the knowledge, expertise and resources to ideation, early-stage and established entrepreneurs and business owners who aim to start or grow a product- or service-based business. To seek help with your tech startups or scaleups, visit here.

 

Women in event at the Small Business Enterprise Centre

 

Small businesses |
Ideation and early stage |
Established businesses

Advisory services

When it comes to entrepreneurship, there is no “one-advice fits all”. Through our advisory services, you get tailored guidance from a business expert who help address your needs and challenges.

Small businesses |
Ideation and early stage

Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus is a three-month training program for entrepreneurs who have launched or are ready to launch a new business. The program teaches the fundamentals of running a successful business and is open to product makers, service providers and retailers. Participants are required to join a series of workshops surrounding business basics and will also receive dedicated advisory services from an experienced mentor. At the conclusion of the training program, graduates will pitch their business to a panel of judges for an opportunity to be awarded a grant of up to $5,000 towards business startup costs.

Note: This program is not designed for tech and software startups. If you are an early-stage tech startup, IO Ignition or IO Accelerator might be right for you.

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Summer Company Logo and Banner

Student entrepreneurs |
Secondary and post-secondary

Summer Company

The Summer Company Program offers students who are between semesters, either in secondary or post-secondary education, the skills and knowledge to start up a successful business during the Summer break. You will receive dedicated workshops, hands-on mentorship and funding to help your business thrive. If your application is accepted, you will be eligible to receive an award of up to $3000, with up to $1,500 up front to help underwrite start-up costs, and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

This program is made possible through funding from the Government of Ontario.

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