Business Support Program Returns to Grey County for 2025, Offering Grants & Mentorship
Local entrepreneurs: get support to grow your business with Grey County’s 2025 Starter Company Plus. Deadline to apply is April 25.
Entrepreneurs in Grey County looking to launch or grow their business can now apply to the 2025 Starter Company Plus program, delivered by the Grey County Business Enterprise Centre.
Applications are open until April 25, and those selected will benefit from business training, local mentorship, and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000.
The program is open to Ontario residents over the age of 18 who are not returning to school full time and are not currently receiving government income support such as Ontario Works, Employment Insurance (EI), or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Eligible applicants must either be starting a new business or operating a business that is less than three years old within Grey County.
Participants will be required to attend one in-person networking event and four virtual training sessions throughout May, covering topics such as business planning, operations, financials, and sales and marketing. Following the training, participants will submit a business plan for review.
Grants will be awarded based on the recommendation of a review committee, with successful businesses receiving 75% of their funding on July 1, 2025, and the remaining 25% upon completing program requirements by December 31, 2025.
In addition to the grant, the program offers ongoing mentorship from local business leaders and personalized guidance from the Grey County Business Enterprise Centre. Selected participants must demonstrate at least 25% in matching funds, either in cash or in-kind contributions, and commit to an average of 35 hours per week running their business.
The first in-person session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 at the Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound, with subsequent virtual training sessions continuing through the end of the month. Business plans must be submitted by June 8 for grant consideration.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full program guidelines and FAQs before applying. More information and the application form are available online at www.grey.ca/bec. Questions can be directed to the Business Enterprise Centre at bec@grey.ca.