If you are a person under 30 living in Ontario and considering starting your own business, there are government grants, funding programs and other resources to help you do it.
Starter Company
It’s an entrepreneurship program for Ontario youth aged 18 to 29 who is not attending school full time. You’ll get guidance, mentoring, business expertise and funding to start your own business. To qualify for funding of up to $5,000, you need to be able to contribute at least 25% of the grant amount.
Strategic Community Entrepreneurship Projects
You can get training, resources and money to start your own business if you are:
- Living in Ontario
- 15 to 29 years old
- Not eligible for other self-employment programs, such as the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit
Microlending for Women in Ontario
Ontario women can get financial literacy training, entrepreneurship mentoring and skills development to start their own business.
Youth Entrepreneurship Fund
You can get $5,000-$20,000 to help grow your innovative tech-sector business and get access to valuable market intelligence and network support.
School of Social Entrepreneurs
It’s a 6-month fellowship at the Daniels Centre of Learning in Toronto. They can help you develop and secure a social venture that can benefit your community (e.g., fair trade products). The cost is $1,500 (including course materials and school fees). In some cases, scholarships and bursaries are available.
Northern Business Opportunity Program
You can get support in the form of a conditional contribution, which will not exceed 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $200,000, to start a business in Northern Ontario.
Summer Company
Up front, you can get up to $1,500 to help with start-up costs and up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements.
For more information you can visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/entrepreneurship-funds-and-resources-people-under-30
