What is it?
A hands-on training and mentorship program that gives you – a new entrepreneur – the resources, knowledge, and guidance for starting a business in Bruce County.
How does it work?
- Meet with a Business to Bruce advisor to see if it’s a right fit for you and your business goals
- Work with your advisor to develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). The ILP will include attending workshop training, meeting with your advisor, completing other recommended training, meeting with your coach, and preparing a business plan. Complete all steps in your ILP at your own pace
- Pitch your business idea and plan to our advisory committee
- Advisor meetings, mentorship meetings, and execute action items for goals described in your business plan
Upon completion of these steps, you may receive a $5,000 grant for start-up costs*
*Note: Given the program is competitive in nature, not all participants will receive the grant, will benefit from taking part in the training and mentorship
How many hours of my time are needed?
It will vary for each client, and will be based on your ILP, but approximately:
- 10 hours in training workshops (2 hours each)
- 3 hours in advisor meetings (1 hour each)
- 4 hours in mentor / coach meetings (1 hour each)
- + the hours it takes you to write a business plan
*Note: you may be needed to complete more or less training hours
When does the program start and end?
It launches in September 2019, but you can join at any time. You set the pace as to how fast you work your way through the program requirements. If you are approved for the grant funding, you must complete all requirements by March 31, 2020.
Am I eligible?
You are:
- starting a new business (planning stage)* or be in the start-up stage of business operations in Bruce County**
- 18 years of age or older
- an Ontario resident
- a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- able to prove a minimum personal investment of $1,250 (cash or in kind) towards the business
- willing to spend a minimum of 35 hours a week running the business
- not attending school full time or returning to school
- not currently enrolled in other provincial employment or self-employment related programs
- not currently be enrolled in any self-employment or entrepreneurship training/financing programs offered by government funded organizations
- not a past recipient of Starter Company, Starter Company Plus, or Self Employment Benefit funding
*Planning stage: the business must open before you complete the program and the grant is awarded
** Start-up stage: operating (earning revenue) for approximately 12 months or less
What if I’m not eligible?
You can still participate in all components of the program but will not have the chance to pitch your plan or receive the grant.
Interested in learning more?
Contact us today to set up a meeting with an advisor in your area!
Check out our upcoming workshops on our events calendar for more free learning opportunities.
