BRAMPTON, ON (February 12, 2021) – The City of Brampton is now accepting applications for two entrepreneur training and funding opportunities: the Starter Company Plus Program and Summer Company Program.

In a time of rapid change for Brampton small businesses, the City of Brampton continues to provide resources to support entrepreneurs. These two programs are offered through the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) to help entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses. They are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Starter Company Plus Program

BEC, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, recognizes the importance of supporting those with a new or existing business idea. The Starter Company Plus Program provides free training, free mentoring, and grant opportunities of up to $5,000 for eligible participants to start, expand, or buy a small business. The Program aims to address local economic development needs and, where appropriate, focuses on specific industries and sectors.

To apply for the Starter Company Plus Program in Brampton, you must confirm your eligibility to participate and attend a mandatory information session. Attendance at the info session does not guarantee acceptance into the program or the receipt of a program grant.

Interested parties can register for the mandatory information session on:
• February 18, 10 to 11 am
• February 18, 6 to 7 pm
• February 23, 10 to 11 am
• February 23, 6 to 7 pm

To find out more about the program and to determine eligibility, visit www.brampton.ca/bec.

Summer Company Program

In partnership with the Government of Ontario, BEC helps Ontario students, ages 15 to 29, launch and operate a business. Throughout the summer, students take part in training covering topics such as mastering social media, marketing and sales, managing business risk, and networking.

The deadline for applications is April 19, 2021. Aspiring young entrepreneurs are encouraged to connect with BEC to learn more about the application process. The program will be delivered virtually from May to August 2021.

Interested parties can register for the mandatory information session on:
• March 25, 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Visit www.brampton.ca/bec for more information.

About The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre is a part of the City of Brampton’s Planning, Building and Economic Development department. BEC is focused on the stability and growth of the local economy by fostering the careful preparation, launch and long-term sustainability of micro and small businesses across all sectors.

About Brampton’s Economic Recovery Strategy

In May 2020, Brampton City Council endorsed an Economic Recovery Strategy as a framework for the City to move forward with restarting the local economy. The Economic Recovery Strategy is organized into four cornerstones: Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship, which includes the expansion of Brampton Entrepreneur Centre offerings to better support entrepreneurs and small businesses; Investment; Arts, Culture and Tourism; and Infrastructure. To learn more, click here.

Quotes

“Brampton is a City of Opportunities, and local businesses are essential to the wellbeing of our great community. In a time of unprecedented difficulty for our residents, we remain committed to advancing the dreams of existing and budding local entrepreneurs. I encourage interested Bramptonians to take advantage of the Starter Company Plus and Summer Company programs, being offered by our Brampton Entrepreneur Centre.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre provides invaluable services and programs to micro and small businesses across all sectors in our city. Those interested in starting, advancing or buying a business in Brampton are invited to attend an information session for the Starter Company Plus Program, and aspiring student entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply to the Summer Company Program, both being offered by BEC. You are the future of our city, and we are here to help.”
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4; Chair, Economic Development and Culture, City of Brampton

“Brampton’s local businesses and entrepreneurs are critical to the overall wellbeing of our community.  The City’s COVID-19 Economic Support Task Force was established at the onset of the pandemic and has since established an Economic Recovery Strategy, which focuses on providing more resources and supports for our entrepreneurs and businesses to launch and grow here in Brampton.”
- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Economic Development and Culture, City of Brampton

“City staff are committed to advancing the Term of Council Priority Brampton is a City of Opportunities, and one of the many ways we are doing so is through programs offered by our Brampton Entrepreneur Centre. Youth and entrepreneurs are key to advancing our local economy, and we are proud to support them through the upcoming Starter Company Plus and Summer Company programs.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

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