Business Enterprise Centre

The Business Enterprise Centre provides entrepreneurs throughout Grey County with the information, tools and guidance needed to successfully start, expand and grow their small business.

See details about the programs we offer below.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an in-person or virtual consultation!

Our office is a partnership between Grey County, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth (link is external), and the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Science (link is external).

Some of the services we offer include:

  • Free business consultations
  • Guidance on government rules and regulations
  • Seminars and workshops
  • Networking and learning events
  • Resource material
  • Youth incentives and programs

Contact:

Courtney Miller, Business Enterprise Manager

or Linnea Catalan, Business Enterprise Coordinator
bec@grey.ca, 519-371-3232

Headquarters:

Sydenham Campus
1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1M7

For the latest news and information about BEC programs, news and other relevant business updates subscribe to our newsletter.

A FREE resource to help your business build an online presence and promote and sell successfully online. We service the Grey County region at no cost to you and your business.

The main role of a Digital Service Squad team member is to assess your business’s online presence and provide recommendations on how to enhance your digital capabilities.

Learn More

Are you a student who has always dreamed of running your own business?

Summer Company offers students (high-school or post-secondary) between the ages of 15-29 the opportunity to start and manage their own summer business. Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to $3,000, and invaluable training and mentorship from local business leaders.

Summer Company 2023 is now accepting applications!

Learn more (link is external) 

Do you need assistance starting your own business?

Starter Company Plus is a training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs over the age of 18 who are not returning to school. Participants receive training and business skills development as well as mentorship from local business leaders. Participants may also be eligible for a grant of up to $5000. 

*Please read full program guidelines and FAQ's prior to applying
PROGRAM GUIDELINES 

Applications for 2023 are now closed. Please get in touch if you would like to be on the list for the 2024 intake!

 

Link to full program guidelines (link is external) 

 

Starter Company Plus FAQ's

Q. Am I eligible for Starter Company Plus?

A. You are eligible for Starter Company Plus if you are:

Proposing a new company or operating a new business for a period 1 year or less within Grey County.

Not a full time student and not returning to school full time

A resident of Ontario

A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

Prepared to complete the business training components of the Starter Company Plus Program as prescribed by your Small Business Enterprise Centre Program Provider

Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 35 hours a week running the business

Can demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash and in-kind assets

Prepared to attend monthly meetings for at least six months after acceptance into the program

Not receiving government income support, such as: Ontario Works, EI, ODSP

 

Q. What type of business can I start?

A. Almost any type of business is eligible, as long as it is:

A sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder

A partnership*

An independent business venture

Social enterprise

Fits the Canada Revenue Agency definition of being self-employed

Operates at arm's length from family business ventures

Operates in Ontario

Operates full-time as defined in the business plan

Maintains its own books and records

Maintains a separate business bank account

Follows government rules and regulations for operating a business

*If only one partner is eligible for Starter Company Plus he/she must demonstrate 51% ownership of the company

 

Businesses not eligible for Starter Company Plus include:

Distributorships

Commissioned sales

Not-for-profit or charitable enterprises

Multi-level marketing ventures

Single events such as a theatrical production, a DJ gig, a music concert, a dance/party event, a fundraiser, a sporting tournament, etc.

Businesses that are strictly pay per click

1-900 businesses

Futurpreneur Canada provides youth age 18-39 with the opportunity for low interest financing for their business, as well as an internationally recognized mentoring program.

For more information visit the Futurpreneur website(link is external) or contact The Business Enterprise Centre.