Grow Your Business with A $5,000 Grant from RBC Ventures, Staples, Shopify and Moneris

Small businesses drive the Canadian economy. According to federal government statistics, 97.7 percent of Canada’s 1.2 million employer businesses are small businesses. And 15 percent of working Canadians (2.9 million Canadians!) are self-employed entrepreneurs, freelancers and independent workers. That’s a lot of #hustle, #inspiration and #grind!

But did you know that currently, only two out of five people with a business idea actually launch the business?

Canada Starts, a joint initiative from Ownr (by RBC Ventures), Staples, Shopify and Moneris is the first time these four household Canadian brands have come together to support entrepreneurs, demonstrating just how important entrepreneurial success is to the entire group.

To put their money where their support is, Canada Starts will award 40 aspiring small-business owners with $5,000 each, for a total of $200,000. These grants will enable them to bring their business concepts to market. One-third of the fund will be reserved for Black, Indigenous, People Of Colour (BIPOC) entrepreneurs, supporting Canadians who face systemic barriers in accessing start-up capital.

Do you have a small-biz idea that you’re allllmost ready to launch? Could you use $5,000 to get it off the ground? Apply for one of our 40 $5,000 grants – read on to learn more.

WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?

The Fall 2020 Grant program will award 40 $5,000 grants to aspiring small-business owners across Canada. Recipie nts will receive the first installment of their funds ($2,500) on November 15, 2020. Thesecond half ($2,500) will be provided January 30, 2021, provided they successfully complete qualifiers such as registering their business, setting up a website or store, etc. – see the guidelines for more details.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Any aspiring entrepreneur with a solid business plan! This program is perfect for first-time small-business owners with big ambitions. Existing businesses are not eligible. The program is open to residents of all provinces and territories, including Quebec.  

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Visit the grants application portal between September 15 and October 15, 2020. Complete an application with your name and contact info, plus details about your business idea/concept and how you plan to use the funding. You will be asked to share a copy of your business plan.

HOW ARE RECIPIENTS SELECTED?

Grant recipients will be selected on the strength of their business idea or concept, and the quality and thoroughness of their business plan.

You can increase your chances of being selected by:

• Providing detailed responses to application questions about your small-business idea and how the funding will be used;

• Refining your business plan (ask a friend, colleague or mentor to read it and offer feedback!);

• Planning ahead so you’re not rushed (Don’t forget: the application window is September 15 to October 15, 2020.

WHEN WILL THE RECIPIENTS BE ANNOUNCED?

We will announce the final participants on November 1, 2020.

IF I QUALIFY WHAT CAN I USE MY $5,000 FOR?

Materials, inventory, rent, advertising, web hosting, staff … it’s up to you! This is your brainchild – we’re just here to help you hit the ground running.