Fuel your small business expansion with $3,500 micro grant from BECN

Cobourg, ON – May 5, 2025 – Big things are happening for small businesses in Northumberland! The Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) is now accepting applications for its Starter Company Growth Program — a unique opportunity for business owners to receive a free micro grant to invest into their business, plus exclusive access to expert training, mentorship, and one-on-one business support.
What is the BECN?
BECN is Northumberland’s go-to hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering free tools, programming, and hands-on support to help businesses launch, grow, and succeed. From micro grants and business development resources to training and peer-to-peer opportunities, BECN’s programs are designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and empower business owners to reach their next big milestone.
What is the Starter Company Growth Program?
The Starter Company Growth Program, supported by the Province of Ontario, supports eligible entrepreneurs looking to build their small businesses. Select entrepreneurs will receive training, mentoring and advice and will be eligible to apply for a micro-grant of up to $3,500 to assist with growth and expansion of their business.
Whether looking to expand, hire or launch a new service, this program is designed to help small businesses grow and thrive in Northumberland.
Businesses that have been operating full-time in Northumberland County for 6 months or more can apply to receive:
- A free micro grant of up to $3,500 – no repayment, no loans, just free money!
- Business growth development
- Free training and mentorship opportunities
- Ongoing business advice
- Opportunities to learn and collaborate with other local businesses
Business owners who are ready to take the next step can submit their applications online by June 2, 2025.
Space in the program is limited and funding will be awarded through a competitive process – not all applicants will receive a grant.
To apply for the Starter Company Growth Program or explore the full range of programs and services BECN offers to support small business owners, visit BECN.ca.
Quotes
“The support we've received from the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) has truly been instrumental throughout our business journey. We first connected with BECN through the Starter Company program over 10 years ago when we were just getting CrossFit Cobourg off the ground. The training, mentorship, and guidance gave us the foundation we needed to launch with confidence. Now, a decade later, we're leaning on that support again as we take the next step to grow—expanding our marketing efforts, investing in renovations, and bringing in new equipment to better serve our members. BECN has continued to be a reliable resource, helping us navigate growth while staying grounded in our values. We're proud to be part of the local business community and grateful for the role BECN continues to play in helping us evolve and thrive in Cobourg.” — Scott Carreira and Bud Tinney, Owners, CrossFit Cobourg
“Working with the BECN was a rewarding experience. They opened many opportunities for my small business for visibility, growth and support. Their tailored mentorship, funding, grant navigation and exemplary networking were beneficial tools in growing my business. This is an amazing platform for the success of any small business.” — Robyn West, Owner, Star Laser Skin Services, Port Hope