Programs – Northstar Startups Scarborough

Supporting New Entrepreneurs

While all our services are FREE, success depends on your commitment, determination and participation.

The entrepreneurs in our program make good use of their mentors, workshops, and daily online support. In addition to greater financial security, the big result is confidence in yourself and your future.

Our Core Programs

The Business Basics Course Online

Work at your own pace and learn the basics of what you need to know to get started. We will cover the following:

  • How to make sure that your business idea fits your life
  • Know your service and the market you’ll serve
  • Identify what your customers will want
  • How to write your business plan
  • Tips on being organized
  • Be successful at sales

Northstar Startups Business Incubator

Once you are accepted into the incubator, you will:

  • be paired with a business mentor
  • receive real-world business training
  • join the Northstar Startups Hub
  • qualify for funding for marketing and small equipment costs
  • have your service promoted on our website
  • be introduced to local professionals

There is no pre-defined end to your participation in the incubator. We are here to help.

You are always welcome as part of the Northstar Startups Hub.

Northstar’s Startup Hub

Meetings at The Hub are part:

  • networking event 
  • learning workshop 
  • support group. 

As a Northstar Entrepreneur, you’ll be part of a dynamic community of entrepreneurs who support each other. 

Online daily and at the monthly meetings, you’ll share your successes, benefit from workshops, brainstorm challenges, socialize to learn more about your fellow entrepreneurs and plan for more future success.

Business Ideas We Can Help You Launch

Lawn Care / Yard Cleanup

Cleaning service
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
Mobile Car Detailing
Laundry & Folding Service

Tutoring

Painting

Minor Home Repairs 
Home Organization

Homework Help
Senior Companion Visits
Bike Repair or Tune-ups
Sewing / Alterations
Hair Braiding or Mobile Haircuts
Grocery Shopping for Seniors
Tech Help for Seniors
Furniture Assembly
TV Mounting / Smart Home Setup

Cultural Cooking Instruction
Language Translation / Interpretation
Basic Computer Setup / Tech Troubleshooting
Event Decoration or Setup
Flyer Design & Distribution
Social Media Management
Music instruction
Conversational English Practice

Errand Running / Personal Concierge

7 Steps to Success

Through our programs and events, we help people discover the side hustle or small business that is right for them. 

Here’s how a typical person progresses through our program. You can go through these steps as quickly or slowly as you wish.

Decide on the Business You Want to Start

During office hours, we meet to discuss your business idea.

Take the Online Business Basics Course

This course can be done at your own pace. You will also receive a certificate of completion.

Complete your one-page business plan

When you’re finished the course, you will have completed a one-page business plan.

Submit the Business Incubator application

Before you enter the incubator, we need a bit more information from you through the application form and a meeting to confirm that you have the commitment needed for success.

Enter the Business Incubator

You’ll be matched with a business coach, be able to request funding for business materials and activities, attend networking events, and have the support of Northstar Startups' network of professional resources

Join Northstar’s Startup Hub

In addition to the business incubator we have the The Hub, an active WhatsApp group for daily encouragement and support and a monthly opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs in the program, support each other with referrals, develop your business knowledge, share your success and brainstorm challenges.is

Get your first customers​

It all starts with one customer. You’ll be amazed how that one starts building into more.