Northumberland County’s Business & Entrepreneurship Centre celebrates Small Business Week with grant programs, workshops and networking opportunities

Cobourg, ON – October 14, 2026 – Small businesses are at the heart of Northumberland’s communities and economy. This Small Business Week, the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) is helping local entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses with practical training, expert guidance, networking opportunities and access to funding.

Celebrated across Ontario from October 19 to 25, Small Business Week is an opportunity to recognize the entrepreneurs and small business owners who contribute to our community and local economy.

As part of Small Business Week, the BECN is launching their annual Starter Company Growth Program to deliver micro grants to businesses looking to grow and expand, as well as hosting a series of workshops and networking events for business owners throughout the week.

Starter Company Growth Program

Supported by the Province of Ontario, the Starter Company Growth Program helps eligible entrepreneurs expand their established businesses. Successful applicants receive free business training, mentorship, and access to a micro-grant of up to $3,500 to invest directly into their business growth.

Whether you’re planning to grow your team, launch a new product, or enhance operations, this program offers support and resources to help make it happen.

Businesses that have been operating full-time in Northumberland County for at least 6 months can apply to receive free support including:

• A micro grant of up to $3,500
• Training and mentorship
• Ongoing business guidance
• Opportunities to learn and network with other local businesses and entrepreneurs

How to apply

Applications are open until November 16, 2026. Space is limited, and funding will be awarded through a competitive selection process.

To apply, visit BECN.ca/StarterCompany.

Free Small Business Week events

Workshop: Planning Your Exit

Tuesday, October 20 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Virtual Online

Thinking about selling your business, passing it to family, or handing it to your team? You’ve spent years building your business. Learn about your options and how to prepare your business for a transition.

In this free webinar, Sarah Gobeil, Project Coordinator for Succession Ontario, walks you through where to start; when to begin planning, the exit options open to you, and how to make your business ready for the next owner. You will leave with a clear path, and free tools to keep going.

Workshop: Record Keeping Essentials – Keeping Your Business on Track

Tuesday, October 20 | 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. | Online via Zoom

Led by Carey McMaster, Founder and Capacity Building Specialist at TRAICON, this practical workshop will help business owners understand the fundamentals of effective record keeping and how organized financial information can support better decision-making and CRA compliance.

Participants will learn about recording business income and expenses, managing GST/HST and payroll obligations, common business expenses, and strategies for keeping records organized and business and personal finances separate.

McMaster is an experienced business advisor, facilitator and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience supporting small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Peer-to-Peer Connect: Your Business Is Making Money…So Where Is the Cash?

Thursday, October 22 | 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. | 600 William Street, Cobourg

Local entrepreneurs, business owners and industry professionals are invited to connect, learn and share ideas during this roundtable session and conversation featuring guest speaker Shaelene McInnis of Books In Line Professional Services Inc.

This networking session will help business owners better understand where their cash is going, how to plan for everyday expenses and slow periods, how to recognize cash flow warning signs and how to build better financial habits to prevent unwanted spending.

Registration is required to attend these events. To register, visit BECN.ca/Workshops.

To learn more about the BECN’s free programs and services, visit their website or call their team at 905-372-9279 to chat about how you can grow your business.