Links
Federal Websites
The Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) helps growth-oriented Canadian businesses to expand by helping them access the key government services they need to grow, such as financing, exporting, innovation and business advice.
Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative in Southern Ontario
The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) will help the Canadian aerospace sector emerge from the pandemic with the capacity to compete on the global stage.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agricultural news, programs, industry information and services.
Business Development Bank of Canada
The only Canadian bank dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurs. Their mission is to help businesses grow and succeed through flexible financing, business consulting and venture capital. As Canada's business development bank, they work with entrepreneurs in all industries and stages of development, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Canada Business Services for Entrepreneurs
Our goal is to help your business grow and succeed through streamlined access to reliable, up-to-date information and services tailored to your needs. Canada Business strives to:
- reduce the complexity of dealing with multiple levels of government
- information about wage subsidies
- consolidate business information in one convenient service
- enable you to make well-informed business decisions in a global economy
- contribute to your success through sound business planning, market research and the use of strategic business information
Canada Community Revitalization Fund in Southern Ontario
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) aims to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
The Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a progressive trade agreement that upholds and promotes the values that Canada shares with the EU. This landmark agreement was signed on October 30, 2016 and entered into force on September 21, 2017.
Information about rates, mailing and shipping services, postbox rentals and more.
The website that deals with information, services and application forms to do with Canada's tax laws and compliance.
Please follow this link for an excellent article on deductible business plan start-up costs
Information for Canadians about patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial design, doing business abroad and protecting your brand.
Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation
Canada's new anti-spam law was passed in December 2010 and, following a Governor in Council order, it entered into force on July 1, 2014. The law will help to protect Canadians while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace. On January 15, 2015, sections of the Act related to the unsolicited installation of computer programs or software came into force.
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
For more than 120 years, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has been helping companies navigate international markets. Canadian trade commissioners are located in more than 160 cities worldwide, and can provide you with key business insights and access to an unbeatable network of international contacts.
Canadian Trademark Search Database
A database of Canadian trademarks searchable by numerous fields; such as registration number, current owner's name, former owner's name, trademark description, etc.
Canadian Urban Institute (CUI)
Through research, engagement and storytelling, our mission is to ensure Canada builds vibrant, equitable, livable and resilient cities.
Financial support for your small or medium-sized firm’s development of new export opportunities.
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
The CPTPP is a new free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Once the CPTPP enters into force, it will be one of the largest free trade agreements in the world and will provide enhanced market access to key Asian markets.
The Community Futures Program is a Government of Canada initiative which supports 61 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Ontario— FedDev Ontario works with the 37 CFDCs in rural Eastern and Southern Ontario, while FedNor works with the 24 organizations in the North. CFDCs offer a wide variety of programs and services supporting community economic development and small business growth. The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation falls under this program.
Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO)
EDCO provides leadership to enhance the professional development of its members; advance economic development as a profession and support our municipalities in fostering economic prosperity in the province of Ontario.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Information about job grants, training, pensions, retirement regulations, disability, seniors and employment and much more.
All the information you need about exporting regulations and news about the industry in Canada. Also, links to useful information about the countries Canada most commonly exports to.
FedDev Ontario - Small Business Services
A collaboration between Service Ontario and Industry Canada will connect you with the government programs and services you need to start, run or grow your business in Ontario.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
In response to Ontario's economic challenges, Budget 2009 provided more than $1 billion over five years for a new Southern Ontario development agency. The agency's programs will support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with contributions to communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations. It will help workers, communities, and businesses in Southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of opportunities, as economic growth recovers in Canada and around the world.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) ensures federally regulated financial entities comply with consumer protection measures, promotes financial education and raises consumers’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities. On their website and Facebook page they provide valuable information for managing money and debt at all phases of life. Great tutorials for students to retirees as well as info about consumer rights pertaining to financial institutions.
Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for nearly two decades. We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,800 volunteer mentors.
Information on news and programs concerning foreign trade policy and development; both home and abroad.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
We provide innovation and funding services customized to your specific needs. Our goal? To help you accelerate the growth of your business through innovation and technology. Our program helps firms to develop technologies and successfully commercialize them in a global marketplace.
The starting point to Industry Canada's huge business and consumer information site. Follow the simple alphabetical index for quick access to a long list of resources. Also information about the Small Business Financing program.
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
A network stimulating technological innovation in Canadian SMEs.
Encouraging Canadians to develop science, tech, engineering, and math skills to compete in the global economy. To ensure we have diverse representation in these fields and that we attract both Canadian and international talent.
Innovative Solutions Canada is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. Twenty participating federal departments and agencies will set aside a portion of funding to support the creation of innovative solutions by Canadian small businesses.
Jobs and Growth Fund in Southern Ontario
The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth.
Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative in Southern Ontario
Major festivals and events are key levers of economic activity in communities across the country. They attract international tourists, position Canada and its regions as destinations of choice, encourage investment in Canadian tourism assets and create jobs.
Information about federal social security programs, employment insurance, your record of employment, pensions, birth certificates, and numerous programs to assist businesses.
Small Business Services (SBS) is part of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). We help Ontario entrepreneurs access government business information and services.
Tourism Relief Fund in Southern Ontario
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.
Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative
Venture Capital (VC) is a specialized type of private equity financing that takes educated risks on great ideas and smart people, giving young, high growth-potential companies the opportunity to develop their ideas into marketable products. In addition to capital, VC investors bring operational experience, technical knowledge, networks and mentorship to the firms in which they invest. A strong and steady stream of VC investments is an essential element in the success of many of Canada's potential future technology leaders.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
A centre-piece of Budget 2018, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy is a comprehensive, whole-of-government plan to help women grow their businesses through access to financing, talent, networks and expertise. It highlights the Government of Canada's commitment to create a diverse, inclusive economy that supports prosperity and a better quality of life for all.
Provincial Websites
211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthen Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians become more engaged with their communities. 211’s award-winning telephone helpline (2-1-1) and website provide a gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and related government services. 211 helps to navigate the complex network of human services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages.
Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
Whether you're a community leader, an economic development professional or citizen volunteer, this site may help you identify the program that is right for your project. Learn about Economic Funding Programs, Tools and Resources, as well as Education, Research, Employment, Business, Industry, Rural Agricultural, Technology, Infrastructure, Green energy and ecology.
Employment Standards Act, 2000
A full description of The Employment Standards Act of Ontario.
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
This website has information about the business economy, infrastructure, employment, young entrepreneurs and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.
Information about the provincial budget, tax credits and benefits, personal income tax information and regulations and news about the economy in general.
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Detailed information about post-secondary training, apprenticeships, job grants and Employment Ontario.
Ontario Centre of Innovation drives the development of Ontario’s economy by helping create new jobs, products, services, technologies and businesses. In partnership with industry, OCE co-invests to commercialize innovation originating in the province’s publicly funded colleges, universities, and research hospitals. We also support and invest in early-stage projects, where the probability of commercial success and potential total return on innovation are substantial. Another expanding focus for OCE is the development of the next generation of innovators through our entrepreneurship fellowships and programs for students and youth across Ontario.
Ontario - 2023 Income Tax Package
Ontario's new comprehensive tax package includes the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and a number of personal and business income tax cuts, credits and benefits that could affect you.
The main Government of Ontario website. You will find a wealth of information, news and publications maintained by our provincial government.
Ontario Job Creation Partnerships
Ontario Job Creation Partnerships is an employment program that provides work experience to unemployed job seekers within projects that benefit the community or local economy. At the end of their participation, participants in the program will have recent work experience and additional skills to add to their résumés, increasing their chances of successfully finding long-term employment.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
The ministry responsible for all regulations pertaining to food, agriculture and rural infrastructure. News, funding, research and other related industry developments posted here.
Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services
This ministry delivers vital programs, services, and products — ranging from health cards, drivers licenses, and birth certificates to consumer protection alerts, car buying guides and public safety.
This ministry governs anything to do with labour laws, employment standards, health and safety and job protection.
Western Ontario Warden's Caucus (WOWC)
This agency is a not-for-profit organization representing 14 counties in western Ontario, the purpose of which is to enhance the prosperity and overall well-being of rural and small urban communities across the region. The members of the WOWC work collectively to influence federal, provincial and municipal legislative, regulatory and program initiatives through advocacy, research, analysis and education.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
The agency responsible for all aspects of workplace safety, training, compensation, as well as publishing industry statistics and information on new safety regulations.
Municipal and Community Websites
Business Enterprise Centre - Owen Sound and Area
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.
This website has been made so you can get a better understanding about Bruce County, Grey County, and Huron County. Whether you need short-term housing, want exclusive offers from local businesses or want more information about the surrounding communities, you will find it all here.
Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Catapult Grey Bruce is nurturing our local entrepreneurship ecosystem to foster innovation and local prosperity.
Community & Employment Services
A publication created quarterly by the Owen Sound Grey-Bruce Family Y Employment staff that includes information on various employment and education related topics.
LaunchPad (Hanover)
Launch Pad Youth Activity & Technology Centre is a regional not-for profit centre that promotes the positive skill development of youth 12 - 18 years of age. The centre encourages youth to gain the skills they need to become active and contributing members of their communities. We offer a wide range of skills in a fun and creative environment.
Spruce the Bruce: Bruce County
Information about the downtown improvement program for Bruce County businesses.
Women of Wellington Saugeen Area (WOWSA)
WOWSA aims to inspire, empower and connect professional women and female-identifying entrepreneurs in the County of Wellington and Saugeen River region in Ontario by providing creative education and networking events.
Newcomer Services Booklet
Interactive booklet of Newcomer Services for Bruce, Grey, Wellington counties.
LaunchIt Minto - Town of Minto
A great incubator program to help entrepreneurs launch their business with plenty of support and resources.
Got a great idea for a new business? Win financial support and training by "pitching" your idea at the annual PitchIt Minto competition! The competition is geared towards entrepreneurs that wish to open, purchase, expand or relocate a business within the Town of Minto.
Why not set up your new business venture in Wiarton, gateway to the Bruce Peninsula!
Everything you need to know about starting a business in Bruce County - lots of local information, maps and contacts, plus background information on all the major communities in the area. Great resources here!
Foundations & Funding
South Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation: SOFII
SOFII provides interest-bearing business loans to support innovation and growth in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region. A total of $20 million was contributed to the two regional SOFII funds, which are self-sustaining, revolving loan funds, delivered in their respective territories.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is a catalyst that enables Ontarians to work together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. We believe that communities across Ontario are rich in talent, creativity and drive, and our grants stimulate communities to build on these assets.
The Community Foundation Grey Bruce accepts donations, invests the money, then grants the income earned to not-for-profit organizations in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Research
The go-to website for Canadian statistics for everything to do with population demographics, health, education, industry and much more. Statistics for towns and villages all the way up to the entire country. Great for market research.
Business Studies
Online Learning for Small Business
Contact Nord is Ontario’s distance education and training network. It is a non-profit corporation funded by the Government of Ontario. It offers access to education opportunities through on-line learning to over 4 million Ontarians in 600 small, remote, rural, Aboriginal and Francophone communities across the province.
Open College Online Studies
Open Colleges has been delivering quality education for over 100 years. During this time, we have honed our unique learning model to become Australia’s leader in online learning. We’ve achieved this by continuously evolving our approach to meet the needs of our learners by offering flexible, accessible, affordable and supportive courses.
Business Associations
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
With the strength of over 109,000 small business owners from coast-to-coast – entrepreneurs just like you – the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is the big voice for small businesses. For over 40 years, they have represented the interests of the small business community to all three levels of government in their fight for tax fairness, reasonable labour laws and reduction of regulatory paper burden. They offer lobbying, business support, counselling and training for its members.
Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations
Information about the Community Futures Development Corporations and their programs in Ontario. Also link to on-line learning and business development courses for small businesses.
Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association
Visit these websites for more information about business financing & to view other resources for small to medium-sized businesses in south-western Ontario.
Find any local chamber with this website's directory.
Seniors
PROBUS is a local, national and international association of retired people who come together in non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit, autonomous clubs which provide regular opportunities for members to meet others in similar circumstances, with similar levels of interest, make new friends and maintain and expand their interests.
Other
RevolutionHer™ is a socially driven media company that has welcomed and supported over 30,000 women and youth worldwide since 2010. We are on a mission to connect and inspire females globally, because together we are stronger.