Resources
Frequently asked questions
Do you have any business guides?
Yes, we have a number of useful guides and resources to assist you with your journey as a small business owner or entrepreneur. You can download many of our resources here.
How do I book an appointment?
We offer in person or virtual appointments with our team of advisors. To book an appointment, please complete the form here.
How much do your services cost?
Our services are available free of charge to residents and businesses located in the Nipissing and Parry Sound regions. You can learn more about our services here.
Do you offer business registration services?
We do not provide business registration services. However, you can register a business online through the options available here.
How can I contact you?
You can reach us by phone, email or via the contact form on our contact page. We are always happy to answer your questions and can point you in the right direction if you need additional support.
Do you provide loans or funding?
We do not provide loans to businesses. Some of our programs have a funding component for eligible participants who successfully complete the program. You can learn more about our programs here.
Do you recommend any other business friendly platforms?
Yes, we have relationships with several business-friendly platforms, offering services and discounts to entrepreneurs. To learn more about our affiliates and discounts on their services, please click here.
Need additional resources?
We have a great list of external resources that may be able to assist you in specialized areas. See additional resources in our business directory here.
The documents below provide essential tools, advice, and support for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Business Guides
Is This Business Viable For You?
A guide to help you determine if your business venture is viable or worth pursuing.
10 Steps to Starting a Small Business
A simplified breakdown of the most common considerations when starting a business.
Incorporation Overview
An overview of the pros and cons of incorporating your business.
Claiming Business Income and Expenses
A document to help prepare your for tax season as an entrepreneur.
Sales Tax and HST
How to register an HST account and a breakdown of your sales tax responsibilities.
Securing Funds For Your Business
Preparing you to inquire about small business loans or financing
Business Plan Overview
A simple overview of the components of a business plan and how it can provide your business value and clarity.
Software for Small Business
A guide for user-friendly software solutions to manage important aspects of a modern day business.
Hiring your First Employee
Steps and considerations when hiring your first employee and how to apply for a payroll account.
Intellectual Property in Canada
A chart breakdown of options to protect your product in Canada.
Not-For-Profits
A summary of what constitutes a non-profit and how you can establish one.
Glossary of Financial Terms
Definitions of commonly used terms in business and finance.
If you would like to register a sole proprietorship or a corporation you can also use a licensed platform called OWNR. It is a very user friendly platform that can help you register your business in minutes. Complete with 30 free business name searches, exclusive discounts and offers for your business, and dedicated customer support to guide you every step of the way.
Use OWNR to receive 20% off your business registration, incorporation, or managed corporation plan today. Managed corporation plans also include unlimited access to OWNR's legal agreement library.
When registering through OWNR, your account will be given a Company Key that can be used to access the Ontario Business Registry to make any changes to the company if needed in the future.
*Note, Partnership cannot be registered through OWNR.
Affiliates
Wagepoint is a software solution that assists with payroll to make sure that all your staff gets paid, and all your payroll taxes and deductions are handled for you. They offer solutions to you and your employees including direct deposit, online access to paystubs, automated payroll taxes, and ongoing support. Their software can help lower the risk of costly mistakes and will make sure that all your calculations for payroll are handled for you.
Book an appointment today through the following link and save 10% on their payroll software subscription. The 10% discount also applies to their Time and People software which helps with the scheduling of shifts for your employees.
To sell products in Canada, you need a unique barcode from GS1 Canada. GS1 licensed barcodes are the global standard, endorsed by most Canadian retailers and widely used in global supply chains. Their simple, annual subscriptions help small businesses get products to market quickly, whether online, through retailers, or in foodservice and stores. They ensure regulatory compliance and traceability.
Futurpreneur empowers aspiring young entrepreneurs on their journey to success! Their Core Startup Program provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.
Join the many aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 who have turned great ideas into thriving businesses through Futurpreneur.
Futurpreneur is the only national non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and resources to young entrepreneurs, helping them build a successful future while driving Canada’s inclusive economic prosperity. Access loans of up to $60,000 through Futurpreneur.
Business Resources Directory
E-Learning & Online Training
SBCO E-Learning Modules – Free online modules on a wide variety of small business topics.
Funding & Grants
Business Registration & Compliance
Service Ontario – Resources for business registration and incorporation.
Small Business Services (SBS) – Market research and startup resources.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Income tax, HST, payroll, and incorporation.
The Federation des gens d’affaires francophone de l’Ontario - Information and resources for French businesses and entrepreneurs.
Ministry of Labour – Workplace regulations and employment standards.
Statistics Canada – Business and economic data.
Industry Canada – Business development support.
Canadian Intellectual Property Office – Trademarks and patents.
Import/ Export Services and Tariff Resources
Zoning, Licenses & Permits
Employment Services & Workplace Safety
WSIB – Workplace safety insurance.
Chambers of Commerce
Social Enterprise
For Women in Business
Not-for-Profit & Charities
Incorporation Services
Contact us
Feel free to contact us for more information about our services and programs.
To schedule a consultation, please complete the form here.
Get in touch
Empowering local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Contact Us
(705) 474-0400 x 2302
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