Government Programs and Support

At the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, we can help connect you with government programs and resources to support your business.

Government agencies and resources

Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) helps create and develop strong Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services and capital, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. BDC also offers free online articles and tools on various business topics as well as a selection of easy-to-read, concise eBooks written specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs.

FedDev Ontario

The FedDev Ontario – Small Business Services helps entrepreneurs and small business in Ontario access government information and services. They offer a variety of multilingual business guides and resources to help you get your business up and running.

Government of Canada – business and industry

The Government of Canada provides a variety of business and industry resources, including information about:

Starting a business
Maintaining a business
Protecting a business
Grants and financing
Taxes for business
Hiring and managing employees
International trade and investment
Research, development and innovation
Intellectual property and copy right

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

ISED works to improve investment conditions, enhance innovation, increase Canada’s share in global trade and build a fair and competitive marketplace. They offer a variety of resources, including:

Funding opportunities
Starting a business
Protection your business
Hiring employees
Research, development and innovate
International trade and investment
Business permits, licences and regulations

MaRS

MaRS offers a range of services to start-ups and businesses looking to scale up. They can help turn your business ideas into products and services with a global impact. As a MaRS-supported company, you’ll receive:

Advisory supports and connection to talent
Access to investors
Connections to partners

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

OMAFRA provides businesses in the agriculture and food processing sector with a variety of resources to help you run, grow and navigate farming laws and practices.

Small Business Centres Ontario

Small Business Centres Ontario is a network of small business centres across Ontario, including ours. They offer a variety of events and online training opportunities.

Statistics Canada

Visit Statistics Canada to find information about local demographics as well as the economy and society more broadly. If you’re looking to start a business, this information can help you get a better idea of the local market.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

As a small business owner you have legal obligations when it comes to the health and safety of your workplace. But it’s not just about the law. A sound workplace health and safety program will also ensure the growth of your business.

This robust easy to use small business centre has the tools to help you stay on track with health and safety information relevant to your small business. Stay on track with the safety checklist and then follow the road map to help address your legal requirements and occupational health and safety (OHS) gaps and concerns.

Government funded programs

View a variety of government programs and perform a custom search of funding opportunities and other supports using the Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder tool. You can also read about local incentives available to support your business.

Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization that offers financing of up to $60,000 and mentorship to aspiring business owners between the ages of 18 and 39. It also provides funding streams for different types of entrepreneurs. Learn more about Futurpreneur’s core lending programs and see if your business qualifies.

Canada Small Business Financing Program

The Canada Small Business Financing Program is a government loan program in collaboration with financial institutions. Find out if your business is eligible.

Rise Asset Development

Rise is a national organization dedicated to empowering people with mental health and addiction challenges to achieve greater social and economic inclusion through entrepreneurship. Through training, mentorship, micro-financing and other customs supports, Rise helps individuals build the skills and access the capital they need to launch a small business. Rise programs include:

EnterpRISEing You
Small Business Lending Program
Peer Supported Startup Program
Youth Small Business Program
Women+ Entrepreneurship Program