• Employment
• Business and Self-Employment
• Start a Business

Where can I get help to start a business?

There are services and websites where you can find information and advice about starting a business in Ontario.

Many community agencies can also help you find information about how to start a business. To find help, go to Services Near Me and search for "settlement services" in your area.

Business Immigration Ontario

Business Immigration Ontario has:

• A website with information for business immigrants to Ontario
• Business seminars - General information about moving to Ontario and information about doing business in Ontario. Some of the sessions are in English; some are in other languages.
• Networking sessions - You can meet other business immigrants in Ontario and learn about Canadian business practices.
• Tours of towns and cities in Ontario - On these tours, you can meet local economic development staff, visit small business centres and research businesses that are for sale.

This is operated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Small Business Enterprise Centres

You can get:

• Advice about your business plan
• Information for entrepreneurs, such as booklets, pamphlets and brochures
• Guidance on how to get licences, permits, registrations and other documents you need to start a business
• Mentoring and networking opportunities
• Free consultations with a business consultant

These centres are operated by the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services. Here is a list of Small Business Enterprise Centres in Ontario.

Useful Websites

• Start a Business - A list of information about starting a business in Ontario. From the Ontario.ca website.
• Canada Business: Services for Entrepreneurs - Information about taxes, licensing, importing, exporting and much more.
• Business Guide for Newcomers to Canada - If you want to start a business in Ontario, this guide will help you understand the government resources that are available to you. It has information about choosing your business structure, regulations, taxation and more.
• Business Ontario - An information gateway for Ontario business to access federal and provincial programs and services for business. They can help you find answers to your business start-up, business growth, and exporting questions in several ways.
• Connect Legal - is a registered charity that provides legal education and assistance to low-resource immigrants who want to launch and grow their independent businesses.
• Entrepreneur's Toolkit - Contains free online tools as well as information to help Ontario technology entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.