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Start, Manage and Grow Your Business in Halton Region

Breadcrumbs
 

Whether you’re exploring ideas for a business or trying to grow your business, the Halton Region Small Business Centre can help.

Phase 1: Starting a small business

Starting a business can be an exciting and uncertain experience. Make sure you’re ready! Before you take the first step, try a free Entrepreneurial self-assessment (external link) to determine if you have what it takes to become a business owner.

Whether you’re exploring ideas for a business or taking the first steps of entrepreneurship, the Halton Region Small Business Centre has the programs, services and resources to help you successfully start your business. Our consultation services, programs, events and information sessions, resource centre, online and printed materials can all help you build a successful small business.

The Halton Small Business Centre’s Getting Starting session is available every other Tuesday in a virtual group setting or at your convenience through an independent online learning platform. This free session provides an overview of all the rules and regulations that you need to know if you are interested in starting a business in Halton. Staff will help guide you through a checklist for starting a new business which you can keep. Registration is required for the Getting Started Session

Online Learning Portal:

If you prefer to learn at your own pace and at a time that is convenient for you, access our online learning portal where you can view our Getting Started videos that will help guide you through a checklist for starting a new business. To sign up for the online portal, email us at smallbusiness@halton.ca.

Our knowledgeable business consultants can help you get your business moving in the right direction! The Halton Region Small Business Centre offers two programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a free consultation.

  • Step 1: The Consultant on Site Program connects business owners and entrepreneurs with a business consultant at one of four locations in Halton. Get help with research, marketing plans, government regulations or any other questions you have about your business. Book now for your FREE one-hour consultation!
    • In Halton Hills, Milton or Halton Regional office-Oakville please contact:
      Halton Region, Small Business Centre
      905-825-6000 ext. 7900
    • To set up your appointment through HMC please contact:
      Halton Multicultural Council
      905-842-2486
  • Step 2: The Access to Professional Program can connect you with a local professional for a free 45-minute consultation. Professionals in our group include lawyers, accountants, marketing, e-business experts and business coaches.
    • Ask about accessing this program
  • Please note to participate in the program you must first book a meeting with a business consultant. Contact the 905.825.6000 ext. 7900 to book your consultation.

Before starting a small business, it is good practice to research the marketplace, your competition, your customers and the products or services you intend to sell. Learn how to conduct a formal market research campaign to save your business time and money and improve your decision-making process.

The Halton Region Small Business Centre resource area is an excellent starting point you’re your market research activities. Open to the public Monday to Friday, our resource area offers a diverse selection of market, socio-economic and demographic information. Available resources include:

  • Work stations with Internet access, Microsoft Office, statistical directories and business planning software.
  • An up-to-date reference and lending library with books, access to Halton Data Centre, market research databases and government publications on a variety of business topics.
  • Access to friendly and knowledgeable small business staff who can help you find the information you need.
  • Online access to business permits and licenses through BizPaL & Service Ontario (external link), a collaboration between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Determining what business structure is an important part of your business.

Your and/or your partners must choose from the following:

  • Sole Proprietor 
  • General Partnership
  • Limited Partnership
  • Corporation

To register or renew a sole proprietorship, general partnership or corporate style name:

  1. Search the Ontario Business Registry (external link) for free to find out if your business name is already taken.
  2. Select your type of business to begin registration. You will be asked to create a My Ontario Account (external link) to access Service Ontario services.

To incorporate your business:

Download the Starting a Corporation Checklist (PDF file).

To incorporate provincially:

  1. Visit nuans.com to perform an Ontario based service provider (external link).
  2. Visit Service Ontario for Provincial Corporation (external link).

To incorporate federally:

  1. Visit nuans.com to perform a Corporation Name Search (external link).
  2. Visit Corporations Canada website Federal Corporation (external link).

Visit ServiceOntario’s central source for information on Start and operate a not-for-profit (external link).

Our online Toolbox offers entrepreneurs and small business owners a wide selection of business resources and information.

View the Toolbox and access start-up guides, checklists, and templates that can help you launch a successful small business.

Innovation in business can be what separates you from the competition! Some entrepreneurs have an innovative management style; others sell innovative products and services. These resources and services may be helpful for those looking to get an innovative idea from the drawing board into development:

  • FedDev Ontario - Small Business Services (external link): Resources and financial support for technology and innovation businesses in Ontario
  • HalTech (external link): Help technology entrepreneurs and companies to develop and transform their good ideas and product innovations into well positioned, growing ventures.
  • Techplace (external link): TechPlace is where new and growing technology companies get everything they need to grow and succeed. It doesn’t matter if your company is new or established, headquartered in Burlington or not so local. If innovation is your goal, and technology is your strategy, TechPlace is for you.

Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (external link) came into force in 2005 and sets out a clear goal and timeframe to make Ontario accessible by 2025.

Every organization with one or more employees is required to comply with the Act and all of its applicable standards. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario is committed to the implementation of the Act and helping organizations comply with the standards by providing free tools and resources (external link) and offering support through a dedicated help desk.

Since January 1, 2004, businesses have been subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (external link) offers useful information to help businesses learn how they can comply with the Act.

Businesses can seek guidance on compliance with the Act though the Business Advisory Directorate (external link).

Phase 2: Managing your small business

There are tax topics that every small business owner and entrepreneur should know about. The following resources provide a good starting point for business owners:

Managing the day-to-day activities of your business can keep you very busy. Learn how to cope with the challenges and improve quality, increase productivity and maximize business potential.

How well you market your business and interact with your customers can influence your success. You want your products and services to be at the forefront of your customers' minds and there are some key things you can do to make sure that happens:

The Halton Region Small Business Centre – Resource Area has an up-to-date reference and lending library which is furnished with publications on a variety of business topics, including marketing. You may borrow many of the books or review materials on site.

These days, you may need to do a lot more than just putting up a website for your business. You might need to be effective in the use of computer and Internet technologies to facilitate doing business. Review the following online resources to learn more about how e-business can help your company:

To renew a Master Business Licence for a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or business name under a corporation:

  1. Visit the ServiceOntario (external link) website.
  2. Select Business from the Topics menu on the right side of the page.
  3. Select Search, register, renew your business and get a Master Business Licence from the list of Featured Online Services.

To access business permits and licenses online, visit BizPaL & ONe-Source for Business (external link), a collaborative effort between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Halton Region’s Starting a New Business Checklist provides additional access to business licenses or permits.

Hoping to network with other Halton region businesses or receive valuable business support? View our list of Halton Business Networking Groups for details on local BIAs, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations offering support or networking opportunities:

Halton Region Business Networking Groups

Acton B.I.A.
Organization that promotes business downtown Acton.

Aldershot Village BIA
Organization that promotes business in Aldershot Village.

Burlington Downtown B.I.A.
Organization that promotes business in downtown Burlington.

Downtown Oakville B.I.A.
Organization that promotes business in downtown Oakville.

Georgetown B.I.A.
Organization that promotes business in downtown Georgetown.

Kerr Village B.I.A.
Organization that promotes business in Kerr Village.

Milton Downtown B.I.A.
Organization that promotes business in downtown Milton.

Burlington Chamber of Commerce
Meet to advance interests of business community in Burlington.

Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce
Promotes local business community and provides networking opportunities.

Milton Chamber of Commerce
Promotes local business community and provides networking opportunities.

Oakville Chamber of Commerce
Provides community leadership on economic development and networking opportunities.

Ontario Mompreneur Showcase Group Inc.
Networking opportunities, a chance to showcase your business’ services & products, and a great way to meet your community.

themompreneur.com (external link)

BNI Canada
BNI is a professional marketing organization specializing in word-of-mouth referrals.

Halton Multicultural Council
A community-based settlement agency that provides a variety of programs and services to immigrant and refugee communities.

HAPPEN Inc.
Canada’s largest networking group for executives in transition.

Phase 3: Growing your small business

Your workforce is vital to the growth and success of your small business. Learn about your roles and obligations as an employer!

You could be looking for financing opportunities for your business. We can point you towards your options!

  • The Royal Bank of Canada works with more small business owners than any other financial institution in Canada, and their small business advisors will work with you to help you achieve success as you grow your business. They offer an online Starting a Business Resource Centre (external link).
  • The Canada Small Business Financing Program (external link) has been helping small businesses with their financing needs for over 50 years. Under the program, the Government of Canada makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
  • The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) (external link) plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. These services complement those of private sector financial institutions.

Exporting is the sale of goods or services from Canada to any other country. Learn how selling your products and services internationally can help you to expand your business:

A highly regulated process in Canada, importing—the purchasing of commercial products from another country—can be a lucrative way to grow your business. The Canada Border Services Agency (external link) enforces import and border regulations.

Intellectual Property (IP) is the legal right to an idea, invention or creation. Some common types of IP include patents, trademarks and copyright.

Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities

Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (external link) came into force in 2005. It sets out a clear goal and timeframe to make Ontario accessible by 2025.

Every organization with one or more employees is required to comply with the Act and all of its applicable standards. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario is committed to the implementation of the Act and helping organizations comply with the standards by providing free tools and resources (external link) and offering support through a dedicated help desk.

Privacy legislation in Canada

Since January 1, 2004, businesses have been subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (external link) offers useful information to help businesses learn how the can comply with the Act

Grants and Funding

Funding is an essential component to starting your business. Below are some grant and funding programs available to small businesses in Canada.

  • Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada (external link): Offers a wide range of funding for a variety of industries. Select the filters that apply to your business to identify relevant opportunities.
  • Business Benefits Finder (external link): This tool will help you access programs, grants and supports available both provincially and federally to help meet your specific needs. After entering the tool, select the filters that apply to your business to see the grants and supports applicable to you.
  • Starter Company Plus: Supports aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 or older who are looking to build their small businesses through training and mentoring, with an opportunity to pitch for a $5,000 grant. Attend an information session to learn more—you can find a list of upcoming session dates on the Starter Company Plus webpage.
  • Futurpreneur: Provides financing, mentoring and support to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners aged 18-39 who have been operating a business full time for less than 12 months. To learn more about the program, register for an upcoming information session using our online form, call 311 or 1-866-442-5866 (toll-free).

Toolbox

We want your business to succeed! Some helpful information and templates for you to start recording your business ideas.

Access to professionals program

This unique program allows one free consultation with a local professional in the areas of accounting, business law, web design and more. Contact the Halton Small Business Centre to learn how to participate.

Juliet Aurora
AIS Solutions
905-333-9637
info@aissolutions.ca

Tony Davies
Expense Reduction Analysts
416-300-2025
tdavies@expensereduction.com

Mustafa Dossajee
SB Partners
905.633.6360
mdossajee@sbpartners.ca
www.sbpartners.ca

Shirley He
Cadesky Tax
416-644-0243
she@cadesky.com
cadesky.tax

Anu S. Kakkar
AAT Accounting Solutions
289-885-4391
info@aataccounts.com
www.aataccounts.com

Chirag Lapsiwala CPA
Weatlh Pro Business Consulting Inc.
647-331-2410
hello@WealthProCPA.com

John Nunnikhoven, CPA, CA
Glenn Graydon Wright LLP
905-845-6633
jnunnikhoven@ggw.net
www.ggw.net

Saurin Patel
Saurin Patel, CMA
289-812-1086
saurin@saurinpatel.ca
www.saurinpatel.ca

Nelia Taylor, CGA
BDO Canada LLP
905-633-4914
ntaylor@bdo.ca
www.bdo.ca

Joti Vallabh
Positive Accounting
289-813-1716
joti@positiveaccounting.ca
www.positiveaccounting.ca

Robert White, CA, CPA
Business Advisory Associates
905-844-8258
rbwhite@cogeco.ca

Ying (Kimberley) Yang
Ying Yang Chartered Professional Accountant Inc.
647-989-1276
yy@yangaccounting.ca
yangaccounting.ca

Sam Khoury, CA, CPA, CGMA, EBMA
Wefinx Corp.
905-465-7020
info@wefinx.com
www.wefinx.com

Michael Wilson
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
416-993-9939
michael.wilson@cfib.ca
www.cfib.ca (external link)

Mark Perrin
Peninsula Canada
437-239-2960
mark.perrin@peninsula-ca.com  
www.peninsulacanada.com (external link)

Carmine Ciriello
Analyze and Improve Inc.
905-330-0381
Carmine@AnalyzeandImprove.com  
www.analyzeandimprove.com (external link)

Samira Abubakar
Brand Tigers Inc.
647-966-2700
samira@brandtigers.com
www.brandtigers.com (external link)

Lucas DeClavasio
Wysp Creative
lucas@wysp.ca
www.wysp.ca (external link)

Tyler Cameron
wrksourcing
905-399-3111
tyler@wrksourcing.com
www.wrksourcing.com (external link)

Carlyle Fullerton
CFINT Marketing
365-996-5434
cfullerton@cfintmarketing.com

Marco Augusto Manrique Sánchez
Instituto de Negocios y Comercio Internacional
552-107-7444
mmanrique@inci.com.mx
www.inci.com.mx (external link)

Saeko Medlock
Translating from Japanese to English
905-220-9539
saeko@medlocks.ca
www.medlocks.ca (external link)

Kevin Kelner
Conceptinero Inc.
647-299-9241
kevin@conceptinero.com
www.conceptinero.com

Susan Rogers
Axcess Design Services
905-691-1549
susan@axcessdesign.com
www.axcessdesign.com (external link)

Karen Pantaleo
Consultant
416-821-9219
karenp@redoakhr.com
https://redoakhr.com/

Samina Sial, CHRL, Paralegal
HR Enable Inc.
905-483-5115
samina.sial@hrenable.ca
www.hrenable.ca

Ashlee Livingstone
Our Forté – Get the EDGE
905-320-1013
ashlee@ourforte.ca
www.ourforte.ca

Shailja Pranjal
HRAURA Corporation
416-726-4906
hraura.sp@gmail.com
www.hraura.com

Danielle Wolf
The Magnes Group
647-274-7703
dwolff@magnesgroup.com
www.magnesgroup.com

Michele Ballagh, BA, LLP
Blaze IP
905-572-9300
michele@blaze-ip.ca
blaze-ip.ca (external link)

Ryan Carson
Carson Law Office
905-336-8940
ryan@carsonlaw.ca
www.carsonlaw.ca

Hussein A. Hamdani, M.A., LLP
Simpson Wigle Law LLP
905-528-8411
Hussein@simpsonwigle.com
www.simpsonwigle.com

Avery Lee
Marks & Clerk Canada
647-808-2774
aclee@marks-clerk.ca
www.marks-clerk.com

Serena Lee
Simpson Wigle Law LLP
905-639-1052
lees@simpsonwigle.com
www.simpsonwigle.com

Rishi Bandhu
Bandhu Law Professional Corporation
905-849-0025
rishi@blpc.ca

Valerie Edward, B.ArtSc., LLB
Ballagh & Edward LLP
905-573-9300
valerie.edward@ballaghedward.ca

Angeline Julee Gallivan
Chan-Gallivan Law Professional Coporation
289-291-3977
angeline@changallivanlaw.com
www.changallivanlaw.com

Hussein Kudrati
HSK Law Firm
289-266-0553        
hkudrati@hsklawfirm.ca

Gary Quedado
O'Neill Moon Quedado LLP
289-813-3825
gary.quedado@omqlaw.ca
www.omqlaw.ca

Tory Auld
The Law Office of Tory Auld
416-274-2423
tory@auldlaw.ca
www.auldlaw.ca

Amanda Veitch
Freightcom
877-335-8740 x155
amanda@freightcom.com
www.freightcom.com

Faisal Ayub
TExpress Logistics
416-748-4949 (Ext 232)
faisal@texpressinc.com
fullymanagedlogistics.com

Craig Mannell
Independent Consultant
EMC Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
289-442-1747
cmannell@emccanada.org
www.emccanada.org

Agustina Carolina Ciprian Urbaez
SBC Business Consulting
905-483-0172
carolina_ciprian@hotmail.com

Mario Carr
Carr Marketing Group
905-580-3472
carrmarketinggroup@gmail.com

David Ernst
MCAN Communications Inc.
905-337-2133
branding@mcancommunications.com

Zubair Hussain
Melius Marketing Ltd.
647-507-9933
info@meliusmarketing.ca
www.meliusmarketing.ca

Suzanne Lynch
Bare Bones Marketing
416-723-7770
slynch@barebonesmarketing.ca

Stephanie Wilding
Marketing Adventurista
647-862-6207
stephanie@marketingadventurista.com
www.marketingadventurista.com

Aziz Memon
Salt Strategy
416 457 6776
aziz@saltstrategy.com
www.saltstrategy.com

Steve Gould
Fidelity Internet Marketing
905-320-5382
steve@Fidelityinternetmarketing.ca
www.fidelityinternetmarketing.ca

Christina Gwira
NOYADESIGNS Inc
647-367-1644
hello@noyadesigns.com
https://noyadesigns.com

Michael Smith
Integram Business Coaching
416-578-1822
msmith@integram.net

Robin Read Griffin & Cheryl Rak
Active Results Collaborative
647-296-5259
info@activeresults.ca
www.activeresults.ca (external link)    

Lisa Cove
Co-Motion Packaging Solutions
lcove@co-motionpackaging.ca
www.co-motionpackaging.ca

Saeko Medlock
English to Japanese Technical Translator
905-220-9539
saeko@medlocks.ca
www.medlocks.ca (external link)

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