Small Business Enterprise Centres
Program Responsibility:
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Program Description:
Small Business Enterprise Centres focus on providing support to start-up and small enterprises during their initial years of development and operation. Entrepreneurs are provided with easy access to business consulting services and information covering management, marketing, technology and financing. A list of Small Business Enterprise Centre locations is available online.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Entrepreneurs and small businesses in pre-start up, start-up and early growth stages.
Miscellaneous/Other Information:
Each Small Business Enterprise Centre offers one-stop convenience for a wide variety of support resources including:
- Free consultations with a qualified business consultant
- Review of business plans.
- Consultations through a lawyer/accountant referral service.
- Up-to-date, leading-edge information including booklets, pamphlets, brochures, and articles geared to the needs of the entrepreneur.
- Access to current resource materials, including directories, trade indices and databases.
- Workshops and seminars.
- Guidance on licenses, permits, registration, regulations and other forms and documents required to start and build a business.
- Import and export information.
- Information on intellectual property, patents, copyright and trademarks.
- Mentoring and networking opportunities.
- Internet and computer access for business research and planning.
Program Category:
Advice and Consultation
Contact Information:
Contact your nearest Small Business Enterprise Centre to make an appointment with a business consultant, or walk in and browse through the resource centre.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, in partnership with local municipalities, operate Small Business Enterprise Centres in communities across Ontario.
In Northern Ontario the offices are coordinated by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Last Reviewed:
May 2009/BG
