plan. start. grow.
STARTING A BUSINESS
Starting and developing a new business takes motivation, desire, and talent, as well as research and planning. Let the Hamilton Business Centre (HBC) provide you with guidance and resources in the start-up and growth of your business.
To help you start and grow a sustainable business, take the time to explore and evaluate your business goals – no matter what type of business you wish to start. We offer free business training, workshops, and consultations to help you build a comprehensive business plan, marketing strategies, and financial projections that will help you reach these goals.
download the 2022 hbc programming guide10-Steps to Starting a Business (Workshop):
Starting a new business can be exciting, but it can be hard to know where to begin. In these free, weekly, 90-minute online sessions delivered by the Hamilton Business Centre, you’ll be provided all the information needed to start and run a business in Ontario.
Topics covered include:
- Why Visit the Hamilton Business Centre
- Conduct Market Research
- Prepare a Business Plan
- Register Your Business
- Licensing
- Zoning
- Business Number (BN)
- Additional Regulations
- Financing Your Business
- Additional Resources
Registering Your Business:
In October 2021 the Ontario Government announced a new online business registration system, open to Ontario businesses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to quickly and efficiently register your Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Incorporation, or Not-for-Profit business. To learn how to register a new business online, please download the “How to Register Your Business Online” guide below or visit the Ontario Online Business Registry. To access the profile of an existing business or not-for-profit corporation, you will need a company key. For more information on company keys, please click here.
Note: In-person assistance with business registration is offered by the Hamilton Business Centre team from 8:30 to 4:30 at our City Hall location (1st floor). Be sure you have a credit card and valid email address before starting registration.
register your business online guideIs the name of your new business already taken? Search the Ontario Business Registry for free to find out.
search the registry nowCustom Business Guide:
Looking for a free customized guide to help start or grow your business? Click on the button below, answer a few simple questions, and let Ontario.ca create a custom guide for you about business registration, the licences and permits you may need, available funding opportunities, and who to contact if you have specific questions about your business.
Download a sample custom business guide now.
get your free custom guide nowSources of Funding:
Funding Opportunities:
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
- Futurpreneur Canada
- Export Development Canada
- Starter Company Plus
- Digital Main Street Digital Transformation Grant
- Digital Main Street R.A.I.S.E. Grant
- Summer Company
- My Main Street Business Accelerator Progam
Grants/Government Programs & Incentives:
Growing Your Business:
Looking for more information, and resources to help you start and grow your business?
- Canada Business Network: Business taxes, permits and regulations, intellectual property, business support, and more!
- SBC Ontario (COVID 19 Business Support and Recovery Network: Free e-Learning sessions and mini-courses developed by SBC Ontario Expert Business Advisors – available to you anytime, anywhere
- ShopHERE powered by Google: ShopHERE creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists at no cost
- Opening a Restaurant in Hamilton (Guide): Information, guidance, and professional services to assist in starting and running a successful food business in Hamilton (for both start-up and growing businesses)
- My Main Street: Learn how to support and grow your business with free online training courses and mastermind sessions
- Hamilton Chamber of Commerce: Offering affinity programs, networking events, business promotion, and more!