ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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 business training/workshops and FREE consultations to help you build a comprehensive business plan, marketing strategies, and financial projections that will help you reach these goals.
register your business nowRegistering a Business in Ontario:
Register your business online or in-person
In October, 2021 the Ontario Government announced a new business registration system, open to Ontario businesses offering direct access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to quickly and efficiently complete over 90 transactions online including registering your Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Incorporation, or Not-for-Profit. To register a business click on the button below.
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.
register or update a business todaySources of Funding:
Funding:
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Ontario Business Program Guide
- Futurpreneur Canada
- Industry Canada: Details on Canada Small Business Financing Program
- Export Development Canada
- Starter Company Plus: Training and mentoring program
- Digital Main Street: Digital Transformaton Grant
- Summer Company: Young entrepreneur program
Grants/Government Program & Incentives:
- Canada Business: Business taxes, permits and regulations, intellectual property, business support and how to sell to government.
- Financing Info-Guide
10 Steps to Starting a Business (Free Workshops):
These free, online session offered each week through the Hamilton Business Centre is the perfect starting point for anyone thinking of opening a business.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Market research
- Registering your business
- Business planning
- Licensing and zoning
- HST and taxes
- Financing your business.
Growing Your Business:
Looking for more information, articles, and resources to help you start and grow your business?
- Canada Business Network: Business taxes, permits and regulations, intellectual property, business support and how to sell to government
- 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
- Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH): The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) shares research and resources on women entrepreneurs in Canada
- 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)