Starting Your Own Business

Want to be your own boss? Have an entrepreneurial streak? If you are thinking about starting your own business, you might want to take a look at the following online resources. The Ontario government is committed to helping small businesses thrive and has worked hard to build a climate for growth, innovation and success.

• Deciding if starting a business is right for you
• Your Guide to Small Business
• Information and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
• Ontario Business Connects - Information on business start-up
• Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre - Information about government programs, services and regulations on starting and operating a business in Ontario
• Business Development Bank of Canada - Information on Business Financing and Consulting
• Strategis - Canada's business and consumer site
• Some basic information about occupational health and safety
• More resources and information on business services in Ontario
• Information and assistance for inventors and innovative companies

Ontario's Small Business Enterprise Centres offer information and advice to persons starting or managing a business. For more information simply view the following sites:

• Information on Small Business Enterprise Centres
• Locations - Small Business Enterprise Centres

Starting your own Business - Women

The information we have gathered focuses on the many specific online resources to help women start their own business.

• Resources for businesswomen including links to various women's organizations

Starting your own Business - Information for young people

We have gathered a collection of useful resources to help young people who are planning on starting a business.

• Young entrepreneurs programs provide young people with the tools needed to start their own business
• The Canadian Youth Business Foundation provides financing, mentoring and online support to young entrepreneurs
• Junior Achievement of Canada - An organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young people about business and economics

Starting your own Business - for Employment Insurance recipients

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Self-Employment Assistance Program offers financial support, planning assistance and mentoring to unemployed individuals who are eligible for Employment Insurance benefits and are planning on starting a business. For more information contact your local Human Resources and Skills Development Canada office.

• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada offices