About Us

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) provides access to accurate, timely and relevant information on federal and provincial business-related programs, services and regulations.  The COBSC is jointly managed by Industry Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Government Services.

Summary

Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre - Service Standards
As the first point of contact for Ontario's small business community, our knowledgeable and courteous staff are committed to business information needs in an effective and user-friendly way.

The Centre is the first stop for business information.  There are a number of ways to access the COBSC's information, all available at no charge.

1.  Contact Centre
The COBSC has a contact centre staffed by knowledgeable Information Officers who can respond to business-related enquiries in both official languages between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (every Government business day).  To contact an Information Officer, call 1-800-567-2345.

2.  Auto Attendant
This automated phone service contains key information on some of the questions most frequently asked by business people and includes topics such as business registration, incorporation, financing, etc.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except during periods of system maintenance).  You can access this recorded information by calling 1-800-567-2345.

3.  COBSC Web Site
The COBSC's Web site, accessible at http://www.cbsc.org/ontario , contains our collection of information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations.  As a member of the national network Canada Business, the COBSC has also helped develop a number of Internet-based tools for business, including the following:

• Interactive Business Planner (IBP):  a tool to assist in the preparation of a 3-year business plan for a new or existing business.  The IBP will assist in writing a business plan, provide a plan format and prepare financial projections.  
  Visit the IBP Web site at http://www.cbsc.org/ibp
  
• Online Small Business Workshop:  a step-by-step program designed to help develop your business idea, start a new venture, or improve an existing business.  Visit the Web site at http://www.cbsc.org/osbw/workshop.cfm

4.   E-mail
The COBSC also offers the convenience of asking business questions by e-mail.  An Information Officer will reply to e-mail requests within one business day. 

Contact the COBSC by e-mail at ontario@cbsc.ic.gc.ca.

5.  Regional Access Program
Through partnership arrangements between the COBSC and various regional business organizations, one can access the COBSC's information at in-person service sites across Ontario.  All sites are equipped with a full range of print and electronic resources and many also offer public access workstation connected to the Internet.

For further information:
Please call the COBSC at 1-800-567-2345
see the document  Regional Access Program Location Index

Additional Partnerships

Team Canada Inc (TCI)
The COBSC is a partner in Team Canada Inc, an initiative to help businesses interested or involved in exporting access information, programs and services that they need.  The Team Canada Inc network in Ontario is also known as the Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF).

For further information:
see the documents:
Team Canada Inc 1-888 Export Information Service
Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF)

Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN)
The COBSC is also a partner in the Aboriginal Business Service Network (ABSN), a joint project between the COBSC, FedNor, Aboriginal Business Canada and various local organizations serving the Aboriginal business community.  This network was established to provide improved access to business information, counselling services, and business tools for Aboriginal businesses in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document Aboriginal Business Info-Guide
visit the web site http://www.cbsc.org/english/absn/index.cfm

The Network for Women Entrepreneurs (NWE)

The Network for Women Entrepreneurs (NWE) provides you with the resources and personal support to succeed. Through its web portal, you will find access to key business information, business counselling and community outreach services, expert consultants and other business support organizations throughout Ontario to help women achieve success in business.

For further information:
please call 1-888-300-9308
visit the Web site:
The Network for Women Entrepreneurs (NWE)
http://www.cobsc.org/nwe/en/index.cfm

• Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre - Service Standards
• Important Notices
• Partners in the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre

Ontario Contact(s):
Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC)
Toronto, Ontario  M5C 2W7
Telephone: (416) 775-3456
Fax: (416) 954-8597
Toll-free (information): 1-800-567-2345 (in Ontario)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: ontario@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cobsc.org/en