Small Business Enterprise Centres - Northern Ontario

Eligibility Criteria

At each office, the services offered include:

1. Consultant Services : the availability of a knowledgeable general business consultant;
2. Publications: there are many informative publications and booklets that cover everything from preparing a business plan, to creating a marketing plan, record keeping for small business and financial assistance programs;
3. Seminars: delivery of business-related seminars and workshops to expand your business knowledge.

Summary

1. Consultant Services

Each Enterprise Centre is staffed by business consultants capable of advising businesses on the key aspects of planning and start-up requirements. New entrepreneurs can use the services of these offices to find:

• Guidance on licenses, permits, registration and other forms and documents required to start a small business;
• Direct one-on-one consultations concerning your small business-related questions;
• Review and critique of business plans;
• Information on financing to start and expand a business;
• Listing of trade shows and exhibits;
• Internet access and computer workstations for business planning and research.

Contact the Enterprise Centre in your area to make an appointment with the counsellor or just visit and browse through the information in the resource centre.

2. Publications

The offices make available publications, for example, a series of small business self-help publications to support business development, several workbooks and the guide, Your Guide to Small Business .

Your Guide to Small Business
This guide covers many of the questions new business people ask, such as:

• What are the advantages of starting from scratch, as opposed to purchasing an existing business or a franchise?
• What business licenses are needed?
• What sources of financing exist?
• Is it better to rent or lease space and equipment?
• What about bookkeeping, labour regulations, incorporation, health insurance, etc.?

It also includes the necessary tools, and directs you to the many services and opportunities available to you, including 10 must-visit websites. The guide can be accessed electronically on the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship website at: http://www.sbe.gov.on.ca

3. Seminars

The Ministry offers seminars on various aspects of starting and operating a small business in Ontario through the network of Enterprise Centres. The seminars present information for business start-ups and also provide a forum for questions and answers. They are approximately three hours long and include presentations from a business professional (i.e. banker, lawyer, accountant, etc.). The fee for these seminars is approximately $20 to $35 per person.

The Starting a Small Business seminar covers the basics of starting a small business, with information such as:

• How to develop a business plan;
• What business structure is appropriate for your needs;
• What bankers look for in assessing a loan application;
• What Government financial programs are available to help you open a business;
• Government rules and regulations.

Some offices give seminars or workshops on other start-up or business-related topics. For further information on these small business seminars and others that may be available in your area, contact your local Enterprise Centre.

• Important Notices

Ontario Contact(s):
Enterprise Temiskaming
467 Ferguson Avenue
PO Box 339
Haileybury, Ontario  P0J 1K0
Telephone: (705) 672-5155
Toll-free (information): 1-800-361-2281