Small Business Enterprise Centres - Central 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 new and start-up 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 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

Starting a Small Business in Ontario

This publication 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.?

This publication can be accessed electronically at http://www.ontariocanada.com .

This is a sound business approach to setting up your own company.  It includes the necessary tools, and directs you to the many services and opportunities available to you.  The book can be picked up free of charge at an Enterprise Centre or ordered by mail or phone from Publications Ontario for the cost of $6.50 + GST.

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.

The "Marketing for Small Business" seminar allows you to focus on the marketing activities that are important to a small business.  Topics include how to conduct market research, develop advertising and promotional material as well as techniques to get free advertising.

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.

Ontario Contact(s):
Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
Suite 202
24 Maple Avenue
P.O. Box 8
Barrie, Ontario  L4N 7W4
Telephone: (705) 720-2445
Web site: http://www.barriebusinesscentre.ca