Business support organizations

You don't become an expert business manager overnight. Seeking the advice of peers, professional business counsellors and coaches can help you transition from new business owner to experienced entrepreneur.

There are many networking forums that can help you make the right connections to help expand and grow your business.

Some financing organizations offer networking, coaching, and other business support services. Visit our Grants and financing section for more information.

• Contact the Canada Business Network
  The Canada Business Network has centres across the country that offer guidance, information and resources to help make your journey in business a success.
• Business consultants
  Find business consultants, development organizations, and specialists in the areas of exporting, financial services, human resources, marketing, and more.
• Accredited professionals
  Do you need professional help for your business? Access this national online database of accountants, legal professionals, valuators and auditors.
• Grants and financing
  Find out how to access funding for your business.

Start-up and business development

Access a wide range of business support services that can help you start or grow your business.

• Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Find out about financial and other resources that can help you develop your Quebec business.
• York Entrepreneurship Development Institute programs
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  You may be able to access training, certification, and mentoring for your innovative small business or established not-for-profit enterprise.
• BC Venture Acceleration Program
  
  Only Applies to : British Columbia
  If you are starting out as an entrepreneur in the BC technology sector, this program can help.

• Expert advice for your business
  Get answers to your questions and discuss your business concerns with an expert.

Canada

• BDC Consulting
  Find out how BDC's customized consulting services can help your business at all stages of development.
• Community Futures Network of Canada
  Are you starting a business in a rural or northern community? Get help from the Community Futures Development Corporation in your area.
• CoopZone
  Find resources and consultants to help you start and run a co-operative in Canada.
• Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Business
  Find tools, training and networks created by your peers and by industry leaders to help you start or grow your Aboriginal business.
• Women's Business Associations
  As a woman entrepreneur, you can get help from specialized organizations to start and expand your business or register your business association.

Alberta

• Aboriginal Business Development Services
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  If you are an Aboriginal person who is thinking of starting a business or has an existing business, you can get access to information and resources to help you meet your business goals.
• Alberta Small Business Resources
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  Access business resources through a directory for new and established entrepreneurs.
• Alberta Small Business Service Provider Directory
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  Use this directory to find organizations, funding, programs, and services to help with your business success.
• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  As a woman in Alberta, you can take advantage of this network and its tools to gain business skills and help your business succeed.
• Francophone Economic Development Organizations
  
  Only Applies to : AlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaSaskatchewan
  Explore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
• Innovate Calgary
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  Access programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.
• Rural Alberta Business Centres
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  If you live in a community with a Rural Alberta Business Centre, access information, advice, research services, and seminars to help your business.

British Columbia

• Francophone Economic Development Organizations
  
  Only Applies to : AlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaSaskatchewan
  Explore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
• Women's Enterprise Centre (British Columbia)
  
  Only Applies to : British Columbia
  If you are a woman living in British Columbia, you could get a loan to start, grow or buy a business.

Manitoba

• Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Get information on business start-up and growth, networking, and training from the sector council that represents and promotes your industry.
• Francophone Economic Development Organizations
  
  Only Applies to : AlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaSaskatchewan
  Explore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
• Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship — University of Manitoba
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Is entrepreneurship your calling? Access small business courses, programs, and networking events through the Centre.
• Women's Enterprise Centre (Manitoba)
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to start, expand or purchase a business? Get help to improve your business skills and acquire financing.

New Brunswick

• Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  If you live in a rural region of Atlantic Canada, you can access business counselling, financing and training to help start or grow your business.
• City of Moncton — Business Retention and Expansion
  
  Only Applies to : New Brunswick
  Get assistance with workforce development, training opportunities, real estate options and access to other government programs or financing.
• Women in Business New Brunswick
  
  Only Applies to : New Brunswick
  If you are a woman who owns at least half of your business, you can access support and resources to help your business grow and succeed.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  If you live in a rural region of Atlantic Canada, you can access business counselling, financing and training to help start or grow your business.
• Common Ground coworking space
  
  Only Applies to : Newfoundland and Labrador
  You can rent casual to full-time co-working office space and meeting rooms in downtown St-John's.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries
  
  Only Applies to : Newfoundland and Labrador
  Access support to advance your technology-based business and be competitive in the local and international marketplace.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association
  
  Only Applies to : Newfoundland and Labrador
  Access resources and services that can help you grow and advance your environmental business.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs
  
  Only Applies to : Newfoundland and Labrador
  If you are a woman entrepreneur in Newfoundland or Labrador, you can get help to start, grow, and advance your business.

Nova Scotia

• Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  If you live in a rural region of Atlantic Canada, you can access business counselling, financing and training to help start or grow your business.
• Cape Breton Small Business Development Program
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  Access a range of support services for your Cape Breton business.
• Centre for Women in Business
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  As a Nova Scotia woman entrepreneur, you can access support and resources at any business stage through this business development centre.
• Craft Business Development
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  Access skills development and funding assistance to develop or grow your craft business in Cape Breton Island and Mulgrave.
• Homegrown Works
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  Join this association to connect with other home-based business owners and get experienced support to help you create and grow your venture.

Nunavut

• Kakivak Association
  
  Only Applies to : Nunavut
  Your business could benefit from a range of services that assist Inuit in planning, establishing, managing or expanding a business.

Ontario

• PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  As a woman entrepreneur in Northern Ontario, you can find coaching, training and peer lending programs to start or grow your business.
• Toronto Business Development Centre
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  Take advantage of a range of programs and business support services to start and grow your business.
• WaterlooEDC Incentives and Resources
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  Find out about business support programs and incentives available for businesses based in the Waterloo region.

Prince Edward Island

• Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  If you live in a rural region of Atlantic Canada, you can access business counselling, financing and training to help start or grow your business.
• Prince Edward Island Business Women's Association
  
  Only Applies to : Prince Edward Island
  If you are a woman entrepreneur on Prince Edward Island, you can access services and support to foster the growth of your business.
• Prince Edward Island Rural Action Centres
  
  Only Applies to : Prince Edward Island
  As an entrepreneur in rural Prince Edward Island, you can contact an information officer to get help with developing your business.

Quebec

• Programme Lancement d'une entreprise
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Interested in starting a business? If so, take advantage of flexible training to hone your skills and entrepreneurial know-how.
• Réseau des femmes d'affaires du Québec
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Seize the opportunity to network with this group and develop your skills through contact with more than 2,000 businesswomen in Quebec. (in French only)

Saskatchewan

• Aboriginal Business Service Network — Saskatchewan
  
  Only Applies to : Saskatchewan
  Find the business information you need as a First Nations or Métis entrepreneur in Saskatchewan.
• Economic Development Regina Inc.
  
  Only Applies to : Saskatchewan
  Find information on starting or growing your business, skills development, government regulations and incentives for your Regina-based business.
• Francophone Economic Development Organizations
  
  Only Applies to : AlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaSaskatchewan
  Explore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
• Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority
  
  Only Applies to : Saskatchewan
  Learn about business development incentives and specific sector information, connect with companies in your sector, and get business expansion support.
• Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
  
  Only Applies to : Saskatchewan
  If you are a woman living in Saskatchewan, you could get a loan, advice, training, referrals and more to start, grow or buy a business.

Yukon

• Invest Yukon
  
  Only Applies to : Yukon
  You can obtain information about doing business in the Yukon, including government funding and programs, and details about different industries.

Networking and chambers of commerce

Take advantage of business opportunities and specific networking forums to make the right connections.

• Supply Chain Management Association
  Learn how to better manage your supply chain by signing up for seminars, webinars, introductory training or a full-scale accreditation program.
• Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  LGBT*-owned and allied businesses in Manitoba could benefit from services offered by this organization.
• Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  As a young entrepreneur from Quebec, you can develop your personal and professional network and find a mentor.(in French only)
• Alberta Chambers of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  Discover the business benefits of joining a chamber of commerce in your community and learn about your local Alberta chamber.
• British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : British Columbia
  Visit your local B.C. Chamber of Commerce to access information on membership benefits, partnerships and networking opportunities in your community.
• Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Find out how the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce can help grow your business through networking events, business information and programs.
• Manitoba Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Access business networking opportunities, seminars, events, membership discounts and a chamber directory.
• Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  Network, learn, and grow when you join your local Atlantic chamber of commerce.
• ACCLR — Business services
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Build your network and benefit from a wide range of events and programs to help start and grow your business in the Greater Montreal area.
• NWT Chamber of Commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Northwest Territories
  Take advantage of group benefits, partnerships and networking opportunities by becoming part of the largest business advocate organization north of the 60^th parallel.
• Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Learn about the services and benefits offered by the chambers of commerce in your area.
• Centre for Women in Business
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  As a Nova Scotia woman entrepreneur, you can access support and resources at any business stage through this business development centre.
• Opportunities in British Columbia
  
  Only Applies to : British Columbia
  Use this database to promote your existing business for sale or lease, or to attract investment from foreign investors.
• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
  Become a certified Aboriginal or minority-owned supplier or register to access these suppliers and benefit from inclusive supply chain practices.
• Innu Business Development Centre
  Promote your company in the Innu Business Registry and find Innu businesses that are offering the goods and services you need.
• Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia — Business Development Services
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  As a new immigrant to Nova Scotia you can receive specialized services and support to start and grow your business.
• Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
  CGLCC certifies LGBT-owned businesses and helps them connect with corporate Canada through their supplier diversity program.

Coaching, mentoring and training

Connect with experienced business advisors who can help you develop your skills and achieve your business goals. 

• Fondation de l'entrepreneurship
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Consult a snapshot of entrepreneurship in Quebec, take advantage of a networking program suited to your business needs, and more. (in French only)
• Détail formation
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Take advantage of training services for your retail, service, food, restaurant or tourism business.(in French only)
• Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  As a young entrepreneur from Quebec, you can develop your personal and professional network and find a mentor.(in French only)
• Best business practices
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Improve your knowledge of business practices with custom-made practical courses, workshops and seminars offered by this program. (in French only)
• Réseau des femmes d'affaires du Québec
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Seize the opportunity to network with this group and develop your skills through contact with more than 2,000 businesswomen in Quebec. (in French only)
• Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  If you are a Nova Scotia entrepreneur with a disability, you can access business support, training, and opportunities for networking.
• Community partners — service location finder
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  Find in-person assistance to help you start and grow your business.
• Aboriginal Business Services
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  If you are an Aboriginal business owner, you can get free business advice during any development stage of your product or service.
• Economic Development Officers
  
  Only Applies to : Northwest Territories
  Obtain business support services for entrepreneurs operating in the Northwest Territories.
• Business Advisory Services (Ontario)
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  Access expert help in Ontario to grow your small to medium-sized business locally or in new markets.
• Aboriginal Business Advisory Centres
  
  Only Applies to : British Columbia
  As an Aboriginal entrepreneur, you can access free business advice and other services for business start-up, expansion, partnerships, and planning.
• BDC Integrated Sales and Marketing consulting services
  Discover how BDC's consulting services can help you get your sales and marketing channels working together for maximum success.
• BDC Business Coaching
  BDC's Business Coaching can help you improve your skills, facilitate your decision-making process and allow you to focus on growing your business.
• BDC certification consulting services
  BDC's experts can help you achieve internationally recognized certifications that give your company a competitive edge.
• ConnectNS Global Advisors Program
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  As an exporter, you may be eligible for free exporting advice from a network of industry experts.
• York Entrepreneurship Development Institute programs
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  You may be able to access training, certification, and mentoring for your innovative small business or established not-for-profit enterprise.
• ventureLAB
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  If you work in tech or social innovation in the GTA, York Region, Simcoe County, or Muskoka District, get help to grow your business.
• Mompreneurs®
  If you are an entrepreneurial mom looking to be empowered, connect and learn from other mompreneurs across Canada.

Industry sector resources

Learn about organizations that offer support services to businesses in your industry.

• TechConnex
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  Find help to grow your technology business and connect with other technology leaders in the Greater Toronto Area.
• Tourism Intelligence Network
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Are you looking for value-added information to enhance your competitiveness in the tourism sector? The Network's researchers can help you.
• Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba Inc.
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Are you an artist entrepreneur or is your business in the creative sector? Find out how this association can help you.
• Quebec research, liaison and transfer centres
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Get liaison officers to help you enter into strategic alliances with Quebec universities and finance your research and development projects.(in French only)
• Industry Consulting Services
  
  Only Applies to : Manitoba
  Would your established manufacturing or processing business benefit from one-on-one consulting?
• Alliance numérique
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Enhance the prosperity of your video game, e-learning, mobility or Web application enterprise thanks to a wide range of services and activities.
• Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Benefit from the help of experts to certify a product, test a concept, verify a manufacturing procedure or implement a business intelligence service.
• Centre francophone d'informatisation des organisations
  
  Only Applies to : Quebec
  Consult the CEFRIO to obtain survey results, reports on major recurring studies as well as information on the state-of-the-art information technologies.(in French only)
• Consulting Engineers of Ontario
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  If you are an engineering consultant, this organization can help you access networking, professional development, education and more.
• Music Nova Scotia
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  Join this organization to find out about industry funding programs, development opportunities, workshops and more, to help grow your music business.
• Business tools, strategies, reports and resources for the tourism industry
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  Access tools, publications and industry resources to help start and run your tourism business in Ontario.
• Bioenterprise
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  If you are introducing innovative agricultural technologies to the market, you may be eligible for support to help grow your business.
• Screen Production Yukon
  
  Only Applies to : Yukon
  If you want to produce a film or video in the Yukon, become a member to access equipment rental, information on production crews and more.
• Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association
  
  Only Applies to : Nunavut
  If you are a visual artist in Nunavut, you can get help to promote your work.
• Innovate Calgary
  
  Only Applies to : Alberta
  Access programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
  As a manufacturer or exporter, you can join this association to access business opportunities, strategic intelligence, events and more.
• FrontCounter BC
  
  Only Applies to : British Columbia
  If you have a business in mining, forestry, agriculture or land and water, you can get help with applications, licenses and permits.
• Perennia
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  If you are in the agri-food or bio-economy business, this single point of contact can address your production, food safety, incubation and development needs.
• Volta Labs
  
  Only Applies to : New BrunswickNewfoundland and LabradorNova ScotiaPrince Edward Island
  You could be eligible for free services, such as mentorship and access to capital to help kick-start your new Atlantic technology company.
• Apparel Innovation Centre
  If you want to create innovative apparel, you can access product development services, advanced R&D equipment, and technologies at this centre.
• SimplyAg Solutions Inc.
  
  Only Applies to : Saskatchewan
  Access learning opportunities and services and network with individuals and businesses that can support your agriculture business.
• Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
  
  Only Applies to : Newfoundland and Labrador
  Is your business part of the tourism industry? Find training, business tools, and resources to help your business grow.
• Directory of Business and Trade Associations / Organizations
  Find associations and organizations that offer sector-specific business resources and services.
• Direct Sellers Association
  Find direct selling businesses and independent sales contractor opportunities, along with other member resources.
• RSBconnect
  
  Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
  You could get free help solving strategic business issues and growing your organization from a team of MBA and Commerce students.
• Fast Lane program
  
  Only Applies to : Ontario
  You may be eligible for up to $5,000 worth of support for business scale-up services from the Speedway — Fast Lane program.

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