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.
Table of Contents
Start-up and business development
Access a wide range of business support services that can help you start or grow your business.
- Expert advice for your business
Get answers to your questions and discuss your business concerns with an expert.
Canada
- BDC Advisory services
Find out how BDC's customized advisory services can help your business. - 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. - Futurpreneur Canada
Offers mentoring and business support to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39. - 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.
Alberta
- Indigenous business servicesOnly Applies to : AlbertaIf you are an indigenous person, you can access information and resources to help you start or improve your business.
- Alberta Small Business ResourcesOnly Applies to : AlbertaAccess business resources through a directory for new and established entrepreneurs.
- Alberta Small Business Service Provider DirectoryOnly Applies to : AlbertaUse this directory to find organizations, funding, programs, and services to help with your business success.
- Alberta Women EntrepreneursOnly Applies to : AlbertaAs a woman in Alberta, you can take advantage of this network and its tools to gain business skills and help your business succeed.
- Community Futures Central AlbertaOnly Applies to : AlbertaIf you are an aspiring or established entrepreneur in rural central Alberta, you can connect with business advisors, coaches and mentors.
- Community Futures economic development centres — Western CanadaOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanIf you live in a rural region of Western Canada and want to start or grow your business, you can get business counseling and training in your area.
- Francophone Economic Development OrganizationsOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanExplore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
- Innovate CalgaryOnly Applies to : AlbertaAccess programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.
- Rural Alberta Business Centres Only Applies to : AlbertaIf you live in a community with a Rural Alberta Business Centre, access information, advice, research services, and seminars to help your business.
British Columbia
- BC Venture Acceleration ProgramOnly Applies to : British ColumbiaIf you are starting out as an entrepreneur in the BC technology sector, this program can help.
- Community Futures economic development centres — Western CanadaOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanIf you live in a rural region of Western Canada and want to start or grow your business, you can get business counseling and training in your area.
- Francophone Economic Development OrganizationsOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanExplore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
- Women's Enterprise Centre (British Columbia)Only Applies to : British ColumbiaIf 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 CouncilsOnly Applies to : ManitobaGet information on business start-up and growth, networking, and training from the sector council that represents and promotes your industry.
- Community Futures economic development centres — Western CanadaOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanIf you live in a rural region of Western Canada and want to start or grow your business, you can get business counseling and training in your area.
- Francophone Economic Development OrganizationsOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanExplore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
- Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship — University of ManitobaOnly Applies to : ManitobaIs entrepreneurship your calling? Access small business courses, programs, and networking events through the Centre.
- Women's Enterprise Centre (Manitoba)Only Applies to : ManitobaAre 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 CorporationsOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandIf 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 ExpansionOnly Applies to : New BrunswickGet assistance with workforce development, training opportunities, real estate options, and access to other government programs or financing.
- Opportunities NB Only Applies to : New BrunswickThis one-stop service offers you all the information you need to move your business to New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Atlantic Association of Community Business Development CorporationsOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandIf 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 spaceOnly Applies to : Newfoundland and LabradorYou can rent casual to full-time co-working office space and meeting rooms in downtown St. John's.
Nova Scotia
- Atlantic Association of Community Business Development CorporationsOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandIf you live in a rural region of Atlantic Canada, you can access business counselling, financing and training to help start or grow your business.
- Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-ÉcosseOnly Applies to : Nova ScotiaAs a French-speaking entrepreneur, you can access support, training, and advice to develop your potential or existing business.
- Craft business developmentOnly Applies to : Nova ScotiaAccess skills development and funding assistance to develop or grow your craft business in Cape Breton Island and Mulgrave.
- Homegrown WorksOnly Applies to : Nova ScotiaJoin this association to connect with other home-based business owners and get experienced support to help you create and grow your venture.
- Nova Scotia Regional Enterprise NetworksOnly Applies to : Nova ScotiaAccess support and development services in your region for all stages of business ownership.
Nunavut
- Business Development Centres of NunavutOnly Applies to : NunavutIf you are a Canadian living in Nunavut, you can apply for help to start or grow a business in your community.
- Kakivak AssociationOnly Applies to : NunavutYour business could benefit from a range of services that assist Inuit in planning, establishing, managing or expanding a business.
Ontario
- Toronto Business Development CentreOnly Applies to : OntarioTake advantage of a range of programs and business support services to start and grow your business.
- WaterlooEDC Incentives and ResourcesOnly Applies to : OntarioFind out about business support programs and incentives available for businesses based in the Waterloo region.
- York Entrepreneurship Development Institute programsOnly Applies to : OntarioYou may be able to access training, certification, and mentoring for your innovative small business or established not-for-profit enterprise.
Prince Edward Island
- Atlantic Association of Community Business Development CorporationsOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandIf 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 Rural Action CentresOnly Applies to : Prince Edward IslandAs an entrepreneur in rural Prince Edward Island, you can contact an information officer to get help with developing your business.
Quebec
- Directories of business support organizationsOnly Applies to : QuebecTake advantage of the services offered by business support organizations in your region.
- Info entrepreneurs — Find local resourcesOnly Applies to : QuebecGet support from your local business development organization to make your project a success.
- Quebec Economic Development ProgramOnly Applies to : QuebecFind out about financial and other resources that can help you develop your Quebec business.
Saskatchewan
- Indigenous Business Development Services — SaskatchewanOnly Applies to : SaskatchewanFind the business information and services you need as an Indigenous entrepreneur in Saskatchewan.
- Community Futures economic development centres — Western CanadaOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanIf you live in a rural region of Western Canada and want to start or grow your business, you can get business counseling and training in your area.
- Economic Development Regina Inc.Only Applies to : SaskatchewanLearn about starting or growing a business, gain customized investment support, and find information on the key industry sectors for the Regina area.
- Francophone Economic Development OrganizationsOnly Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba SaskatchewanExplore enhanced services available to Francophone entrepreneurs in Western Canada.
- Saskatoon Regional Economic Development AuthorityOnly Applies to : SaskatchewanLearn 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 : SaskatchewanIf 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 YukonOnly Applies to : YukonYou 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.
Canada
- 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. - Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
This organization certifies LGBT-owned businesses and helps the owners connect with other Canadian businesses through their supplier diversity program. - 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. - 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.
Alberta
- Alberta Chambers of CommerceOnly Applies to : AlbertaDiscover the business benefits of joining a chamber of commerce in your community and learn about your local Alberta chamber.
British Columbia
- British Columbia Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : British ColumbiaVisit your local British Columbia Chamber of Commerce to access information on membership benefits, partnerships and networking opportunities in your community.
- Opportunities in British ColumbiaOnly Applies to : British ColumbiaUse this database to promote your existing business for sale or lease, or to attract investment from foreign investors.
Manitoba
- Manitoba Aboriginal Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : ManitobaAccess business networking opportunities, seminars, events, membership discounts and a chamber directory.
- Manitoba Chambers of CommerceOnly Applies to : ManitobaFind out how the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce can help grow your business through networking events, business information and programs.
- Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : ManitobaLGBT*-owned and allied businesses in Manitoba could benefit from services offered by this organization.
New Brunswick
- Atlantic Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandBeing a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Atlantic Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandBeing a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.
- Business Association of Newfoundland and LabradorOnly Applies to : Newfoundland and LabradorIf you are an entrepreneur in Newfoundland and Labrador, you can join a network of businesspersons from various industry sectors.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women EntrepreneursOnly Applies to : Newfoundland and LabradorIf you are a woman entrepreneur in Newfoundland or Labrador, you can get help to start, grow, and advance your business.
Northwest Territories
- NWT Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : Northwest TerritoriesTake advantage of group benefits, partnerships and networking opportunities by becoming part of the largest business advocate organization north of the 60th parallel.
Nova Scotia
- Atlantic Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandBeing a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.
Ontario
- Business, Government Services and You — OntarioOnly Applies to : OntarioParticipate in business information and networking events.
Prince Edward Island
- Atlantic Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward IslandBeing a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.
Quebec
- Fédération des chambres de commerce du QuébecOnly Applies to : QuebecLearn about the services and benefits offered by the chambers of commerce in your area.(in French only)
- Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerceOnly Applies to : QuebecAs a young entrepreneur from Quebec, you can develop your personal and professional network and find a mentor.(in French only)
Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Chamber of CommerceOnly Applies to : SaskatchewanVisit your local Chamber of Commerce to get information on membership benefits, partnerships, and networking opportunities in your community.
Coaching, mentoring and training
Connect with experienced business advisors who can help you develop your skills and achieve your business goals.
Canada
- BDC Integrated Sales and Marketing advisory services
Discover how BDC's advisory services can help you get your sales and marketing channels working together for maximum success. - Mompreneurs®
If you are an entrepreneurial mom looking to be empowered, connect and learn from other mompreneurs across Canada.
Alberta
- Grande Prairie Regional Innovation NetworkOnly Applies to : AlbertaMove your innovation forward with business mentoring, coaching and counselling services and get help with planning, research and commercialization.
Manitoba
- Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba Inc.Only Applies to : ManitobaAre you an artist entrepreneur or is your business in the creative sector? Find out how this association can help you.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Industry's Trade and Investment Network Newfoundland and LabradorOnly Applies to : Newfoundland and LabradorLearn about programs, resources, events, and trade missions that can help your organization develop international business opportunities.
Northwest Territories
- Economic Development OfficersOnly Applies to : Northwest TerritoriesObtain business support services for entrepreneurs operating in the Northwest Territories.
Nova Scotia
- ConnectNS Global Advisors ProgramOnly Applies to : Nova ScotiaAs an exporter, you may be eligible for free exporting advice from a network of industry experts.
- Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-ÉcosseOnly Applies to : Nova ScotiaAs a French-speaking entrepreneur, you can access support, training, and advice to develop your potential or existing business.
Ontario
- Business Advisory Services (Ontario)Only Applies to : OntarioAccess expert help in Ontario to grow your small to medium-sized business locally or in new markets.
- Community partners — service location finderOnly Applies to : OntarioFind in-person assistance to help you start and grow your business.
- ventureLABOnly Applies to : OntarioIf you are an innovative tech entrepreneur in the York Region or the GTA looking to scale up, get help to grow your business.
- York Entrepreneurship Development Institute programsOnly Applies to : OntarioYou may be able to access training, certification, and mentoring for your innovative small business or established not-for-profit enterprise.
Prince Edward Island
- Startup ZoneOnly Applies to : Prince Edward IslandIf you have a PEI startup, you could get support, mentorship, and a chance to work collaboratively with other entrepreneurs.
Quebec
- Best business practicesOnly Applies to : QuebecImprove your knowledge of business practices with custom-made practical courses, workshops and seminars offered by this program. (in French only)
- Détail formationOnly Applies to : QuebecTake advantage of training services for your retail, service, food, restaurant or tourism business.(in French only)
- Fondation de l'entrepreneurshipOnly Applies to : QuebecConsult a snapshot of entrepreneurship in Quebec, take advantage of a networking program suited to your business needs, and more.
- Immigrant entrepreneurs in regions of QuebecOnly Applies to : QuebecIf you are an immigrant entrepreneur, you can take part in information and networking activities to identify regional business opportunities.
- Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerceOnly Applies to : QuebecAs a young entrepreneur from Quebec, you can develop your personal and professional network and find a mentor.(in French only)
- Managing my business programOnly Applies to : QuebecLeverage this training and develop your skills in finance, marketing, sales, time management, and human resources.
- Mentoring resources — QuebecOnly Applies to : QuebecConsult the various organizations in Quebec that provide mentoring services.
- Starting a business programOnly Applies to : QuebecInterested in starting a business? If so, take advantage of flexible training to hone your skills and entrepreneurial know-how.
- Regional export promotion organizations (ORPEX)Only Applies to : QuebecYou could benefit from coaching and consulting services to help you deliver your export, diversification or consolidation projects.
Industry sector resources
Learn about organizations that offer support services to businesses in your industry.
Canada
- 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. - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
As a manufacturer or exporter, you can join this association to access business opportunities, strategic intelligence, events and more. - Direct Sellers Association
Find direct selling businesses and independent sales contractor opportunities, along with other member resources. - Tourism Intelligence Network
Are you looking for value-added information to enhance your competitiveness in the tourism sector? The Network's researchers can help you.
Alberta
- GPRC Research & InnovationOnly Applies to : AlbertaAccess R&D services, including project management and grants facilitation in the Peace Country and West Yellowhead regions.
- Innovate CalgaryOnly Applies to : AlbertaAccess programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.
British Columbia
- FrontCounter BCOnly Applies to : British ColumbiaIf you have a business in mining, forestry, agriculture or land and water, you can get help with applications, licenses and permits.
Manitoba
- Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba Inc.Only Applies to : ManitobaAre you an artist entrepreneur or is your business in the creative sector? Find out how this association can help you.
New Brunswick
- AgriStart NBOnly Applies to : New BrunswickAs an aspiring farmer or a farm operator in New Brunswick, you can access industry start-up resources, programs, equipment and training.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology IndustriesOnly Applies to : Newfoundland and LabradorAccess support to advance your technology-based business and be competitive in the local and international marketplace.
Nunavut
- Nunavut Arts and Crafts AssociationOnly Applies to : NunavutIf you are a visual artist in Nunavut, you can get help to promote your work.
Ontario
- Agents of Change: Climate SolutionsOnly Applies to : OntarioAs a social enterprise you could access expertise, business and financial supports to help amplify your impact in reversing climate change.
- BioenterpriseOnly Applies to : OntarioIf you are introducing innovative agricultural technologies to the market, you may be eligible for support to help grow your business.
- Business tools, strategies, reports and resources for the tourism industryOnly Applies to : OntarioAccess tools, publications and industry resources to help start and run your tourism business in Ontario.
- Consulting Engineers of OntarioOnly Applies to : OntarioIf you are an engineering consultant, this organization can help you access networking, professional development, education and more.
- Fast Lane programOnly Applies to : OntarioYou may be eligible for up to $5,000 worth of support for business scale-up services from the Speedway — Fast Lane program.
- TechConnexOnly Applies to : OntarioFind help to grow your technology business and connect with other technology leaders in the Greater Toronto Area.
Quebec
- Alliance numériqueOnly Applies to : QuebecEnhance the prosperity of your video game, e-learning, mobility or Web application enterprise thanks to a wide range of services and activities.(in French only)
- Centre de recherche industrielle du QuébecOnly Applies to : QuebecBenefit 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 organisationsOnly Applies to : QuebecConsult 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)
- Bureaux de liaison entreprises-universitésOnly Applies to : QuebecGet liaison officers to help you enter into strategic alliances with Quebec universities and finance your research and development projects.(in French only)
Saskatchewan
- SimplyAg Solutions Inc. — SaskatchewanOnly Applies to : SaskatchewanAccess learning opportunities and services that can support your Saskatchewan agriculture business.
Yukon
- Screen Production YukonOnly Applies to : YukonIf you want to produce a film or video in the Yukon, become a member to access equipment rental, information on production crews and more.
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