Business support organizations

From Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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.

    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 services
      Only Applies to : Alberta
      If you are an indigenous person, you can access information and resources to help you start or improve your business.
    • 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.
    • Community Futures Central Alberta
      Only Applies to : Alberta
      If 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 Canada
      Only Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan
      If 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 Organizations
      Only Applies to : Alberta British Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan
      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

    Manitoba

    New Brunswick

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Nova Scotia

    • Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
      Only Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince 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.
    • Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
      Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
      As a French-speaking entrepreneur, you can access support, training, and advice to develop your potential or existing business.
    • 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.
    • Nova Scotia Regional Enterprise Networks
      Only Applies to : Nova Scotia
      Access support and development services in your region for all stages of business ownership.

    Nunavut

    • Business Development Centres of Nunavut
      Only Applies to : Nunavut
      If you are a Canadian living in Nunavut, you can apply for help to start or grow a business in your community.
    • 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

    Prince Edward Island

    Quebec

    Saskatchewan

    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.

    Canada

    Alberta

    • 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

    • British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : British Columbia
      Visit your local British Columbia Chamber of Commerce to access information on membership benefits, partnerships and networking opportunities in your community.
    • 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.

    Manitoba

    • Manitoba Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : Manitoba
      Access business networking opportunities, seminars, events, membership discounts and a chamber directory.
    • 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 LGBT* Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : Manitoba
      LGBT*-owned and allied businesses in Manitoba could benefit from services offered by this organization.

    New Brunswick

    • Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island
      Being a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Northwest Territories

    • 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 60th parallel.

    Nova Scotia

    • Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island
      Being a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.

    Ontario

    Prince Edward Island

    • Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island
      Being a member of this Chamber of Commerce includes benefits and services to help your business.

    Quebec

    Saskatchewan

    • Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
      Only Applies to : Saskatchewan
      Visit 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

    Alberta

    • Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network
      Only Applies to : Alberta
      Move your innovation forward with business mentoring, coaching and counselling services and get help with planning, research and commercialization.

    Manitoba

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Northwest Territories

    • Economic Development Officers
      Only Applies to : Northwest Territories
      Obtain business support services for entrepreneurs operating in the Northwest Territories.

    Nova Scotia

    Ontario

    Prince Edward Island

    • Startup Zone
      Only Applies to : Prince Edward Island
      If you have a PEI startup, you could get support, mentorship, and a chance to work collaboratively with other entrepreneurs.

    Quebec

    • 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)
    • Détail formation
      Only Applies to : Quebec
      Take advantage of training services for your retail, service, food, restaurant or tourism business.(in French only)
    • 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.
    • Immigrant entrepreneurs in regions of Quebec
      Only Applies to : Quebec
      If you are an immigrant entrepreneur, you can take part in information and networking activities to identify regional business opportunities.
    • 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)
    • Managing my business program
      Only Applies to : Quebec
      Leverage this training and develop your skills in finance, marketing, sales, time management, and human resources.
    • Mentoring resources — Quebec
      Only Applies to : Quebec
      Consult the various organizations in Quebec that provide mentoring services.
    • Starting a business program
      Only Applies to : Quebec
      Interested 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 : Quebec
      You 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 & Innovation
      Only Applies to : Alberta
      Access R&D services, including project management and grants facilitation in the Peace Country and West Yellowhead regions.
    • Innovate Calgary
      Only Applies to : Alberta
      Access programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.

    British Columbia

    • 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.

    Manitoba

    New Brunswick

    • AgriStart NB
      Only Applies to : New Brunswick
      As an aspiring farmer or a farm operator in New Brunswick, you can access industry start-up resources, programs, equipment and training.

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Nunavut

    Ontario

    • Agents of Change: Climate Solutions
      Only Applies to : Ontario
      As a social enterprise you could access expertise, business and financial supports to help amplify your impact in reversing climate change.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • TechConnex
      Only Applies to : Ontario
      Find help to grow your technology business and connect with other technology leaders in the Greater Toronto Area.

    Quebec

    • 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.(in French only)
    • 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)
    • Bureaux de liaison entreprises-universités
      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)

    Saskatchewan

    Yukon

    • 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.
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