Local Business Support Resources:
Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie – Business Resource Toolkit
An easy-to-use directory of tools, resources, and local services to help business owners in the Grand Erie and Elgin-Middlesex-Oxford regions.
https://workforceplanningboard.org/business-resource-toolkit/
Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre Workshops
The Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre is one of Ontario’s 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) which serves entrepreneurs in our area with FREE business consultations, grant programs, in-person events, and networking opportunities.
Small business resources – City of Brantford
Enterprise Brant
In partnership with Enterprise Brant, we offer resources and support for local entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive. This helps business operators combine their knowledge and experience with sound business management principles and ultimately more success. And it’s free!
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan that includes $6.5 billion in new measures to protect Canadian businesses and workers.
The $1-billion RTRI helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses across all sectors, including in the steel and automotive industries. It invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness.
RTRI is intended to support businesses and sectors impacted by tariffs.
https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/en
Regional support
Learn about programs and services available in your region to help your business succeed.
Small Business Support Resources in Ontario:
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern and southwestern Ontario make investments to:
- Grow their Businesses
- Improve Productivity
- Invest in Innovation and Skills Development
- Pursue New Markets
- Generate Broad Positive Regional Economic Impact
- Create New Good, Sustainable Jobs
Application Period 21 (2025/26) – Intake Period – November 4, 2025 to February 3, 2026
https://www.ontario.ca/page/southwestern-ontario-development-fund
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Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Growing Ontario’s agri-food sector to create a stronger economy for the province.
How do they Help?
- Support the growth of Ontario’s agri-food sector
- Provide business support to farmers
- Ensure sustainability of agriculture through research and innovation
- Expand agriculture in the North
- Enforce and improve food safety
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness | ontario.ca
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills development
Helping protect workers and settle workplace disputes, supporting skilled trades and employment services, attracting highly-skilled newcomers and helping people get settled in Ontario.
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development | ontario.ca
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade
Our engaged and inclusive team is passionate about delivering policies, programs and services to help businesses of all sizes and in every region to start, grow, invest, trade and create jobs, and to attract investment to Ontario.
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade | ontario.ca
Consumer Protection Ontario is an awareness program of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
The ministry administers and enforces various consumer protection statutes, notably the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (CPA).
Digitalization Competence Centre
The Digitalized Competence Centre (DCC) is dedicated to helping Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) harness digital tools and modern technology to improve operations and remain competitive in a digital-first economy. It does this by:
- Building digital fluency
- Accelerating technology adoption
- Growing capacity across sectors
- Connecting Ontario’s Innovators
The DCC has three program streams to support SMEs in the adoption and implementation of digital technology. Learn more about which program stream is right for your company.
- Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP)
- Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
- Retail Modernization Program (RMP)
Digitalization Competence Centre – Ontario Centre of Innovation
Canada’s commitment to Small Business Week
Programs and Services
Find everything that the government can do for your Business, all in one place. The innovation digital platform can match you with the best fitting programs and services from across federal, provincial and territorial governments , all in less than 3 minutes.
Canada.ca – Business Benefits Finder
Starting your business
Get tools and information on what to consider before starting a business. You’ll find business plan templates; information on registration, regulations and incorporation; sector and other economic data; and more
Starting a business – Canada.ca
Growing your business
Get information to help you identify opportunities to expand. Includes information on planning, exporting, R&D and business support organizations that can help you reach your goals.
Business and industry – Canada.ca
Financing your business
Learn how to fuel your R&D and innovation projects through government grants, contributions and loans, as well as private sector financing. Get information on tax refunds and credits. Gain access to equity funding. Unlock potential or crowdfunding.
Canada.ca – Business Benefits Finder
Regional support
Learn about programs and services available in your region to help your business succeed.
Managing your business
Learn how to handle day-to-day operations, including budgeting, marketing and payroll deductions. Find out how to attract and develop one of your most important assets: people.
Hiring and managing employees – Canada.ca
For more information on how to start a business click the link below
EDC – Overview
Discover how Canadian exporters are turning trade uncertainty into global opportunity. This guide offers proven strategies, financial tools and real-world success stories to help your business grow beyond the U.S. market—because nothing can contain your growth.
BDC – Who are we
We help create and develop strong Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services and capital, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
- We support entrepreneurs in all industries and at all stages of development from business centres across Canada and online at bdc.ca.
- We’re committed to the long-term success of Canadian entrepreneurs and we understand that a business is more than just dollars and cents.
- We complement the role played by private-sector financial institutions and have been serving Canadian entrepreneurs since 1944.
- We are a financially sustainable Crown corporation and we operate at arm’s length from our sole shareholder, the Government of Canada.
BDC – Pivot to Grow Loan
The Pivot to Grow Loan program provides between $100,000 to $5 million for companies affected by the current trading landscape.
Eligible businesses are;
- Minimum 15% of sales are derived from exports to the U.S. or demonstrate a significant likelihood of being adversely affected by U.S. tariffs, related uncertainties or the current economic downturn;
- Annual sales of $2 million or more; and
- Must demonstrate profitability.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
