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Skip Navigation LinksImmigration Simcoe > Doing Business > Business Development Resources

Business Development Resources

 

Local Regional Resources                                            

  • Futurpreneur Canada​​ (formerly called Canadian Youth Business Fund - CYBF)

Simcoe County has a host of organizations and resources available to assist you in locating and developing your business in the County free of charge. Visit the County of Simcoe Economic Development website to learn more about regional business development resources

Start a Business

Some newcomers consider starting a business or becoming self-employed. In Canada, most self-employed people are professionals working as independent contractors (freelance), business owners, salespeople who work on commission, and farmers.

Before deciding to start your own business you should consider the advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages to owning your own business are the independence and freedom from routine, as well as the possible financial rewards if the business is successful.  Some of the disadvantages of self-employment include less job security, no medical or dental benefits, and paying and preparing business taxes. 

There are many ways for someone to become a business owner. Three common ways include  starting a business from scratch, purchasing an existing business, or purchasing a franchise. 

The Ontario Immigration website provides additional information about starting a business in Ontario for newcomers. Many documents are available in multiple languages.

​Economic Development Offices

The Simcoe County Economic Development Office provides high-level support to local economic development offices and business development organizations across the region, ensuring all our businesses are well supported. Among the resources on their website, they provide real-time commercial real estate listings, a free online business directory, general statistics about Simcoe County, news about the local economy, and listings for federal, provincial, regional, and local resources. The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office can also provide information about the County, as well as direct you to their local counterparts when specific information and assistance is required.

Through local Economic Development Offices you can learn more about available property and businesses, government funding programs, zoning permit requirements, local business development resources, and upcoming seminars and workshops in the area.

The information listed below was provided by 211 Community Connection.

Economic Development Offices
Simcoe County Economic Development Office

1110 Highway 26
Midhurst, ON
L0L 1X0

Phone: 705-726-9300
Website: www.edo.simcoe.ca/​

Economic Development Department City of Barrie

70 Collier Street 9th Floor
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 4T5

Phone: 705-728-9850
Email: invest@barrie.ca​​
Website: www.barrie.ca

Huronia Economic Alliance

(A partnership between the Municipalities of Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay)

Email: info@investhuronia.ca
Website: www.edcns.ca​

Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Economic Development Office100 Dissette St. Units 7 & 8
P.O. Box 100
Bradford, Ontario
L3Z 2A7

Phone: 905-775-5366 Ext 1301
Website: www.gotobwg.ca​

Township of Essa Economic Development OfficeEconomic Development Centre
Angus Recreation Centre
8529 County Road 10
Angus, ON
L0M 1B0

Phone: 705-424-4054
Email: edc@essatownship.on.ca 
Website: www.essatownship.on.ca​

Town of Innisfil Economic Development Office2101 Innisfil Beach Road
Innisfil, ON
L9S 1A1

Phone: 705-436-3740 Ext 1510
Website: www.innisfil.ca

Town of New Tecumseth Economic Development OfficeP.O. Box 910
10 Wellington St. E.,
Alliston, Ontario
L9R 1A1

Phone: 705-435-3900 Ext 256
Website: www.newtecumseth.ca

Township of Oro-MedonteP.O. Box 100
148 Line 7 South
Oro, Ontario
L0L 2X0

Phone: 705-487-2171
Website: www.oro-medonte.ca

City of Orillia Economic Development Office50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300
Orillia, Ontario
L3V 7T5

Phone: 705-325-4900
Email: edc@orillia.ca
Website: www.businnessinorillia.ca

Township of Springwater2231 Nursery Road
Minesing, Ontario
L0L 1Y2

Phone: 705-728-4784
Website: www.springwater.ca

Town of Wasaga Beach Economic Development Office30 Lewis Street
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
L9Z 1A1

Phone: 705-429-3844 Ext 2285
Website: www.wasagabeach.com

Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs)

The Community Futures Program is an initiative of the Government of Canada. Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) are community-based, not-for-profit organizations that offer programs and services to support community economic development and small businesses. To learn more about the Community Futures Program, visit: www.ontcfdc.com

There are Community Futures Development Corporations in Simcoe County that can provide guidance to you on starting your own business. These corporations can help you develop your business plan and provide guidance as your business grows. They also provide loans for innovative businesses that may not be eligible for loan financing through your regular bank. 

Below is a list of Community Futures Development Corporations in Simcoe County.

The information listed below was provided by 211 Community Connection.

Community Futures Development Corporations
Centre For Business and Economic Development

450 Hume St, Unit 2
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W6

Phone: 705-445-8410
Email: info@centreforbusiness.ca
Website: www.centreforbusiness.ca​​

North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation

 PO Box 8, 105 Fourth Street
Midland, ON L4R 4K6

Phone: 705-526-4993
Website: www.nscfdc.on.ca

Nottawasaga Futures: Alliston

39 Victoria St E
Alliston, ON L9R 1V6

Phone: 705-435-1540
Email: ced@nottawasaga.com
Website: www.nottawasaga.com

Nottawasaga Futures: Bradford

95 Holland St W, Unit 105
Bradford, ON L3Z 2A9

Phone: 905-775-9119
Email: ced@nottawasaga.com
Website: www.nottawasaga.com

Nottawasaga Futures: Innisfil

2101 Innisfil Beach road
Innisfil, ON L9R 1A5

Phone: 705-436-3806
Email: ced@nottawasaga.com
Website: www.nottawasaga.com

Orillia Area Community Development Corporation

22 Peter St S
Orillia, ON

Phone: 705-325-4903
Email: info@orilliacdc.com
Website: www.orilliacdc.com

Small Business Enterprise Centres

There are 57 Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) operating throughout the Province of Ontario through partnerships between the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment, and the local municipalities in which they reside. SBECs provide entrepreneurs with assistance and support to start, grow, and expand their businesses, such as:

  • free consultations with a qualified business consultant
  • workshops on key business topics
  • free review of business plans
  • consultations through a lawyer/accountant referral service
  • access to current resource materials, including directories, trade indexes and books
  • guidance on business structure, licenses, permits, registration, taxes, regulations and other forms and documents required to start and build a business
  • import and export information
  • information on patents, copyright, and trademarks
  • guidance on hiring and other human resources issues
  • access to funding information
  • information on adopting e-commerce and new technologies
  • resources for innovation
  • advice on marketing, operations, cash flow and financial considerations
  • mentoring and networking opportunities
  • supports and programs for young entrepreneurs 

To learn more about Small Business Enterprise Centers, visit www.ontario.ca/economy or contact one of the agencies below.

The information listed below was provided by 211 Community Connection.

Small Business Enterprise Centers
Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre

24 Maple Ave, 202
Barrie, ON L4N 7W4

Phone:  705-720-2445
Website: www.barriebusinesscentre.ca

Small Business Enterprise Centre

105 Hurontario St
Collingwood, ON L9Y 3Z5

Phone: 705-446-3355
Website: www.enterprisecentre.ca/

Local Libraries: Business Services

The local libraries are a great place for information and resources to help you with your business. In particular, the Barrie Public Library offers business services and is supported by a business librarian. They have resources and services available to enhance your business, such as: 

  • Business-related books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, and videos
  • Subscription databases, many of which are available remotely
  • Specialized business databases, including PCensus and the Million Dollar Directory
  • Monthly business programs, including business planning and market research
  • Seminars led by community business experts
  • Community Information Database: a database that includes more than 2,500 organizations and groups, to keep you in touch with the community
  • Community Event Calendar: a database to see what is going on in the community

The information listed below was provided by 211 Community Connection.

Barrie Public Library: Business Services
Contact the Business Librarian

Phone: 705-728-1010 Ext 7014
Website: Ba​rrie Public Library

 

Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada (formerly called Canadian Youth Business Fund - CYBF) supports young entrepreneurs at every stage of their businesses by providing expertise, financing, mentoring and business resources.  They also have supports for newcomer entrepreneurs.

Futurpreneur Canada

National Phone: 1-866-646-2922
National Website: www.futurpreneur.ca

Local Community Partner: Business Enterprise Resource Network 
Phone: 705-792-0989
Toll Free: 1-866-963-7327 (ask to speak to the Futurpreneur Coordinator)

 
Click here​ for more information about Recruiting and Hiring Skills Immigrants.