Resources for Small Businesses in Ontario During the Start-up Phase

Did you know that more than 97 percent of Canadian businesses are considered small? With that number in mind, it’s easy to see that SMBs are the backbone of the Canadian economy.

That doesn’t necessarily mean starting a business in Canada is easy. Many business owners rely on the expertise and advice of others.

The good news is that there are plenty of resources for small businesses to draw on. This is especially true for those businesses entering the start-up phase. If you’re trying to get a business off the ground in Ontario, check out these resources.

Check-in with the CRA

The CRA offers informative resources for starting a small business. With the information from the tax authority, you can read up on your duties as an employer or HST collector.

You can also find information on taxation rates, exemptions, and more. All this information goes a long way to helping you avoid being audited or penalized later on.

There are also calculators and other tools you can use to estimate taxes.

You might have trouble finding the information you’re looking for or the rules may seem confusing. If so, you might want to contact an expert. Tax lawyers and other businesses may be able to provide the insight you need.

Having the right information about business taxes is key to a successful startup.

Access Government Programs for Entrepreneurs

If you’re looking for small business resources, then you’ll want to check in with all three levels of government. The federal government provides some resources. Provincial governments often have plenty of programs to help small business owners.

The Government of Ontario, for example, connects business owners to plenty of resources. They do this through Small Business Enterprise Centres. You can get a review of your business plan or take a workshop to enhance your skills in a certain area.

You may also be able to access the services of a qualified business consultant for free. There are also mentoring and networking opportunities.

The Ontario government also operates Business Advisory Services offices. These centers can help you expand your business. You can get expert advice, access to government programs, and much more.

Information Resources for Small Businesses

A successful small business start-up takes a lot of know-how. You need to do market research, as well as look at regulations around your industry.

Then there’s the other side of running the business. How do you craft policies that ensure you’re delivering top-notch customer service? Which technologies should you adopt for your business?

You may have questions about almost anything, from where to find financing to how to do marketing. Luckily, there are plenty of resources for you to tap into.

You may want to check out websites like Canadian Business or magazines for entrepreneurs. Advice from international heavyweights like Inc., Entrepreneur.com, and Forbes may be helpful. There are also plenty of sites dedicated specifically to the Canadian market.

There are also sites that focus on different aspects of your business. Benefits Canada, for example, includes human resources information. Canadian HR Reporter is another great resource for the latest news and insights.

These sites tap a network of experienced professionals to deliver the latest insights. With them, you can learn more and stay up to date on best practices for your business.

Join Small Business Associations

You should also look for resources offered by various small business associations. You may be able to join a local one in your town or city.

There are also organizations at the national and provincial levels.

These organizations often provide a great place to network. You may be able to find a mentor. You might connect with another business owner who complements your offerings.

Associations also often offer great events for their members, such as workshops and seminars. You can hone your skills and network at the same time.

Consult with the Experts

There are plenty of experienced professionals whose job is to help entrepreneurs. Their skills allow business owners to get their ideas off the ground.

These experts can help you wade through legalese and government documents. They’ll help you understand the steps you need to take to get a license, register a name, pay taxes, and more. They can guide you through each of the steps.

They can also help you understand your financial options and recommend other resources. For example, a consultant may be able to direct your company to technology programs or marketing grants you didn’t even know existed.

The experts can also connect you with the services you need to get your business set up legally in Ontario. With their help, starting a business is a lot less confusing and much more exciting.

Simplify the Start-up Process

As you can see, there are plenty of resources for small business owners in Ontario and across Canada. No matter what kind of business you’re starting, the great advice you need is out there.

Ready to consult with the experts about the next steps for your business? Get in touch with an experienced team today. With their assistance, you’ll have your business up and running in no time.

 


 

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