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Business support organizations

You don't become an expert business manager overnight. Seeking the advice of peers, professional business counsellors and coaches can help your transition from new business owner to experienced entrepreneur.

Some financing organizations also offer networking, coaching, and other business support services. Visit our Grants and Finances section for more information.

• Grants and Finances
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/82/
  Find out how to access money for your business and how to manage your finances effectively.
• Contact Canada Business
  
  http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/contact/
  The Canada Business Network has centres across the country that offer guidance, information and resources to help make your journey in business a successful one.
• Accredited Professionals
  
  http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ccc_bt-rec_ec.nsf/eng/h_00006.html
  Do you need professional help for your business? Access this national, online database of accountants, legal professionals, valuators and auditors.
• Business Consultants
  
  http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ccc_bt-rec_ec.nsf/eng/h_00007.html
  Find business consultants, development organizations and specialists in the areas of exporting, financial services, human resources, marketing, and more.

Start-up and business development

Access a wide range of business support services that can guide you in starting or growing your business.

• Aboriginal Business Development Services – The Business Link
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3138/
  Applies to: Alberta
  Information and resources to help your aboriginal business in Alberta.
• Aboriginal Business Service Network - Saskatchewan
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/guide/2760/
  Find the business information you need as a First Nations or Métis entrepreneur in Saskatchewan.
• Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3100/
  Applies to: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
  If you live in a rural region of the Atlantic provinces and want to start or grow your business, you can get business counseling, financing and training from a Community Business Development Corporation in your area.
• BDC Consulting
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2125/
  Applies to: All of Canada
  Find out how BDC's customized consulting services can help your business at all stages of development.
• BDC Ask a professional
  
  http://www.bdc.ca/EN/advice_centre/ask_professionnal/Pages/default.aspx
  Get free advice on monthly business topics from a BDC Consulting professional.
• Business Support Officer Program
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/6429/
  Applies to: British Columbia
  If you are an aboriginal entrepreneur, take advantage of the free business advice, workshops and training offered in British Columbia.
• CoopZone
  
  http://www.coopzone.coop/en/home
  Find resources and consultants to help you start and run a co-operative in Ontario.
• Innovate Calgary
  
  http://www.innovatecalgary.com
  Access programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.
• Invest Yukon
  
  http://www.investyukon.com/
  You can obtain information about doing business in the Yukon, including government funding and programs, and details about different industries.
• Regional Economic Development Branch
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2460/
  Applies to: Ontario
  Work with a team of local professionals to learn about economic development opportunities in the North.
• Toronto Business Development Centre
  
  http://www.tbdc.com/
  Take advantage of a range of programs and business support services to start and grow your business.
• University of Manitoba Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
  
  http://www.umanitoba.ca/entrepreneur/
  If you are considering entrepreneurship, the Stu Clark Centre will help you to organize your entrepreneurial thinking and develop a new business through a variety of programs.

Networking and chambers of commerce

Find out about business opportunities and specific networking forums.

• Alberta Chambers of Commerce
  
  http://www.abchamber.ca/
  Discover the business benefits of joining a chamber of commerce in your community and learn about your local Alberta chamber.
• British Columbia Chambers of Commerce
  
  http://www.bcchamber.org/
  Visit your local B.C. Chamber of Commerce to access information on membership benefits, partnerships and networking opportunities in your local community.
• Canadian Chambers of Commerce
  
  http://www.chamber.ca/index.php/en/links/C57
  A strong community business network can benefit your company. Access your local Chamber of Commerce.
• Centre for Women in Business
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/4491/
  Applies to: Nova Scotia
  Are you a woman entrepreneur from Nova Scotia who needs information to start or grow your business? If so, take advantage of the support and resources offered by the Centre for Women in Business.
• Entrepreneurship Centre (Montréal)
  
  http://www.ydesfemmesmtl.org/En/Entrepreneurship_en.html
  Access a wide range of business support services created to respond to the particular needs of women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses.
• Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal
  
  http://www.jccm.org/en/index.asp
  As a young entrepreneur in Montreal, you can develop your personal and professional network and find a mentor.
• Lambda Business and Professional Association of Manitoba
  
  http://www.lambdabiz.com/
  Are you a gay, lesbian, bisexual or gay-friendly business? Find out how Lambda can help you.
• Manitoba Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
  
  http://www.aboriginalchamber.ca/
  As an Aboriginal entrepreneur, benefit from networking opportunities, seminars, events, membership discounts, a chamber directory and access to a business centre.
• Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
  
  http://www.mbchamber.mb.ca/
  Find out how the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce can help grow your business.
• New Brunswick Chamber of Commerce
  
  http://www.nbchamber.ca/index.php
  Find out how the New Brunswick Chamber of Commerce can help grow your business.
• Purchasing Management Association of Canada
  
  http://www.pmac.ca/en
  Find out how to get training and accreditation in supply chain management, post your jobs, update your skills or access procurement tools.
• WEConnect Canada Certification
  
  http://www.weconnectcanada.org/certified.html
  Find out how your company can be certified as a Women Business Enterprise to increase your access to contract opportunities in Canada and abroad.
• Women Presidents' Organization
  
  http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com/about-us
  Find out how you can network and increase the visibility of your company as a woman president.
• Yukon Chamber of Commerce
  
  http://www.yukonchamber.com/
  Find out how the Yukon Chamber of Commerce can help your business prosper. Available services include: referrals to government, association and private sector specialists; library reference and research materials to assist you with your market research and business planning; and a group insurance plan for the employees of member organizations.

Coaching, mentoring and training

Connect with experienced business advisors who can help develop your skills and achieve your business goals.

• Aboriginal Business Mentorship Program
  
  http://www.ccab.com/aboriginal_business_mentorship_program
  As an Aboriginal business owner and a member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, you could get a mentor to help you develop your skills.
• Best business practices (only available in French)
  
  http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/objectifs/ameliorer/formation-et-perfectionnement/page/formations-9967/?tx_igaffichagepages_pi1%5Bmode%5D=single&tx_igaffichagepages
  Improve your knowledge of business practices with custom-made practical courses, workshops and seminars offered by this program.
• Business Services — Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities
  
  http://www.cdem.com/content.php?pageID=33
  Access a wide range of services to business in French. Tap into expertise to create or grow your business.
• Manitoba Marketing Network Business Mentoring Program
  
  http://manitobamarketingnetwork.ca/mentoring.html
  Find out how this valuable business-to-business mentorship program can help you evolve your business.
• Business Advisory Services
  
  http://smedco.ca/main.php?p=2827
  Are you of Métis ancestry and thinking of starting a business? The SaskMetis Economic Development Corporation provides general business information, consulting services and business development workshops.
• Business Advisory Services (Ontario)
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2575/
  Applies to: Ontario
  Access expert help to expand your small to medium-sized business into new local or international markets.
• Canadian Executive Service Organization - Aboriginal Services
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3395/
  Applies to: All of Canada
  Are you a small aboriginal company that is looking for advice on business start-up?
• Canadian Women in Communications
  
  http://www.cwc-afc.com
  Are you a woman entrepreneur in the communications sector who is looking for mentorship or guidance? Find out how leadership development and mentoring services can help you achieve your business goals.
• Centre d'entreprises et d'innovation de Montréal
  
  http://www.ceim.org/index.aspx?Lang=EN-CA
  Get specialized advice to start up and develop your information technology, industrial technology, multimedia or life sciences business.
• Centre for Women in Business
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/4491/
  Applies to: Nova Scotia
  Are you a woman entrepreneur from Nova Scotia who needs information to start or grow your business? If so, take advantage of the support and resources offered by the Centre for Women in Business.
• Community Futures Development Corporations — Western Canada
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3085/
  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.
• Community Futures Network of Canada
  
  http://www.communityfuturescanada.ca/
  Are you starting a business in a rural or northern community? This site contains a link to the Community Futures Development Corporation in your area that can help you get started.
• Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3421/
  Applies to: Alberta, Quebec
  If you are francophone and live in Alberta, you can get counselling and training to help you start or grow a business.
• Détail formation (only available in French)
  
  http://www.detailformation.com/
  Take advantage of training services for your retail, service, food, restaurant or tourism business.
• Economic Development Officers
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2906/
  Applies to: Northwest Territories
  Obtain business support services for entrepreneurs operating in the Northwest Territories.
• Enterprise Network
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2056/
  Applies to: New Brunswick
  Want to start or grow your business in New Brunswick? Your local Enterprise Agency may have some advice, programs or services that can help.
• Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3172/
  Applies to: Nova Scotia
  If you are a Nova Scotia entrepreneur with a disability, you can access business support, training, and opportunities for networking.
• Entrepreneurs’ Forum Advisory Services
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3533/
  Applies to: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
  Obtain free advice from business advisors for your innovative or knowledge-based business.
• Entrepreneurship Centre (Montréal)
  
  http://www.ydesfemmesmtl.org/En/Entrepreneurship_en.html
  Access a wide range of business support services created to respond to the particular needs of women entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses.
• Eskasoni Business Support
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3081/
  Applies to: Nova Scotia
  Eskasoni Band members can get free business support for entrepreneurial ventures.
• Fondation de l'entrepreneurship (only available in French)
  
  http://www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca/
  Find a mentor or join the network. Learn about entrepreneurial culture in Quebec.
• Fondation du maire: le Montréal inc. de demain
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2444/
  Applies to: Quebec
  If you are a young Montreal entrepreneur, you could receive a grant of between $5,000 and $30,000 to start up your business as well as advice or training.
• Guest Advisor Program
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3134/
  Applies to: Alberta
  Talk to an expert about your business concerns regarding management, legal matters, accounting and financing.
• Guest Advisor Program — Saskatchewan
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3245/
  Applies to: Saskatchewan
  Would you like to meet with a lawyer, an accountant, business consultant or trade-mark agent for a free consultation to discuss your business concerns?
• ventureLAB
  
  http://www.theventurelab.ca/
  Get free mentoring and expert advice to help connect you to the programs you need to grow your innovative business.
• Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal
  
  http://www.jccm.org/en/index.asp
  As a young entrepreneur in Montreal, you can develop your personal and professional network and find a mentor.
• Marketing Booster Program
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/6864/
  Applies to: All of Canada
  Find out how to market your small business and get up to 40 hours of individual business coaching when you participate in these interactive marketing workshops.
• Métis Youth Program
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2422/
  Applies to: Saskatchewan
  Are you between the ages of 18 and 35 and a Saskatchewan resident of Métis ancestry? You could get advice and financing to start your own business.
• Northern Alberta Business Incubator
  
  http://www.nabi.ca/
  Get assistance in starting and growing your business in the Edmonton area with the help of a business incubator. Services include coaching, training, office space, and shared administrative support.
• Northern Business Service Centre
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2624/
  Applies to: Saskatchewan
  If you live in northern Saskatchewan, get help with your new or existing business needs.
• PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
  
  http://www.paro.ca/
  If you are a woman entrepreneur in Northern Ontario, you can find coaching, training and peer lending programs to help you start or grow a business.
• Queen's Centre for Business Venturing
  
  http://business.queensu.ca/centres/qcbv/index.php
  Take advantage of business training and find financial resources for your innovative business.
• RECOMEX (only available in French)
  
  http://www.recomex.ca/index.jsp?numPage=7
  Are you thinking of exporting? Get expert advice and access to international contacts through this network.
• Regional Access Partners — Saskatchewan
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/guide/2779/
  Get help starting or expanding your business from any of the 14 Regional Access Partners that are members of the business infosource network.
• Community partners — service location finder
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3139/
  Applies to: Ontario
  Find in-person assistance to help you start and grow your business.
• Regional Development Authorities - Business Support
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3552/
  Applies to: Nova Scotia
  Receive support and counselling on starting your business or making it more profitable.
• Réseau des SADC du Québec - SADC Network
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3109/
  Applies to: Quebec
  If you live in a rural region of Quebec, you could access business counseling, financing and training to start or grow your business.
• Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. Business Services Office
  
  http://www.sief.sk.ca:8080/sief?PAGEID=20
  As an Aboriginal entrepreneur, take advantage of the learning opportunities and advisory services offered to you in accounting, management, financing, business planning and more.
• SEED Winnipeg Inc. - Supporting Employment and Economic Development
  
  http://www.seedwinnipeg.ca/
  Are you a low-income individual, group, organization or economically-distressed neighbourhood looking to grow your economic vitality? SEED helps individuals or groups start small businesses and save money for future goals. You can get business management training, individual consulting, access to small business loans, and more.
• Small Business Enterprise Centres (Ontario)
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2574/
  Applies to: Ontario
  Get help to start or grow your small business in Ontario.
• Small business training
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3141/
  Applies to: Alberta
  Check out the following training sessions in Alberta that can help you start or grow your business.
• Starting a business (only available in French)
  
  http://www.lancement-e.com/portail/
  You can obtain highly qualified professional support to start up your business and training tailored to your business project.
• TEC Edmonton
  
  http://www.tecedmonton.com/HOME/Entrepreneur/tabid/90/Default.aspx
  Find the resources and services you need to bring an invention or business to market, including mentoring, business planning, market analysis, and much more.
• Ulnooweg Business Services Program
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3053/
  Applies to: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
  If you are an Aboriginal business, you can get free business advice during any development stage of your product or service.
• Nova Scotia's University Business Development Centres
  
  http://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/en/home/aboutus/partners/ubdc.aspx
  Access training, guidance and expert advice to start or grow your business at one of six University Business Development Centres located across Nova Scotia.
• University of Regina Centre for Management Development – UR Business
  
  http://www.uregina.ca/admin/cmd/index.html
  Looking for help in managing your business? This centre offers you business consulting services in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, and human resources, as well as in financial, operational and strategic management.
• Winnipeg Entrepreneur Exchange
  
  http://www.winnipegentrepreneurs.com/
  Meet people who are as passionate about their business as you are about yours. The objectives of this Winnipeg-based group of entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-supporters include mentorship, education, networking, and fun.
• Women Entrepreneurial Center of Québec
  
  http://www.cefq.ca/en
  Are you a woman entrepreneur starting or expanding a business? You could maximize your entrepreneurial potential and attain financial independence.
• Women Presidents' Organization
  
  http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com/about-us
  Find out how you can network and increase the visibility of your company as a woman president.
• Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2599/
  Applies to: Manitoba
  Business information, guidance and financing for women entrepreneurs

Industry sector resources

Learn about organizations that offer support services to businesses in your industry.

• Alliance numérique
  
  http://www.alliancenumerique.com/en/index.html
  Get training on business intelligence in the digital industry and access the information you need for an exploratory approach.
• Arts and Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba Inc.
  
  http://www.creativemanitoba.ca
  Are you an artist entrepreneur or is your business in the creative sector? Find out how this association can help you.
• BioEnterprise
  
  http://www.bioenterprise.ca/index.cfm?page=work
  If you are introducing an agriculture or agri-food innovation product or service into the market, you may be eligible for support to help grow your business.
• Business tools, strategies, reports and resources for the tourism industry
  
  http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/invest/investment_bus_tools.shtml
  Access tools, publications and industry resources to help start and run your tourism business in Ontario.
• Innovate Calgary
  
  http://www.innovatecalgary.com
  Access programs, services, and other resources to help start and grow your innovative technology-focused business.
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
  
  http://www.cme-mec.ca/english
  If you are in the business of manufacturing or exporting, this group can promote your interests by providing cost-saving services and by enhancing your rights.
• Canadian Women in Communications
  
  http://www.cwc-afc.com
  Are you a woman entrepreneur in the communications sector who is looking for mentorship or guidance? Find out how leadership development and mentoring services can help you achieve your business goals.
• Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec
  
  http://www.criq.qc.ca/index_ang.html
  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 available in French)
  
  http://www.cefrio.qc.ca/
  Consult the CEFRIO to obtain survey results, reports on major recurring studies as well as information on the state-of-the-art information technologies.
• Consulting Engineers of Ontario
  
  http://www.ceo.on.ca/home.asp
  If you are an engineering consultant, this organization can help you access networking, professional development, education and more.
• FrontCounter BC
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/2877/
  Applies to: British Columbia
  If you are operating a business in the natural resource industry (mining, forestry, agriculture, water and land), FrontCounterBC provides services to help you with the industry's necessary authorizations, applications, licenses and permits.
• Manitoba Irrigation Development Program
  
  http://www.bsc-sec.ca/eng/summary/3144/
  Applies to: Manitoba
  Is irrigation your business? Access support and liaison services to help you meet market demands for irrigated crop production.
• Manitoba Management Plus Program
  
  http://www.mmpp.com/mmpp.nsf/mmpp_index.html
  If you are a farmer, you can access user-friendly crop production and management information to improve on-farm decision-making.
• Manitoba Marketing Network Business Mentoring Program
  
  http://manitobamarketingnetwork.ca/mentoring.html
  Find out how this valuable business-to-business mentorship program can help you evolve your business.
• Music Nova Scotia
  
  http://www.musicnovascotia.ca/Member-Info/
  If you're in the music business in Nova Scotia, you may want to take advantage of the many benefits Music Nova Scotia offers its members.
• Northern Film and Video Industry Association
  
  http://www.nfvia.com/
  If you are a film or video producer, find out how membership in this organization can help you with training, equipment rental and support of your productions in the Yukon.
• Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association
  
  http://nacaarts.com/english
  If you are a visual artist in Nunavut, you can get help to promote your work.
• Quebec liaison and transfer centres (only available in French)
  
  http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/objectifs/creer-liens/reseaux-de-recherche/page/valorisation-et-transfert-12510/?tx_igaffichagepages_pi1[mode]=single&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1[backPid]=43&tx_igaffichagepages_pi1[currentCat]=&cHash=1caf7693545f1fa11ea
  Get liaison officers to help you enter into strategic alliances with Quebec universities and finance your research and development projects.
• Tourism Intelligence Network
  
  http://www.tourismintelligence.ca/
  If you are looking for value-added information to enhance your competitiveness in the tourism sector, you can get help from the Network's staff researchers.
• Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon
  
  http://www.wtay.com
  Do you provide wilderness adventure services? If so, find out how membership in this association will allow you to access business support, advocacy and networking opportunities.
• York Technology Alliance
  
  http://www.yorktech.ca/
  Find help to grow your technology business and connect with other technology leaders in the Greater Toronto Area.
• Yukon Film & Sound Commission
  
  http://www.reelyukon.com/
  Get information on programs, funds, incentives, and initiatives available to the film and sound recording industry in the Yukon.
• Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon
  
  http://www.tiayukon.com/
  Find out how these business development programs and services can help your tourism business.