Starting a new business takes motivation, dedication and talent as well as research and planning. The City of Oshawa recognizes that small businesses are significant drivers of the local economy and there are a number of local services and programs that are focused on working with new businesses to help them succeed.
| Registering Your Business |
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You can register or renew your business, search for business names, or obtain a Master Business Licence either online or in person at:
Service Ontario
590 Rossland Rd. E.
Whitby, ON
L1N 9G5
1-888-745-8888
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| Business Permits and Licences |
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 Certain businesses require you to have additional permits and licences. BizPaL is a free, interactive tool that identifies the permits, licences and inspections that your business may require from all levels of government.
Learn more about business licences.
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| Business Support Services |
- Business Advisory Centre Durham (B.A.C.D.)
- The B.A.C.D. offers one-on-one consultations, workshops, market research, business resources and innovation alliances for small business.
- Canada Business Ontario - Services for Entrepreneurs
- Information about federal and provincial services, programs and regulations, including taxation as well as a Business Program Guide.
- Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
- The Chamber is a membership-based organization that fosters a thriving business community by creating networking opportunities as well as advocacy for business.
- Spark Centre
- Spark Centre works with technology based businesses and offers business planning, financial management, mentorship, market intelligence, entrepreneurship orientation idea assessment, executive coaching and incubation space.
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| Funding Your Business |
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- The Business Development Bank of Canada works with Canadian businesses to offer financing, consulting services and securitization with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Canada Business Network
- The Canada Business Network offers information to assist small business to start, plan, finance and grow your innovative business.
- Ontario Business Program Guide
- The Ontario Business Program Guide offers information about Ontario's economy and how to do business here. The guide includes economic development opportunities, research funding and tax credits for business.
- Futurpreneur Canada
- Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.
- Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada offers government funding for specific business expenses.
- Export Development Canada
- Export Development Canada provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services as well as foreign market expertise.
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| Home-Based Business |
- The Durham Home and Small Business Association is a local non-profit organization aimed at supporting small business and home-based entrepreneurs.
- The City of Oshawa does permit certain home-based businesses to operate, subject to a number of conditions.
- See Home Occupations in Zoning By-law
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| City of Oshawa Economic Development Services |
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What we do:
- Promote Oshawa as a destination for business investment
- Site location and business support - whether a company is expanding, locating or relocating within Oshawa
- Assistance to address operational or municipal issues
- Assistance to streamline the development approvals process
- Statistics and information related to Oshawa's economy
- Access to information on government initiatives, programs and events
- Administer the Downtown Area Community Improvement Programs
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