The City of Oshawa recognizes that small businesses are significant drivers of the local economy. Starting a new business takes motivation, dedication and talent. It also takes research and planning. Below are local services and programs focused on working with new businesses to help you succeed.

Registering Your Business

You can register or renew your business, search for business names, or get a Master Business Licence online via the Ontario Business Registry (O.B.R.) at ServiceOntario.

Business Permits and Licences

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 

Local Business Support Services

Business Advisory Centre Durham (B.A.C.D.)
The Business Advisory Centre Durham (B.A.C.D.) is Durham's Small Business Centre supporting the startup and growth of businesses in Durham Region. For over 25 years, B.A.C.D. has offered a range of free and low-cost services designed to support the business journey.

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (G.O.C.C.)
The Chamber is a membership-based organization that fosters a thriving business community by creating networking opportunities and 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.

Funding Your Business

Business Development Bank of Canada (B.D.C.)
The Business Development Bank of Canada works with Canadian businesses to offer financing, consulting services and securitization focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services and foreign market expertise.

Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.

Government of Canada
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business, or a not-for-profit organization, utilize the Business Benefits Finder to identify programs and services to help your business grow.

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada offers government funding for specific business expenses, including the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

Invest Ontario
Acting as the bridge between private and public sectors, Invest Ontario understands business challenges and is available to guide them in optimizing government resources to their advantage.

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.

Ontario Centre of Innovation (O.C.I.)
In partnership with the provincial and federal governments, O.C.I. accelerates the commercialization and adoption of emerging technologies in Ontario.

Other Resources to Explore

Angel Investors Durham (A.I.D.)
A.I.D. is a dynamic network of accredited investors dedicated to funding and mentoring early-stage companies with high growth potential, connecting innovative entrepreneurs with experienced investors who provide both capital and strategic guidance.

Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre
Dedicated to assisting unemployed or underemployed individuals to meet their employment goals, and assisting employers in meeting their hiring and training needs. 

Durham Workforce Authority (D.W.A.)
A community-based not-for-profit that works with community stakeholders to champion the development and maintenance of a sustainable and dynamic workforce for Durham Region. 

Invest Durham
Invest Durham supports the local business ecosystem and international businesses by leading, facilitating, and supporting various investment attraction and business expansion initiatives.

Rise
A national organization dedicated to empowering people with mental health and addiction challenges to achieve greater social and economic inclusion through entrepreneurship. 

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (W.S.P.S.)
W.S.P.S.'s Small Business Centre is designed to help small business owners meet their health and safety obligations while fostering business growth through access to free resources, training, and support.

Home-Based Business

• The entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem are part of what makes Oshawa a great place to start a business. We encourage you to connect with us to discover ideal locations, identify potential partnerships to ensure your business is a success, and connect you with the supportive partners in our community.

• The City of Oshawa supports the entrepreneurial spirit and small business through a home occupation by-law that recognizes the needs of business, balanced against the needs of the community. 
• See Home Occupations in Zoning By-law (Section 5: Uses Permitted in Certain Zones) for more information on how certain home-based businesses are permitted to operate, subject to some conditions. 

City of Oshawa Business and Economic Development Services

We will:

• Promote Oshawa as a destination for business investment
• Site location and business support - whether a company is expanding, locating or relocating within Oshawa
• Assistance in addressing operational or municipal issues
• Assistance in streamlining 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