The “Starting Business” resources are classified under four categories:
- General information/Start-up information
- Finance
- Legal
- Other
General information / Start-up information resources
Futurpreneur Canada
This website offers a guide that has been created for newcomers to Canada who are interested in starting their own business. All young people face challenges when starting their own business. Newcomer youth to Canada face even more challenges – language and cultural differences, as well as lack of a Canadian credit history and Canadian work experience. Futurpreneur Canada’s Newcomer Program can help with advice, information and support for young people who are new to Canada.
Canada Business Ontario
This resource is specific to starting a business in Ontario and is a one-stop site to get information on a range of topics related to different stages of setting up a business: Before You Start; Getting Started; and Other Resources. The website also provides a Business Regulation Guide and a Taxation Guide.
The Newcomer Entrepreneurs section of Canada Business Ontario provides information on resources and programs, and provides a link to the Business Immigration Program, the Government of Canada’s page for information on immigrating to Canada as an investor or self-employed individual. Also browse statistical resources on ethnic groups, visible minorities, the Canadian-born population, immigrants and non-permanent residents. In addition to being available in English and French, many documents are also offered in 13 other languages.
Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre
At Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre individuals can access a variety of resources to help them start or grow their small business. Whether it’s a one-time free consultation for general business information and advice, or a customized mentoring package, experienced business advisors are available to help you with your entrepreneurial goals.
Strategic Community Entrepreneurship Project
This is a Province of Ontario program for young adults in the age group of 15-29. The program provides: entrepreneurship training that may include seminars, workshops, learning modules and resource guides, delivered by a participating organization; mentoring, business coaching and other activities that can help you on your journey to self-employment; and funding of up to $3,000 to help cover your business start-up costs.
Connect Guelph Portal
The Portal brings together resources for people and companies wanting to do business in Guelph and Wellington County. It can help you find the support you are looking for.
Innovation Guelph
Guelph is a community that is open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. As a community partner, Innovation Guelph acts to cultivate entrepreneurship and powerful partnerships, and innovative initiatives that transform the way we do things in business and in our communities.
Finance
Futurpreneur Canada
This organization provides newcomers to Canada with supports and guidance to launch their business including: start-up resources; an industry-leading mentorship program; flexible financing of up to $45,000 for newcomers with Canadian credit history, or up to $15,000 for newcomers who haven’t established a Canadian credit history; and expertise including Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, an online Business Resource Centre, and access to the Entrepeer Program (online and face-to-face peer-support network).
Scotia Bank – Startright for Business
For landed immigrants who have been in Canada for 3 years or less to access credit and build credit history, and receive help to start a business. Guide to Business available in English,
French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Punjabi. Please contact advisors at the bank.
Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures Development Corporation
On behalf of FedDev Ontario, the WWCFDC provides term loans and loan guarantees to small businesses that have difficulty finding financing elsewhere on reasonable terms. Loans up to a maximum of $150,000.00 can be made to businesses in the County of Wellington or Region of Waterloo (not the City of Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo) that will be creating new jobs or maintaining existing jobs in the local area. Financing can be used for the purchase of fixed assets, leasehold improvements, inventory or working capital.
Immigrant Access Fund Canada
The Immigrant Access Fund Canada provides micro-loans of up to $10,000 to internationally trained professionals, trades people and skilled workers to help pay for costs associated with accreditation, upgrading or training in order to obtain employment in their field. The micro-loans are funded by the Government of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.
Legal
Connect Legal – Advice for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
This website is a comprehensive online resource for immigrant entrepreneurs covering a range of disciplines and related online links. It offers information on general legal matters, start-up
funding, starting a business, hiring employees, licenses and permits, office space and equipment, intellectual property, import & exports, and more.
Other
Meetup
This is an informal networking website. Various meetup groups for entrepreneurs and small businesses are available in Guelph and the surrounding area, Cambridge, and Kitchener-Waterloo. A visitor can search for or set up a meetup group.