RESOURCE LINKS: Where to start a new biz?!
If you’re just starting out and launching a new business, there are tons of great resources to help you at every step. Learning and doing the work up front means a solid foundation for your biz and smoother sailing later. These links are also great for makers or biz that want a boost, or to refresh you business outlook.
1. The starting lineup:
https://investinhamilton.ca/hamilton-business-centre/
The best first stop - Here is Hamilton’s own business center. Find free business consultations, startup guidance, workshops, plans, licensing info, and mentorship. These are tailored to Hamilton entrepreneurs.
https://sbs-spe.feddevontario.canada.ca/arts-and-artists-guide
This one is another great place to start – you get a broad overview of starting an artist-based biz in Ontario, links to further details, lists of programs, regulations and other resources. One vital item found in this link is the Business Plan guide – I highly recommend every business creates a Plan before anything else – this will be your framework and guide you through all the other steps. Shortcut to the plan guide HERE.
https://sbs-spe.feddevontario.canada.ca/en
This one is also from FedDev Ontario and is a more generalized business startup guide for any industry. You can find many How-To guides, startup essentials and contact info for various regulatory departments.
https://www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca/blog/the-essential-guide-to-starting-a-small-business/
Ontario Business Central shares a great guide on starting up, including lots of apps designed to help your business flow. They can also help you register or incorporate your business.
The YWCA offers a PowerUp program both for startups and growing biz. Note there are intake dates to register so check your calendar. Explore their business pages for other workshops and resources.
2. Stock your toolbox:
https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/entrepreneur-toolkit
BDC is the Business Development Bank of Canada. They offer guides, webinars, assessments and many tools to help you build and grow your business. Their Learning Center features articles on a variety of topics from marketing fundamentals to tariffs and finance. Free templates such as cash flow calculators, marketing plans, and business proposals are offered here as well.
BizPal lets you search for any permits and licenses you may need.
https://sites.google.com/view/hbcdigitalresourcehub/home?authuser=0
This one is gold. Find website tools, social media resources, ecommerce resources, marketing and productivity tools.
3. Show me the money:
https://investinhamilton.ca/hamilton-business-centre/starter-company-plus/
There are grants and funding out there for makers and artists. Starter Company Plus specializes in new biz and offers training as well as funding of up to 5000$ within their program.
https://investinhamilton.ca/built-for-business/business-support#fundica
The city also offers Fundica, a tool for startups to find loans, grants, tax credits and more. Set up a brief profile to see what may apply to you.
https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/innovation/s/?language=en_CA
Through Invest in Hamilton you can access this Business Benefit Finder. Enter a few details and you will be shown a tailored list of programs and resources.
BDC also offers traditional financing and advice for Canadian entrepreneurs.
4. Growth:
https://investinhamilton.ca/hamilton-business-centre/community-market-accelerator/
Once you are ready to enter markets, try the Community Market Accelerator for a guided selling experience in Hamilton, and find community connections.
When you’re ready to scale or update your business and are past the startup phase, the Innovation Factory is a great help. Ideal for scaling your biz, tech/digital growth, mentorship and networking.
5. Unofficial channels:
Highly underrated! There are human networks for makers and artists that are incredibly valuable such as Facebook groups – share, ask, relate, learn and discover through the group’s collective experiences. You’ll also hear about shows that hit or fail, vendor openings, and display tips. Try looking up:
Hamilton Handmade
Ontario Makers Market
Canadian Handmade Sellers
Ontario Vendor Events
Made in Canada – Canadian Products
Small Business Ontario
Also watch your local community pages or those that host maker events, like the various BIA’s. Follow the markets, shows and shops you are interested into see what they are doing. Join business networks to learn from others and get the word out about your business. Find groups that aim to elevate and celebrate each other success!
Coming soon: more creative business articles, checklists and resources!