Nottawasaga

Business Excellence Centre

Thinking about starting a new business or maintaining/expanding your existing business?

We provide services and resources to businesses located in the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Township of Essa, Town of Innisfil and Town of New Tecumseth.

Our resources include:

Access to archived How-To Guides for certain types of businesses - these how-to guides were provided by the Canada Ontario Services Centre
Business consultants
Computer workstations to research or register a business
Support for financial sourcing
Knowledgeable staff who provide counselling and support

You can contact a Business Development Officer to explore these resources through telephone, email or by dropping into the office.

Business Tools

The following are online resources that were specifically highlighted as essential tools for business. Click on the links to access the webpage

County of Simcoe Mentorship Guide
The business community in Simcoe County is diverse, growing and supported by a host of resources.

Canada Ontario Business Videos
Links to short videos from the Canada Ontario Business Service to explain what they do for entrepreneurs in Ontario.

Entrepreneurial Self Assessment
Take this assessment to find out if your attitudes and personal views fit that of a successful entrepreneur.

Business Plans
Use this link to find templates and samples of business plans.

Forms of Business Structure
This link will provide you with information on the different types of business structures: sole proprietorship, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives.

Business Name Registration
Ontario Business Registry - a number of services for businesses

Taxes and HST
Find quick links to electronic tax services.

Permits and Licenses
Contact your local municipality website for up-to-date permits and licenses information.

Financing your Business
Exploring this website will help you to source financial assistance.

Market Research
This document will help you understand market research and will inform you of effective approaches: surveys, focus groups, personal interviews, contextual inquiry, task analysis, and usability testing.

Canadian Marketing Association
Explore the CMA website to discover marketing disciplines, channels, and technologies.

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
A website to help manufacturers grow and become more competitive, at home and around the world.

Copyright and Intellectual Property
Learn how to protect your business through patents, trade-marks, copyright, industrial design, and integrated circuit topographies.

Regulations for Specific Business Activities
Importing, exporting, marketing, managing employees, transporting goods, and more are all key business activities that have regulations you need to know.

Franchising
Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a franchise. You can also access a search tool that can help you find franchise opportunities.

Employment Insurance for the Self Employed
Follow this link to learn more about employment insurance for the self-employed.

Labor Market Information
Labor market information from the Simcoe Muskoka area

Credit Counseling Canada
Get education and guidance in money management, credit, and debt situations.

Canadian Importers Database
CID provides lists of companies importing goods into Canada, by product, by city and by country of origin.

Consumer Search
Search through product categories and find complete reviews on top-rated products, based on experts and users.

The Canadian Council of Better Business Bureau
This site is used to report fraud and resolve complaints.

Consumer Protection
This site is full of information to educate, protect and serve Ontario consumers for a fair, safe and informed marketplace.

Women in Business Guide
Links and resources are provided in this guide designed for women in business

Community Links
Follow this link to explore many more online resources available to you.

Canada One
This website includes an online magazine, a Canadian business directory, specific business resources, a technology centre and several promotional tools designed to help you grow your business in Canada.

Community Futures Network of Canada
The Community Futures Network of Canada offers a wide variety of programs and services supporting community economic development and small business growth across Canada. Services include business development loans, technical support, training, and information. In addition, the Community Futures Network of Canada is involved in strategic planning processes, research, and feasibility studies and the implementation of a diverse range of community economic development (CED) projects.

eBusiness Tool Kit
A detailed guide to digital tools and how they can be used in a small and medium sized companies.

How you can profit from e-business
Small businesses that are new to the world of e-business will find information and tools that will help them get started.