BACKGROUND

About Ontario Small Business Centres

Our centres provide entrepreneurs with a full range of support services needed to start and successfully grow their small business. Each of our 54 locations provides one-stop access to Expert Business Advisors, programs, services and learning opportunities for small business owners specific to their region.

In November 2021, we incorporated as a non profit association called the Small Business Centres of Ontario Inc. An exciting opportunity for our centres to collaborate, partner and to be best in class in supporting small businesses. Our association’s goals are to support the growth and professional development of our centres business advisors, to advocate on behalf of our small business centres and to seek funding opportunities to support our network.

Our Vision:

Small Business Centres Ontario Inc is a not for profit organization supporting the work of the Ontario Network of Small Business Centres.  Collectively, we are known as the first and best point of contact for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking credible business information, advice and guidance.

Our Mission:

Supporting Small Business Centres’ business owners to reach their maximum potential, which in turn increases the net worth of the business, creates jobs and builds a thriving local business community.

We’re excited to showcase our inaugural board of directors!

Executive Officers

CHAIR
SBC ONTARIO

Teresa Shaver

Teresa Shaver

Business Advisory Centre Durham

VICE-CHAIR
SBC ONTARIO

Jeanette Johnson

Jeanette Johnson

Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre

TREASURER
SBC ONTARIO

Steve Pellarin

Steve Pellarin

London Small Business Centre

Directors

Rob Belchior

St Catharines Small Business Centre

Sabrina DeMarco

WindsorEssex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre

Luc Fournier

Luc Fournier

Small Business Centre Bay of Quinte

Paula Hopkins

Paula Hopkins

Director of Entrepreneurship, Invest Ottawa

Kristin Huigenbos

Kristin Huigenbos

Hamilton Business Centre

Kristel Manes

Kristel Manes

Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre

Norman Musengimana

Norman Musengimana

Kingston Economic Small Business Development Centre

Tim Newton

South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre

Jennifer Nickerson

Jennifer Nickerson

The Business Centre – Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.

Faaria Wali headshot

Faaria Wali

Vaughan Business Centre

History

Small business is the backbone of Ontario’s economy. In recognition of this vital role, Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) were created in local communities across Ontario to deliver services and programs to entrepreneurs. The SBEC core programming dates back to the mid-1980s with a few pilot offices and has now grown to include 54 SBECs across Ontario.

Partnerships

Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, we work directly with small business owners to fulfill the mandate of growing the economy and creating new jobs by delivering programs, services, resources and expert advice. We also partner with multiple federal, provincial and municipal organizations to offer a single portal for small business support. Learn More

Find Your Local Small Business Centre

Did you know there are 54 Small Business Centres throughout Ontario? Expert business advisors are available to provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with information and advice specific to their business.