Our Member Centres help entrepreneurs get the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed!

Our Small Business Centre Ontario Network provides business advisory services, training, support and resources directly to entrepreneurs and small business.

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100+

Experts

100+ expert business advisors ready to help

26K

10K

New Jobs

10K new jobs created annually in Ontario

Services

Looking for support to launch, grow or pivot your start-up?

We do this by:

Empowering Entrepreneurs: Ensuring local centres have the tools, training, and resources needed to guide entrepreneurs from idea to growth.
Building Capacity: Delivering shared services such as professional development, digital platforms, and knowledge hubs to streamline operations and raise standards.
Connecting the Network: Fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective advocacy so centres can better respond to diverse local economies.
Driving Impact: Demonstrating the collective value of Ontario’s small business ecosystem to funders, partners, and communities through data, stories, and measurable results.

SBC Ontario’s mandate is to act as the backbone for the province’s entrepreneurial support network, enabling local centres to do what they do best: help Ontario’s small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Our services are free, and we are ready to help! Start by connecting with an Expert Business Advisor at your local small business centre. We support thousands of entrepreneurs each year to work through problems and challenges, as well as establish next steps and action plans.

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Overcome Challenges

Ontario Small Business Centre Network

With 54 locations across the province, the Ontario Small Business Centre Network helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and adapt their businesses in an ever-changing economy. Our expert advisors provide personalized support and access to tools and resources, including:

Accessing grants, loans, and financing programs
Business planning and pivot strategies
Navigation of the current regulatory landscape
Trusted referrals to local service providers and partners

Wherever you are in your business journey, we’re here to help you move forward.

Access Personalized Services

Expert Business Advisors

Experienced Advisors, many with entrepreneurial backgrounds, provide one-on-one confidential small business advisory services including:

Business Planning & Strategy
Brainstorming Sessions
Planning for Growth
Automating Systems and Processes
Social Media & Digital Marketing Plans

Find Local Support

Specialized Programs

Connect with your local centre to learn about customized programs that support entrepreneurship in your specific region, including:

Women’s Entrepreneurship Programs
Starter Company Plus
Summer Company
Youth Mentoring Program

Gain Skills & Connections

Events

We offer a variety of low-cost and free online events to elevate your business skills, as well as connect with your business community, including:

Workshops & Seminars
E-Learning Sessions
Conferences
Networking Events
Roundtable Discussion Groups

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to starting a business?sbcuser20202021-02-26T16:24:02-05:00

What are the steps to starting a business?

Starting a business is easy – register a business name and you’re ready to go, but starting a successful business takes a lot more effort. We recommend starting with the SBC Ontario Business Basics E-learning Sessions, which will help you with the following topics:

Are You Ready To Be In Business?
Researching Your Idea
Business Structure
What Are Government Regulations?
What Is A Business Plan?
How Do You Finance A Small Business?
Why Do Market Research?
Sales and Marketing
Do You Need Insurance?
How To Register Your Business?

You can also connect with your local Small Business Centre for more information or to meet with an Expert Business Advisor.

What expenses can I write off?sbcuser20202021-02-19T20:55:40-05:00

What expenses can I write off?

You can generally deduct business expenses – if they are incurred to produce income. If you claim expenses, you must be able to back up your claim. You do this by keeping records of all your business-related expenses and recording the expenses in a journal or excel. Examples of expenses you can deduct:

Accounting/Legal Fees
Advertising Expenses
Professional Fees and Dues
License Costs
Interest and Bank Charges
Meals and Entertainment
Maintenance, Repairs and Vehicle Expenses
Use of a Workspace In Your Home
Inventory and Costs Of Goods Sold

Related information is available from the Canada Revenue Agency and the CRA’s Business and Professional Income T2125 tax guide.

Is it mandatory to register for HST?sbcuser20202021-03-09T16:07:20-05:00

Is it mandatory to register for HST?

Most businesses that operate in Ontario and have annual sales (revenues), totalling more than $30,000 must register for and charge HST. If your total annual sales are less than or equal to $30,000, you are considered to be a small supplier and are not required to register and charge HST. Depending on the nature of your business you may still choose to register as you will be able to claim input tax credits (ITCs) to recover the GST/HST you pay or owe on your business purchases. You may also find that some clients may only do business with businesses registered for HST.

When you register for HST you are given a unique Business Number (BN). If you have not obtained a BN, you do not charge HST. Once you have registered you have to remit at the required intervals even if you have zero sales.

For further information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency HST Information Page. Or call 1-800-959-5525.

Where do I register and what does it cost?sbcuser20202025-05-20T18:56:08-04:00

Where do I register and what does it cost?

You can search, register or renew your business name using the Ontario Business Registry and you can also use OWNR. OWNR makes it easy to register a sole proprietor or a simple corporation (not a partnership or non profit) incorporate. We have partnered with OWNR to give you an exclusive discount of 20% off your first purchase – click here for details.

The cost to register your business through the Ontario Business Registry is $60 – $80, search requests are an extra $12 to $26 depending on the types of records you want to include in the search.

You can always ask your local business centre for help on walking through this process. Fees may apply. Find your local centre here

Do I have to register my business?sbcuser20202025-05-20T18:56:37-04:00

Do I have to register my business?

Under the Business Names Act of Ontario, the following business types must register:

sole proprietorships (one owner) carrying on business under a name other than the individual’s full name
partnerships carrying on business under a firm name other than the full names of the partners
corporations carrying on business under a name other than their corporate name
an existing general partnership or limited partnership registering a business name different from the registered firm name
limited liability partnerships
extra-provincial limited liability partnerships; and
extra-provincial limited liability companies

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.

Find Your Nearest Location