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.

Find Your Local Centre

Have Questions

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 is a membership association that supports the work of the Small Business Centres. We support our membership through an annual conference, best practice sharing, professional development, tools and resources. Our centres help Ontario’s small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

The centres offer largely free and some paid services. Start by connecting with an Expert Business Advisor at your local small business centre. They support thousands of entrepreneurs each year to work through problems and challenges, as well as establish next steps and action plans.

Have Questions?

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?

Small Business Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Business Number?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:23:44-04:00

Do I need a Business Number?

A Business Number (BN) is a unique number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to identify your business for tax purposes, it is not a business registration. You may need one if you register for HST, hire employees, import or export goods, or open certain CRA program accounts. Not every business needs a Business Number right away. A Business Advisor at your nearest Small Business Centre can help you determine whether your business requires one.

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

Should I incorporate right away?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:20:09-04:00

Should I incorporate right away?

Not necessarily. Many entrepreneurs begin as sole proprietors because it’s simple and inexpensive to set up. As your business grows, incorporation may provide benefits such as limited liability, tax planning opportunities, and greater credibility. The right time to incorporate depends on your business goals, expected income, and level of risk. A Business Advisor at your nearest Small Business Centre can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages before you make your decision.

We also have sessions covering this on our E-Learning page and you can connect with your local Small Business Centre for more information or to meet with an Expert Business Advisor.

What licences or permits do I need?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:18:56-04:00

What licences or permits do I need?

The licences and permits required depend on your business activities, industry, and location. Some businesses require municipal licences, while others may need provincial or federal approvals. Home-based businesses may also be subject to local zoning bylaws. Taking the time to understand these requirements before opening can help you avoid delays and costly mistakes. Your nearest Small Business Centre can help you identify the licences and permits that apply to your business.

We also have sessions covering this on our E-Learning page and you can connect with your local Small Business Centre for more information or to meet with an Expert Business Advisor.

How much money do I need to start a business?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:17:43-04:00

How much money do I need to start a business?

Startup costs vary depending on the type of business you’re launching. Your budget may include equipment, inventory, marketing, insurance, licences, website development, professional services, and operating expenses until the business becomes profitable. Creating a realistic startup budget will help you determine how much funding you’ll need and avoid unexpected costs. A Business Advisor at your nearest Small Business Centre can help you estimate your startup costs and explore financing options.

If you are ready to register a sole proprietorship or corporation, you can use our Affiliate Partner OWNR

We also have sessions covering this on our E-Learning page and you can connect with your local Small Business Centre for more information or to meet with an Expert Business Advisor.

What business structure should I choose?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:15:12-04:00

What business structure should I choose?

The most common and official legal business structures in Ontario are sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Each has different legal, tax, and financial implications. A sole proprietorship is usually the simplest and least expensive option to start, while incorporation may provide liability protection and tax advantages as your business grows. The best choice depends on your circumstances and long-term plans. A Business Advisor can explain the differences and help you determine which structure is right for you.

If you are ready to register a sole proprietorship or corporation, you can use our Affiliate Partner OWNR

We also have a business planning session on our E-Learning page and you can connect with your local Small Business Centre for more information or to meet with an Expert Business Advisor.

Do I need a business plan?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:11:11-04:00

Do I need a business plan?

A business plan is one of the most valuable tools for starting a business. It helps you define your goals, understand your target market, estimate your startup costs, and create a financial roadmap for success. If you’re applying for financing or grants, a business plan is often required. Even if you’re self-funding, it provides direction and helps you make informed decisions. Your nearest Small Business Centre can help you create or review a business plan that fits your business and goals.

We also have a business planning session on our E-Learning page and you can connect with your local Small Business Centre for more information or to meet with an Expert Business Advisor.

How do I know if my business idea is viable?sbcuser20202026-07-09T07:10:29-04:00

How do I know if my business idea is viable?

A successful business starts by solving a real problem for a specific group of customers. Before investing your time and money, ask yourself whether people need your product or service, who your competitors are, and whether customers are willing to pay what you need to charge. Talking to potential customers and doing some basic market research can help you validate your idea before launching. A Business Advisor at your nearest Small Business Centre can help you evaluate your idea, identify opportunities, and avoid common startup mistakes.

We recommend starting with the SBC Ontario Business Basics E-learning Sessions, which will help you with the following topics:

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

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 Centre locations 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