Additional Resources

Information and Training Resources for Business Startup and Growth

Starting a new business and need help? Here are resources, including government and private web sites and some suggested reading. POC can help with organizing-specific questions, but the basics of starting a small business are the same regardless of the business, and are available free or at low cost across the country from a number of different sources.

Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide but is not comprehensive, nor is it an endorsement of any particular source of information. It is based on anecdotal evidence of members who have used these resources and found them helpful. POC has no links with these resources and is not responsible for any use or misuse made of this information.

Self-Employment Program

Almost every province in Canada has some sort of self-employment program that's been put on through Community Futures or through local colleges or training companies. If you are recently unemployed and eligible for EI, you may qualify.

To find out if there is a self-employment program near you, visit Service Canada.

Canada Business Service Centre

This should be the first stop for anyone starting or trying to grow their business. Visit them online and you can then click on the link for your local centre. Excellent virtual resources, plus the physical centres in each province have all kinds of information for all aspects of business, and they coordinate with the province or territory so you can get the information for local regulations and funding programs at the same time.

Specific focus on business startup? Check out the Business Start-Up Assistant.

Interactive Business Planner

This is an interactive, Internet-based tool that guides you through the process of developing a three-year plan for a new or existing business. A free feature of the Canada Business Service Centres online network; you're taken through the whole process in a Q&A format.

Other Resources By Area

If you have a suggestions for a great resource, especially in the areas we have not covered, please contact the education committee on the Contact Us page.

British Columbia

Alberta

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Youth Employment Services - entrepreneurship programs for all ages
Compagnie F - entrepreneurship programs for women
SAJE Montreal Metro - support for young entrepreneurs

Atlantic Canada

Human Resources Information

Government of Canada - Go to the Business – HR section
HRM Guide Canada
Human Resources Planning
Measuring Employee Performance
Workindex.com
Royal Bank of Canada - Small Business Human Resources Guide

Networking

Local Chambers of Commerce not only offer a huge network opportunity, but also a great source of educational seminars and workshops.