Looking at Starting or Growing a Business? Here is some information and helpful resources on getting you started with your new small business adventure.
Visit the Small Business Enterprise Centre |
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The Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre is your first stop for information on starting and growing your small business. Resources Available Include:
You can check out current listings of events and register online: Listing of Business Seminars, Workshops and Events. |
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Business Improvement Areas - Supporting Local Businesses |
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Our Downtown BIA and our Main Street BIA represent a variety of our local businesses that are located in Port Colborne and within the BIA’s geographic area. Contact one of our BIA’s to learn more about providing guidance for your new or growing business. What is a Business Improvement Area (BIA)? It is an organized group of property owners and businesses within a specified geographic area that join together, upon approval of the municipality, to organize, finance and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their designated area. Each BIA has a board of management which is an organization set up to provide business promotion and improvement functions. To learn more about the organizations: Visit: Port Colborne Downtown BIA |
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Chamber of Commerce - Supporting Businesses in South Niagara |
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Port Colborne -Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce The Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce has been serving our business communities. Services and Resources include:
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping businesses and organizations succeed in order to ensure the long-term economic and social prosperity of the Niagara Region. |
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City of Port Colborne Business Regulations |
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Check with the various departments listed below for any regulations affecting your business.
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Niagara Region Business Licensing and Regulations |
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The Niagara Region Business Licensing Department provides licensing, inspections and enforcement. Visit Niagara Region Business Licensing for a complete list of the business types. If you're planning to open a new business in Niagara, Public Health can provide information and resources to new business owners on:
Visit Public Health for New Businesses to request a consultation. |
Provincial Regulations and Licensing in Ontario |
For entrepreneurs who want to start and run a business in Ontario. Visit the Government of Ontario - Business, Workplace and Economy. Learn how to:
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Small Business Incentives and Grants |
The City of Port Colborne and the governments of Ontario and Canada offer a range incentive and grant programs for new or expanding businesses. Below are just a few currently being offered. Community Improvement Plan Program The City of Port Colborne offers a range of incentive programs for new or expanding businesses through the Community Improvement Plan Program (CIP). For example, if you are a business or property owner, the Façade Improvement Program is structured as a matching grant where the City will provide a grant equal to 50% of the cost of eligible façade and storefront improvement and restoration works, up to a maximum grant per property/project of $10,000.00. Could this funding help you start your storefront renovations? Visit the CIP Incentives to learn more. Digital Main Street Program The Digital Transformation Grant program is designed to assist brick-and-mortor small businesses looking to increase your capacity through digital transformation and technologies. Visit: Digital Main Street to sign up and see if your business is eligible. Canada Digital Adoption Program As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with Digital Main Street and their ShopHERE powered by Google program to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant to small businesses across the country. Visit: Canada Digital Adoption Program to sign up and see if your business is eligible. ShopHERE ShopHERE Creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists at no cost. What does the Program Do?
Visit: ShopHere for more information. Venture Niagara Where do you go when your business needs funds to grow? Venture Niagara is a not-for-profit corporation that helps new business start-ups and existing businesses expand their operations so our community can thrive in today’s economy. To learn more contact Volker Loetfering the Business Loans Officer at Volker@ventureniagara.com. |
Resources for Your Small Business |
Port Colborne Public Library Perhaps you’re just starting out and need access to a computer, the internet, photocopying and scanning, or a quiet space to write your business plan? The library and all of its knowledgeable and kind staff is waiting to help you. Stop by today at 310 King Street, reach them by phone 905-834-6512 or visit the Port Colborne Library in person. PC Employment Works PC Employment Works offers a variety of free recruitment services for Employers and Job Seekers in the Niagara region, to help develop lasting professional connections. Their recruitment services for Employers include:
Contact them at 905-834-3629 to learn more or visit PC Works Employment. Resources you can download: |