Looking to start a business? 
A lot of planning and preparation goes into starting a successful business. Fortunately, Peterborough has an amazing network of business supports to answer your questions and provide you with the tools and resources you need. 

The Government of Ontario has a handy guide to help you get started: 

10 steps to start a business in Ontario for entrepreneurs 
Starting a business can be exciting, but it can be hard to know where to begin. The following steps will help you get started on creating your business in Ontario. 
The information provided in each step is a guide. It is not a substitute for legal or financial advice. 
1. Conduct market research 
You need to conduct market research to help you understand the industry and market that you will be operating in. 
2. Prepare a business plan 
A business plan explains your business idea, short and long-term business goals, and what resources are available to start and operate your business. 
3. Decide on the ownership structure for your business 
There are four types of business structures in Ontario and each serve different legal and tax needs. 
4. Register your business online 
If your business has employees, facilities, or offices in Ontario, you must register using the Ontario Business Registry. 
5. Confirm licences and permits 
You may need licences and permits to run your business according to federal, provincial, or municipal regulations. 
6. Confirm if you need to charge HST 
Most businesses in Ontario are required to register with the federal government for a GST/HST account and collect GST/HST on taxable sales. 
7. Understand your tax obligations 
If you are self-employed, an unincorporated business or in a partnership, you must report your personal income. 
8. Consider business insurance 
Although business insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended, even if you operate a home-based business. 
9. Understand the regulations 
Learn the regulations that may apply to your business. 
10. Get funding or more help 
​Financial help and more resources are available for small businesses and entrepreneurs. ​

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce works closely with community partners on local resources that include: 

​Getting started

​Business Advisory Centre: Start Your Business 
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre is often a business owner’s first step on the path to success. It offers support including market research, creating a business plan, information on regulations, and access to expert help. 

Tech startups at the Innovation Cluster 
The Innovation Cluster provides a vibrant community of advisors, partners, and tech talent. They help startups shape the future and have been changing entrepreneurs lives for over a decade. They offer three locations 

30 Day Cube Bootcamp 
The Cube is the region’s only full-service incubator designed to put innovative entrepreneurs on the path to success. Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with the 30-day Cube Bootcamp. 
30 Day Boot Camp

Locating downtown ​

Doing Business in Downtown Peterborough 
Located in the urban heart of our city, the Downtown Business Improvement Area offers assistance to businesses in the core, including assistance finding and securing a location, navigating development in a historic area, and opportunities to apply for incentives. 

Securing Financing ​

Community Futures – Flexible financing and support for small business 
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is an important business resource in Peterborough and has been a part of our community since 1985. CFP fosters a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem by supporting local business development. 
Their goal is to be a leader in the region by developing and supporting the growth and expansion of local business and employment opportunities. They do that by providing flexible financing and business resources to all small businesses in the City and County of Peterborough. 


BDC – Start or buy a business 
There’s a lot to consider when starting a company or buying a business for sale: financing, business planning, marketing, franchising opportunities…BDC breaks it all down to help you make sense of it all. 
https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/start-buy-business
BDC has an Entrepreneur’s Toolkit with business tools to help you successfully manage, grow and promote your business  https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/entrepreneur-toolkit  
For local financing options, check out our local banks and credit unions

Hiring ​

Workforce Development Board 
Workforce Development Board (WDB) is a not-for-profit organization located in Peterborough and serving Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. Founded in 1996, WDB is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to provide labour market information, coordinate employment and training services, and engage employer communities. 

Local Employment Services:
Agilec Lakefield 
Agilec Peterborough
Carmela Valles Immigration Consulting 
Employment Planning & Counselling – Peterborough 
Level A Professional Group 
Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services 
New Canadians Centre Peterborough 
North Shore HR Consulting Inc. 
Savino Human Resources Partners Limited 
The Staffing Connection ​

Other Resources:

​Liaison Officer service-
​free tax help for small business owners and self-employed individuals

During a webinar, a Liaison Officer will:
• Answer questions and address general tax-related concerns;
• Explain common tax errors and demonstrate how to use financial benchmarking;
• Provide information on various tools and services offered by the CRA;
• Explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices.
 
To learn more about the Liaison Officer Service, visit //canada.ca/cra-liaison-officer.