Business Resources

Multiple resources available.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) quick reference of tax benefits and exemptions that apply to Aboriginal Canadians under the Canadian Indian Act.

The step-by-step process to generate a customized list of permits and licences you may need to operate or open your business is now simplified and more user-friendly, guaranteeing access to results faster.

The Canadian Business Network's goal is to provide your business with the resources it needs to grow and prosper, including a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations. The Canada Business Network promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, and provides assistance through an organized network of service centres across Canada. There is a centre in each province and territory working with partners in many communities across their region, providing you with numerous service access points.

Offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both Aboriginal-owned member companies and Canadian businesses that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and businesses across Canada.

A resource on how new or existing small businesses can access advice, support and information on government regulations.

BDC business plan templates let you prepare a professional business plan - a necessity when seeking financing for your project.

Find out how to write a business plan, and access templates, sample business plans, market research information and statistics.

Comprehensive Community Planning (CCP) is a priority for many First Nations who see it as an effective tool to build healthy and sustainable communities that improve the quality of life for their members. Download CCP Handbook.

Essential information for emerging entrepreneurs. Based on the Entrepreneurship 101 business training course, these lecture videos and related resources provide startup business training online to help you start and grow your company.

A short test to assess your entrepreneurship personality.  

Features a variety of free financial calculators, imperial to metric converters and other useful calculation tools for general use.

This guide outlines the key areas to look at and what to include in an effective marketing plan.

The changing climate and how you can harness the power for your business.

Use these tools to research small business trends in Canada.

Ontario demographics.

 The Canadian Business Magazine provides up-to-date information for market news, investing, technology, economy and Canadian Industry.

Produces statistics to assist in understanding Canada’s demographics.

CCAB offers unique programs and services that help facilitate sustainable relations between First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people and the Canadian business sector.

CCAB conducts and publishes a number of reports and surveys to fulfill their mandate.  Recent publications include:

• Promise and Prosperity: Ontario Aboriginal Business Survey (2020)
• COVID-19 Indigenous Business Survey Phase III (2022)
• Community and Commerce: A Survey of Aboriginal Economic Development Corporations

NSWPB Mission Statement: “Connecting community partners to improve the quality of life in our communities through workforce development”  Visit their website for more reports specific to northwestern Ontario.

• Construction Labor Market Outlook for Northwestern Ontario, March 31, 2014
• Building a Superior Workforce: 2014-2015 Local Labor Market Plan 
• Building a Workforce: 2013-2104 Local Labor Market Plan

Get your credit report and know your score.

Along with the credit histories of millions of other people, your credit history is recorded in files maintained by at least one of Canada's major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.

Expense calculator and tracker for personal budgeting.  If this is your first time tracking your expenses, or if you're getting back to it because your situation has changed, this site offers tips and tools to help you get started.

Futurpreneur Canada (formerly CYBF) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing the economy one entrepreneur at a time.  They provide financing, mentoring and support tools to business owners aged 18-39.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) is working to build strong, prosperous northern communities and offers unique programs that invests in northern businesses through conditional contributions, forgivable performance loans, incentive term loans and loan guarantees.

Getting started in small business? This website provides tools, definitions of terms and information about financing a small business.

Periodic business health checks are an easy way to spot problems before they happen.

CRA's information page on Business, GST/HST and Payroll.

Tax planning guide and tax tables.

Ontario Business Program Guide, the Ontario government’s free, online directory of tax incentives, tax credits and government support programs for business.

Learn about tax credits available to businesses and how to receive them.