Organizations Offering Advice And Other Supports For Businesses In Canada

Have you felt unsure, alone, and overwhelmed during the entrepreneurial journey? All entrepreneurs experience this challenge at some point. This is one reason building a supportive and knowledgeable community around you is important.  Fortunately, whether you’re starting a business or have been operational for some time, many organizations provide valuable advice to support entrepreneurs in Canada.  We’ll share a list below:

National Organizations

• Futurpreneur Canada: Supports young entrepreneurs (under 40) from all backgrounds.
• Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES): Developed to support women entrepreneurs through various programs and initiatives.
• Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED): Provides a range of services, including business advice, funding, and export support.  You can also find resources and valuable information online through their online platform.
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Offers financing and advisory services to help businesses start, grow, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape.  Their online platform also hosts a wide variety of tools and resources suitable for entrepreneurs from varying backgrounds at different stages in their journey.

Local and Regional Organizations

• Regional Development Agencies (RDAs): Find resources for specific regions of Canada. RDA’s provide support and funding to businesses within specific regions.
• Local Business Incubators and Accelerators: These organizations offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources for startups and growing businesses.
• Chambers of Commerce: These organizations can provide networking opportunities, business resources, and advocacy services.

Online Resources

• Government of Canada’s Business Portal: A one-stop shop for information on starting and running a business in Canada.
• Canada Business App: A mobile app that provides access to government programs and services.

Provincial and Regional Organizations

Alberta

• Alberta Innovates: Provides funding and support for research and innovation.
• Canadian Imperial Advantage: Supports entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds through training, access to funding, business advice, mentorship, and more.
• Business Link: Provides guidance, tools, and other resources to entrepreneurs in Alberta.

British Columbia

• Small Business BC: Offers a range of services, including business advice, training, and financing.
• Innovate BC: Supports innovation and technology-based businesses.

Saskatchewan

• Innovation Saskatchewan: Supports innovation and entrepreneurship in the province.
• Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce: Advocates for businesses and provides resources and support.

Manitoba

• Innovation Manitoba: Supports innovation and technology development.
• Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce (BMBCC): Aim to support Black & Immigrant Business Leaders and their communities through training, mentorship, and more.

Ontario

• FedDev Ontario: Supports economic development in Southern Ontario.
• FedNor: Supports economic development in Northern Ontario.

Atlantic Canada

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA): Provides information and support to businesses in Atlantic Canada.

Organizations Supporting Specific Demographic Groups

Black Entrepreneurs

• Africa Centre: Provides advice, workshops, and other resources tailored to black entrepreneurs in Canada.
• Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA): Provides networking, mentorship, and advocacy for Black entrepreneurs.
• Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP): A government initiative to support Black entrepreneurs.

Indigenous Entrepreneurs

• Indigenous Business Development: Find resources to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Indigenous Futurpreneur: Provides financing opportunities, mentorship, and other support to Indigenous youth entrepreneurs.
• Business Link: Provides guidance, tools, and other resources to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Alberta.

Immigrant Entrepreneurs

• Business Link: Access guidance, tools, and other resources for immigrant entrepreneurs.

Women Entrepreneurs

• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs: Provide loans, community, and other support and resources for women entrepreneurs in Alberta.
• Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce: Advocates for women entrepreneurs and provides networking opportunities.

2SLGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs

LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce: Provide support and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Disclaimer:

Remember, in all that you do we wish you the best, however, the information provided on this site is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. be sure to do your own research and seek professional advice to cater to your specific situation. Learn more in our disclaimer policy.