Resources
This resource page is designed to help small business owners in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) access tools, funding, and knowledge to scale their ventures. Below, you’ll find categorized resources with links to trusted websites.This resource page is designed to help small business owners in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) access tools, funding, and knowledge to scale their ventures. Below, you’ll find categorized resources with links to trusted websites.
Small Business Grants and Financial Support
- Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
ic.gc.ca/csbfp
Government-backed loans to help small businesses purchase assets or improve operations. - Ontario Small Business Support Grant
ontario.ca/business-support
Provincial funding for eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 or other challenges. - Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) Funding Resources
tbdc.com
A variety of grant and loan opportunities for Toronto-based businesses. - Startup Canada
startupcan.ca
National organization providing grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Scaling and Growing Your Business
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Growth Services
bdc.ca
Offers consulting services and financing to help businesses grow sustainably. - MaRS Discovery District
marsdd.com
A Toronto-based innovation hub with resources on scaling, funding, and commercialization. - Digital Main Street (Ontario)
digitalmainstreet.ca
Helps small businesses improve their online presence and leverage digital tools for growth.
Exporting Products and Services
- Export Development Canada (EDC)
edc.ca
Resources, insurance, and financing for Canadian businesses looking to export. - Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
tradecommissioner.gc.ca
Provides market intelligence, funding programs, and international trade support. - Ontario Global Trade Platform
ontario.ca/global-trade
Offers tools, training, and events for businesses looking to expand globally.
Business Networking and Mentorship
- Toronto Region Board of Trade
bot.com
Connects businesses for networking, collaboration, and advocacy. - MentorWorks Canada
mentorworks.ca
Offers funding guidance and business mentorship programs. - Futurpreneur Canada
futurpreneur.ca
Provides funding and mentorship to young entrepreneurs aged 18-39.
Marketing and Digital Strategy
- Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
www.canada.ca/digital-adoption
Helps businesses adopt e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies.
Municipality-Specific Resources in the GTA
- Toronto Economic Development & Culture
toronto.ca/business
Provides business support services, funding, and permits for Toronto-based businesses. - York Region Economic Development
york.ca
Information and resources for businesses in York Region. - Peel Region Small Business Centre
peelregion.ca
Services and resources tailored for small businesses in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. - Durham Region Economic Development
durham.ca
Offers guidance and resources to local entrepreneurs. - Halton Region Economic Development
halton.ca
Provides resources, funding opportunities, and business advisory services for Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills. - Oakville Economic Development
www.oakville.ca
Focused on helping businesses in Oakville thrive through support programs, permits, and access to funding initiatives.