Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

Services and programs to assist small to medium size enterprises/firms who are innovative, growth oriented, and Ontario based.

Community-based not-for-profit connects businesses to loans provided through federal funding.

• Aims to generate employment opportunities in the City and County of Peterborough.
• Services for small businesses include flexible loan programs, business development grants and business counselling services.

The Business Advisory Centre helps start, grow, or acquire a business.

• All services, consultations, tools and resources are confidential and complimentary for clients and businesses in the City and County of Peterborough

COVID-19 Response
Services offered virtually and in person by appointment. Staff available by phone or email and in person by appointment.

Regular Service
Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of: Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 Response
Most in person Service Canada Centres are open to the public, to find out if your local Service Canada office is open please visit www.canada.ca. Clients can apply for critical services online. Personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones. Many online services available at Canada.ca/service-canada-home. For assistance accessing services, complete online request at Canada.ca/service-canada-e-service.

Regular Service
One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services.

Internet access and assistance locating and applying for government programs including:

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security and passports (see separate entries for program details)
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
• Canada Education Savings Grant and others

Student/youth employment services available May-August through Service Canada Centres for Youth -- see separate entry

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario - Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers - help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant - financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Satellite location: 14 Queen St, Lakefield 705-652-1935. Fax: 705-652-5191

COVID-19 Response
Do not visit Canada Service Centre unless absolutely necessary.
​Assistance with Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits, Social Insurance Numbers (SIN), immediate request for a Passport Service, Veterans Affairs Canada Services available online or leave a voice message and someone will return call within 2 business days.

Regular Service
One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services

• labour market information
• information and referral on Employment Insurance, Social Insurance Numbers, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Veterans benefits, passports (see separate entries for program details), Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Canada Education Savings Grant and others.

For details on all federal and provincial benefits see Canada Benefits directory - www.canadabenefits.gc.ca.

Supports entrepreneurs through start-up and early growth of their new business and the initial years of operation. Provides access to free small business consulting services, business planning resources, market research, financial options, workshops/seminars and young entrepreneurship programs.

OMAFRA supports Ontario's agri-food sector, enforces and improves food safety and strengthens Ontario's rural communities

• support the growth of Ontario's agri-food sector
• provide business support to farmers
• ensure sustainability of agriculture through research and innovation
• expand agriculture in the North
• enforce and improve food safety
• strengthen Ontario's rural communities

The Lindsay OMAFRA Resource Centre provides factsheets, free and paid publications, access to technical information (crops, livestock, nutrient management, agricultural business and water management), and rural programs information.

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples , Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Women, Youth

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 Response
Contact for service. Until further notice - remote/digital services available only.

Regular Service
Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Youth and Women

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite offices located in

• Roseneath -- 9059 County Road 45, Roseneath, Ontario K0K 2X0 (Alnwick Civic Centre). Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1pm to 4 pm
• Colborne -- 6 King Street, Colborne, Ontario K0K 1S0 (Cramahe Public Library). Hours of Operation: Thursday 1 pm-4 pm.

COVID-19 Response

• Office open with limited capacity
• clients can apply for critical services online
• personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones

Regular Service
One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services

• Labour market information
• Information and referral on Employment Insurance, Social Insurance Numbers, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Veterans benefits, passports (see separate entries for program details), Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Canada Education Savings Grant and others

For details on all federal and provincial benefits see Canada Benefits directory - www.canadabenefits.gc.ca.

COVID19 Staff can be reached by phone email


Venture13 brings together early-stage entrepreneurs with innovation partners to connect, empower and accelerate new ventures. It is a place and a pathway for business growth synchronized with economic development and diversification.

• Offers co-working space for registered start-up companies
• professionals offer mentorship, guidance and one-on-one support
• Meeting and conference space for use by the general public
• Facilities include: the V13 VentureZone, MakerLab and Innovation Commons
• A partnership between Town of Cobourg, Community Futures Development Corporation, and Cobourg Police Services

Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation is an independent business development corporation dedicated to providing financing and strategy for entrepreneurs.

• Member of the CVCA (Canada's Venture Capital and Private Equity Association), governed by a volunteer board of directors, and staffed with business professionals delivering an array of entrepreneurial development and finance programs.
• Offering the following services:
  • Community Economic Development
  • Business Counselling
  • The Northumberland CFDC Investment Fund providing loans of up to $250,000 to new and small businesses in Northumberland County
  • thriveFORWARD innovation funding for Start-ups ($25K) and SMEs ($100K) in southern Ontario
  • $15K DELIA microloans for women-owned businesses across Canada
  • StrikeUP Canada digital conference for women entrepreneurs
  • V13 Policetech Accelerator joint initiative with the Cobourg Police Service
  • The Collaborative Economic Development Projects (CEDP) contributing to the successful development of business/job opportunities and prosperous communities that demonstrate benefits to multiple communities and promote broad-based collaborative economic development leading to a competitive and diversified economy
• Please refer to the company website for full program descriptions.

Providing information, support, and development services to new and existing small businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Free consultations, business and marketing plans, information resources, professional referrals, guidance on licenses and permits, small micro grants (as available)
• Business Name Registration
• Educational seminars and workshops, networking opportunities
• Business Success Program (coaching), youth entrepreneurship programs (Summer Company, Starter Company)

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience, help in maintaining employment as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training services
• job matching, paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship, education and work transition supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario

• skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training
• job matching
• paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship
• education and work transitions supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience, help in maintaining employment as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training services
• job matching, paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship, education and work transition supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

Staff at the Brighton Resource Centre work with researchers and agri-business to promote new technologies, business management, environmental sustainability, resource utilization, and rural economic development.

• Staff work on a provincial and regional basis to foster competitive agricultural and rural community development and to identify emerging issues that will affect the agriculture and rural communities.

Social enterprise and community development

• support social entrepreneurs through workshops, resources, information and consultation
• assist with developing market surveys, business plans, and other business start-up necessities
• access to relevant research data
• network and partner with local social enterprises, organizations and community leaders
• support and advocacy around rural social economies

Agri-Business Financing:

• IAPO has specific financial products to serve the needs of Aboriginal agriculture
• Loans are available for farm businesses
• Agricultural related businesses as well as enterprises that add value to agricultural products.

First Nations Youth Agricultural Programs

• First Nations Youth will develop agricultural opportunities within their own communities
• Building skills in business and production management
• The program enables training through mentorship, encourages financial responsibility and establishes a credit rating at an early age

Agricultural Advisory Services

• IAPO staff provide advisory services in farm management
• This includes financial management, livestock production, field crop production, family succession planning and marketing

First Nation 4-H

Municipal economic development department

• downtown overview
• location information
• business mix in the downtown
• business opportunities
• promotion calendar
• resource information for local businesses

COVID19 - Services provided in person, online, and by phone

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario

• skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training
• job matching
• paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship
• education and work transitions supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year