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Technology

From online services and links to software to help manage your new business, these resources will help you get wired in.

Nationwide:

  • Canada Business - Government Services for Canadian Entrepreneurs: This site has numerous resources related to starting a new business, for all provinces. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC): ITAC is the voice of the Canadian information and communications technologies industry in all sectors including telecommunications and Internet services, hardware, microelectronics, software and electronic content. www.itac.ca
  • Electronic Commerce Info-Guide: A document designed to help small businesses navigate government programs, services and regulations that deal with e-commerce. There are separate guides for each province. http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/145/148/
  • Industry Canada - Electronic Commerce: A federal government source for all the information you need to help your business get started on the Internet. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/h_05229.html
  • Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance: The largest high-tech association in Canada, CATAAlliance matches businesses with opportunities across almost every sector. www.cata.ca
  • Canadian Technology Human Resources Board: The CTHRB represents industry, educational and individual stakeholders in the engineering applied science technology sector. www.cthrb.ca
  • Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Links to Canadian company directories, distribution channels, supply sources and partnerships related to the ICT sector. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/h_00160.html
  • Direct Sellers Association of Canada: This national trade association represents firms that manufacture and sell goods and services through independent sales contractors. Sales are made in the home, workplace, via the phone or Internet (but not by direct mail), rather than through a fixed retail location. www.dsa.ca
  • Wired Woman: A non-profit Canadian society and advocate group for women seeking education, networking and mentoring opportunities in the broadly defined technology sector. www.wiredwoman.com
  • National Research Council: NRC takes an aggressive entrepreneurial approach to stimulate the innovation Canadian firms need to succeed in the global knowledge economy. www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

British Columbia:

  • eBC (eBusiness Connection): This B.C.-based not-for-profit e-business resource centre was created in response to the entrepreneurial community's demand for more and better e-business and e-commerce resources. www.e-bc.ca
  • Small Business B.C.: A quasi-government and private-sector not-for-profit service to help e-business ventures succeed. Includes a seminar series, information guides and case studies. www.smallbusinessbc.ca
  • Vancouver Enterprise Forum: Is a not-for-profit B.C. society created to advance technology entrepreneurship through networking forums that educate and motivate. www.vef.org
  • OneStop Business Registry: OneStop is an online program that provides resources on registering and licensing your business, including setting up a company website and registering a proprietorship or partnership. www.bcbusinessregistry.ca
  • Front Counter B.C.: A service for natural resource clients of provincial natural-resource ministries and agencies to obtain information and authorizations they need to start or expand a business. www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca

Alberta:

  • Industrial Research Assistance Program - Alberta and NWT: NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program helps small and medium-sized Canadian firms build their capability in technology and innovation. Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) work with you onsite to assess your company's needs and design solutions. irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
  • Alberta Business Information Resources: Business Link is a joint federal and provincial government initiative designed to provide information about new technologies, resources and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners. www.alberta-canada.com/

Saskatchewan:

  • Canadian Federation of Independent Business: "The majority of Saskatchewan's businesses are very small. About 76 per cent employ fewer than five people, and 94 per cent of all businesses have fewer than 50 employees.". This business resource helps new small businesses succeed by providing programs and online resources. www.cfib.ca

Manitoba:

  • Industrial Technology Centre: ITC provides a range of technical services in support of technology-based economic development in Manitoba. ITC customers include industry, entrepreneurs and government departments and agencies. www.itc.mb.ca

Ontario:

  • Technology and Innovation Info-Guide: This guide has been prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), which provides access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED): A federal tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development in Canada that will lead to new, improved or technologically advanced products or processes. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/sred/

New Brunswick:

  • Research Innovation Fund (RIF): The RIF supports eligible organizations that wish to transform ideas into new products, services, technologies or processes. www.nbif.ca
  • Business New Brunswick: "Whether your business is large or small, rural or urban, we can help you make smart business decisions." Services, resources and programs are offered to help push the aspiring entrepreneur in the right direction. www.gnb.ca

Nova Scotia:

  • Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs: A network of autonomous, not-for-profit companies working to meet the needs of small business in the Maritimes. www.cbdc.ca
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency: A resource to encourage and assist SMEs to become more innovative in the development of new products, services and technologies. www.acoa.ca

Prince Edward Island:

  • Atlantic Technology Centre: Provides an ideal setting for growing IT and media companies to expand their businesses and foster new partnerships. www.atlantictechnologycentre.ca

Newfoundland & Labrador:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI): Since its inception in 1991, Nati has experienced steady growth. The group focuses on information technology, geomatics, ocean technology and biotechnology. www.nati.net
  • Genesis Centre: The Genesis Centre is a support network developed to help Newfoundland and Labrador knowledge-based businesses and entrepreneurs create high-growth enterprises. www.genesis.mun.ca
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs: A network of autonomous, not-for-profit companies working to meet the needs of small business in the Maritimes. www.cbdc.nf.ca

Yukon:

  • NRC-IRAP - B.C. and Yukon Gateway to the Pacific Rim: This government program helps SMEs build their capability in technology and innovation. Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) work with you on-site to assess your company's needs and design solutions tailored to your business. irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Northwest Territories:

  • Industrial Research Assistance Program - Alberta and NWT: NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program helps small and medium-sized firms build their capability in technology and innovation. Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) work with you on-site to assess your company's needs and design solutions tailored to your business. irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
  • NWT E-Business Guide: A resource to help entrepreneurs navigate through the government programs, services and regulations that deal in e-business. www.canadabusiness.ca

Nunavut:

  • Industrial Research Assistance Program - Newfoundland, Labrador and Nunavut: Helps SMEs build their capability in technology and innovation. Our Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) work with you on-site to assess your company's needs and design solutions tailored to the business. irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Human resources

Whether you need to recruit new employees, retain the good employees you have or encourage your team to work better together, human resources personnel can help you out.

Nationwide:

  • Canada Business - Government Services for Canadian Entrepreneurs: Numerous start-up and human resources information is available to better manage your work force. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Alliance of Sector Councils (TASC): Sector councils bring together representatives from business, labour, education and other professional groups in a neutral forum to analyze and address sector-wide human resource issues. www.councils.org
  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): This site has how-to articles about human resources, HR planning and consulting for Canadian businesses. www.bdc.ca
  • Human Resources Development Canada: Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) is a department of the government of Canada. www.hrsdc.gc.ca
  • Canadian Technology Human Resources Board: Represents industry, educational and individual stakeholders in the engineering applied science technology sector. www.cthrb.ca
  • Industry Canada's guide to Human Resources Planning: This site lists aspects of human resources planning. www.ic.gc.ca
  • Service Canada - HR for Employers: This site lists resources for HR planners, including trends by industry and occupation. www.hrmanagement.gc.ca
  • Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations: The CCHRA represents more than 33,000 professionals including more than 16,000 certified human resources professionals (CHRPs). www.cchra.ca

British Columbia:

  • Women's Enterprise Centre: This organization provides business information counselling, skills training and resources for women entrepreneurs, including networking and HR management. www.womensenterprise.ca
  • British Columbia Human Resources Management Association: Is the B.C. certifying body of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. www.bchrma.org

Alberta:

  • Business in Alberta: Provides programs and advice on human resources management, including how to hire foreign workers. www.services.gov.ab.ca
  • Human Resources Institute of Alberta: www.hria.ca

Saskatchewan:

  • Saskatchewan Association of Human Resource Professionals: www.sahrp.ca

Manitoba:

  • Manitoba Labour and Immigration: Information on labour in Manitoba through the Labour Relations Act and regulations. Also provides information on how owners can properly manage employees. www.gov.mb.ca

Ontario:

  • Small Business Centre: This London small business resource offers a range of programs and information, both online and on-site. The website offers information on everything from financing and networking to business plans and start-up tools. They also offer free information handouts at their on-site location. www.sbcentre.ca
  • Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO) / L'Association des professionnels en ressources humaines de l'Ontario (APRHO): www.hrpa.ca
  • Toronto Business Development Centre: Has a mandate to nurture the growth of new and emerging businesses by providing the physical facilities, advisory services and other resources. www.tbdc.com

New Brunswick:

  • Business New Brunswick: Services, resources and programs are offered to help push the aspiring entrepreneur in the right direction. www.gnb.ca
  • Human Resources Association of New Brunswick (HRANB)/Association des ressources humaines du Nouveau-Brunswick (ARHNB): www.hranb.org

Nova Scotia:

  • Human Resource Association of Nova Scotia (HRANS): www.hrans.org

Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • Human Resources Professionals of Newfoundland and Labrador (HRPNL): HRPNL provides HR services for businesses to help them "increase their personal and professional competence and knowledge." One-on-one consulting services available. www.hrpnl.ca

Succession planning

Leaving a business is never easy, especially a small business you built from the ground up. These resources will help you leave gracefully and ensure your legacy lives on through your business.

Nationwide:

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): This financial institution, wholly owned by the government of Canada, plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. These services complement those of private sector financial institutions. www.bdc.ca
  • Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFÉ): Non-profit organization dedicated to the well being of the family in business. It was founded in 1983 by 14 entrepreneurs on the premise that family businesses share unique experiences not necessarily found in non-family businesses. Over the years, CAFE has grown nationally to include 15 chapters, from Halifax to Vancouver Island. www.cafecanada.ca

British Columbia:

  • Small Business BC: A website dedicated to explaining financing options. www.smallbusinessbc.ca
  • B.C. Human Resources Management Association (HRMA): www.bchrma.org
  • Law Society of British Columbia: The regulatory body for the B.C. legal profession. The primary responsibility of the Law Society under the provincial Legal Profession Act is to protect the public interest in the administration of justice. Also provides information designed to assist you with your ethical and professional obligations to your clients and help reduce insurance claims against you and or your estate in cases of disability or death. www.lawsociety.bc.ca

Alberta:

Manitoba:

  • Manitoba Means Business: Provides user-friendly programs and services to help start or grow a business in Manitoba. www.manitoba.ca
  • Manitoba Business Service Centre: A Manitoba government resource designed to help entrepreneurs navigate through the federal and provincial government programs available to individuals starting a business in Manitoba. canadabusiness.gc.ca
  • Volunteer Manitoba Facilitators: These consultants will help with succession planning with business leaders as well as offer advice in many other areas of business. www.volunteermanitoba.ca

Ontario:

  • Canada Ontario Business Service Centre: Provides information about succession planning designed to help navigate through federal and provincial government programs, services and resources that may be of interest to those planning or in the process of closing down an enterprise in Ontario. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Law Society of Upper Canada: When selling a business, lawyers can be helpful. The Law Society of Upper Canada governs legal services providers in the public interest by ensuring that the people of Ontario are served by lawyers and paralegals who meet high standards of learning, competence and professional conduct. www.lsuc.on.ca
  • Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Succession Planning Resources (Ontario): www.omafra.gov.on.ca

Quebec:



Finance

From start-up costs to permits and bookkeeping, these resources will help you crunch the numbers so that your ideas can take flight.

Nationwide:

  • Canada Business - Government Services for Canadian Entrepreneurs: This site offers resources related to starting a new business, exporting and importing, and general financing for all businesses. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Business Development Bank of Canada: Financial solutions for your long-term success, including links to the location nearest you, entrepreneur awards, student business loans, e-business initiatives, etc. www.bdc.ca
  • Canada Small Business Financing Program: Help with loans for establishing, expanding, modernizing and improving small businesses, by encouraging financial institutions to make their financing available to small businesses. www.ic.gc.ca
  • Canada Business: Boasts an extensive directory of Canadian financial providers, a search engine of financial providers, information on different types of financing and financial providers, and tips to help you secure financing. strategis.ic.gc.ca
  • Canada Business Services for Entrepreneurs: Offers tips on dealing with your banker or lender, as well as a list of government programs and financial services. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Industry Canada: Information for small and medium-sized enterprises to find sources of funding and financial assistance, as well as helpful tools and guides to manage financing. www.ic.gc.ca
  • Canadian Venture Capital Association: The CVCA represents the majority of private equity companies in Canada, with more than 1,500 members. The CVCA is a leading source for advocacy, networking, information and professional development for venture capital and private equity professionals. www.cvca.ca
  • Canadian Youth Business Foundation: A national charity providing start-up mentoring, financing and business resources for young Canadians, age 18-34. www.cybf.ca
  • Aboriginal Business Canada: ABC provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing. www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
  • First Nations Bank of Canada: A federally chartered bank serving Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people throughout Canada. www.firstnationsbank.com
  • The Business Guide: Accessing Government Funding: A resource to make entrepreneurs aware of federal and provincial small-business grants, loans and other financial incentives, so the funds are used and not returned to government coffers. www.businessguide.net
  • BusinessTown.com: Lists the pros and cons of financing alternatives for small businesses. www.businesstown.com
  • Small Business Grants Canada: A resource to help small business people identify, apply for, and receive government grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. www.grants-loans.org
  • Enterweb Finance and Banking Site: Rates Internet resources related to financial matters and provides financial information, including real-time financial news, information on banks and financial institutions, financial analysis software, small business financing, investment, stock exchanges and market information. www.enterweb.org
  • Western Economic Diversification Canada: WEDC works to strengthen western innovation, entrepreneurship and community economic development. www.wd.gc.ca
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency: ACOA works with partners to help entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada access the capital they need to start or expand a business. www.acoa.ca
  • Charity Village: This organization bills itself as Canada's "supersite for the non-profit sector" and includes links to online databases and directories of funding agencies and foundations of interest to Canadian individuals and organizations. www.charityvillage.com

British Columbia:

Alberta:

  • Business Link: An Alberta government website, and member of the Canada Business network, that provides information on financing options and sources. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Alberta First: This organization offers online guides addressing issues in a variety of sectors, including retail, wholesale, manufacturing, service and home-based businesses. Aspiring entrepreneurs can access online information about starting a business in Alberta, tackling the first year of business, marketing, online business options and financing. www.albertafirst.com

Saskatchewan:

  • Canada Business - Saskatchewan: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Saskatchewan, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Manitoba:

  • Canada Business - Manitoba: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Manitoba, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/
  • Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre: Small Business Development Branch: The website offers information on permits, licences, financing, planning, legal issues and how to get started. On-site locations offer programs for new entrepreneurs on loans, finances, marketing and business counseling, as well as information for Aborginal entrepreneurs. There are 24 locations throughout the province, including the head office in Winnipeg. www.gov.mb.ca/labour/labbrd/

Ontario:

  • Canada-Ontario Business Service Center: An Ontario government resource designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the federal and provincial government programs available to individuals starting a business in Ontario. www.canadabusiness.ca
  • Community Futures Development Corporations: CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations that are run by a board of local volunteers. They are staffed by professionals who encourage entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic opportunities. www.ontcfdc.com
  • Canada Business - Ontario: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Ontario, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/
  • Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC): The OCC is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 1911, whose primary role is to provide a voice to businesses throughout the province. Its website includes links to lending institutions. www.occ.on.ca
  • Trillium Foundation: The Ontario Trillium Foundation is the province's leading charitable grant-making foundation, with an annual budget of $100-million. Grants are awarded to fund capital, operating and/or specific project costs in support of arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation. www.trilliumfoundation.org

Quebec:

  • Canada Business - Quebec: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Quebec, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

New Brunswick:

  • New Brunswick Business: Financial assistance programs to assist businesses in establishing, maintaining, growing and improving their productivity and export efforts. www.gnb.ca
  • Canada Business - New Brunswick: Provides information and resources on financing your business in New Brunswick, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Nova Scotia:

  • Canada Business - Nova Scotia: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Nova Scotia, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Prince Edward Island:

  • P.E.I. Business Development: A provincial government resource that includes a portfolio of financial-assistance programs and loan-application forms for small businesses in all sectors. www.peibusinessdevelopment.com
  • Canada Business - P.E.I.: Provides information and resources on financing your business in P.E.I., including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Newfoundland & Labrador:

  • Canada Business - Newfoundland & Labrador: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Newfoundland and Labrador, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Northwest Territories:

  • Canada Business - Northwest Territories: Provides information and resources on financing your business in the Northwest Territories, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Yukon:

  • Canada Business - Yukon: Provides information and resources on financing your business in the Yukon, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

Nunavut:

  • Canada Business - Nunavut: Provides information and resources on financing your business in Nunavut, including guides on different forms of financing and sources of funding. www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/

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