We’ve got answers to your small business questions.
There’s a lot to consider when starting or running a small business. We’re here to guide you through it all. The following pages will take you through some of the basic business concepts you need to know about.

Research & analysis
You have a business idea. That’s a great first step, but it’s just the beginning. You have weeks, months, or even years of research, planning, and hard work ahead of you before your idea becomes a viable business. We’ve put together some information to help you determine if your idea is worth pursuing.

Financing your business
Financing is one of the most challenging issues you will face as a business owner. You’ll need to identify potential sources of funding, make sure you meet all their requirements, and prepare your applications or pitches. There are a number of specialized funding programs available depending on your business type or sector.


Accounting, bookkeeping, & taxes
Organized, accurate bookkeeping is crucial for any business. You should keep a complete record of all your income and expenses. If you can’t maintain your financial records on your own, consider hiring a qualified, experienced accountant or bookkeeper to do it for you—it’s often well worth the investment.
Finding & hiring employees
You might need to hire employees to keep your business operating and growing. Hiring employees is a big step—you will be responsible for them and their actions. Employees can introduce significant liability. You also have to make sure you adhere to provincial and federal employment regulations.


Small business resources and tools
Whether you’re just getting started or have an established business, we’ve got free resources and tools that can help you build a thriving business. Access our free interactive Business Plan Builder, webinar recordings, small business basics videos, and downloadable guides featuring topics like start-up steps, marketing, and financial management.
Small business services and entrepreneur support.
We can help you:
Explore strategies to successfully run and grow your business
Learn about your financing options, marketing and sales strategies, HR, and more
Access specialized services for Indigenous and immigrant entrepreneur
Get connected with the most relevant resources and supports in the business community
Review and update your business plan
With so much more!