At the Municipality of West Nipissing, we are dedicated to supporting the growth and success of local businesses.
This resource page is designed to provide you with valuable tools, information, and support to help you thrive in our vibrant community.
Here you will find a comprehensive range of resources tailored to meet the needs of businesses in West Nipissing.
Resources for Business
Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing Inc. is a community-based, non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic growth in our community. Economic Partners offers the following services and tools:
- Business Loans and Applications
- Business Counseling and Resources
- Business Planning Initiative
The Business Centre (TBC) is a not-for-profit organization that offers information, programs, training, and resources to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and expanding businesses in the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound. The Business Centre offers programs and services such as:
- Starter Company Plus
- One-on-one Consultations
- Mentorship
- Business Plan Development
- Information on Funding Opportunities
Employment Options offers programs that can help employers with the recruitment process. They offer; free job posting services including job posting preparation and recruitment, assistance with candidate screening, resulting in savings in recruitment time and advertising costs, and wage subsidy programs to offset new employee training costs. They also offer training incentives for existing staff in order for them to be successful in a new position and assistance in hiring an apprentice. All of their services are free.
Starting a business? Here are the steps to consider before operating a business in Canada.
- Planning a Business Assessing your readiness, choosing a business structure, market research, and writing a business plan.
- Choosing a Business Name Selecting a good name, checking if a name is taken, registering and protecting your business name.
- Registering Your Business with the Government Registering or incorporating your business, plus how to apply for a business number or tax account.
- Applying for Business Permits and Licences Permits and licences that you may need for your business from all three levels of government.
- Getting Business Support and Financing National and regional business support, including financing for immigrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Free Tax Help for Your Business Meet with a liaison officer to learn about common errors, bookkeeping best practices, and deductions.
Support Programs and Tools
Digital Main Street
Assists main street businesses with their adoption of technology with easy-to-use tools, resources, and grants.
Liaison Officer Service (CRA)
Free tax help for small business owners and self-employed individuals.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Advice Centre
The Business Development Bank of Canada provides an array of tools and articles which you can use as an employee, employer, prospective entrepreneur, or long-time business owner.
BIZPAL
Information for entrepreneurs and business owners on permits, licences, and other approvals needed to start or grow their businesses.
One-Source for Business
Quickly find grants, permits, online forms, and information you need to start or manage your business.
Northern Ontario Exports Program
The Northern Ontario Exports Program provides timely financial assistance and targeted training to help export-ready small and medium enterprises, industry associations, and not-for-profit organizations from across Northern Ontario to kick open the doors to new markets.
Funding Partners
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) was established in 1988 with a mandate to promote and stimulate economic development initiatives in Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that stabilize, diversify, and foster economic growth in the region.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) is the Government of Canada’s economic development organization for Northern Ontario. Through its programs and services, and through its financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth, FedNor works with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario.
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Their investments in communities across the province help build healthy and vibrant communities.
National Research Council (NRC) partners with Canadian industry to take research impacts from the lab to the marketplace, where people can experience the benefits. This market-driven focus delivers innovation faster, enhances people’s lives, and addresses some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), funded by FedNor/Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. They are your go-to organization for investments and resources, supporting business and economic growth, providing unique opportunities that ultimately create a positive impact on our community.
Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) is a Regional Innovation Centre that assists innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing companies develop and scale. IION works collaboratively with a variety of strategic partners throughout the province to promote client growth and help to position them for future success.
Funding and Financing
- Ontario Arts Council Grants
- Canada Council of the Arts Grants
- Blue Sky Net
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Caisse Alliance
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
- Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program
- Community Futures Corporation
- Fair Finance Fund
- Farm Credit Canada
- FedNor
- Futurpreneur Canada
- Innovation Funding
- Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA)
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
- Northern Ontario Women (NOW)
- Ontario Government Business Funding
- Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
- Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
- Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
- Rise Asset Development
- Waubetek Business Development Corporation
Finding Funding Opportunities
As a business owner, securing the right funding can be essential for growth and sustainability.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur looking to start a new venture, an established company seeking to expand, or a not-for-profit organization, numerous resources are available to support your growth and success.
The Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder is a useful tool to identify funding opportunities and strategic resources that cater to your business’ specific needs. Explore the Business Benefits Finder today and propel your enterprise toward prosperity.
Economic Development Department
The Municipality of West Nipissing’s Economic Development team is a dedicated group of professionals with a broad spectrum of expertise. They offer a range of services tailored to promote economic growth and community well-being. Their capabilities include business support and development, investment attraction, and assistance in identifying financial incentives. They are also adept at fostering innovation, tourism promotion, infrastructure enhancement, and sustainable development practices. With their extensive knowledge and a comprehensive set of services, they are well-equipped to drive economic vitality, attract investments, and improve the overall quality of life within the municipality.
Contact our Economic Development Department for municipal, provincial, and federal opportunities.
Stephan Poulin
Director of Economic Development and Community Services
705-753-6902
spoulin@westnipissing.ca
Kassandra Girard
Economic Development Officer
705-753-6915
kgirard@westnipissing.ca