Starting a Business

Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC)

Operating as a division of the Economic Development Branch, the Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) is funded by the Province of Ontario to provide business resources for small to mid-sized businesses. MSBC provides free confidential consultations and information to enhance your business success. MSBC has the professional expertise, resources and practical advice to help you reach your business goals.

MSBC can help if you are:

• Thinking about opening a business
• Formulating a business plan
• Undergoing change in an established business

Muskoka Futures

Muskoka's Community Futures Development Corporation is one of a network of CFDCs across Canada that support communities by assisting rural communities to strengthen and diversify their economies. 

Muskoka Futures envisions a vibrant and dynamic regional economy that attracts talent, capital, expertise and knowledge, contributing to the "quality of life for all Muskoka citizens".

Muskoka Futures' mission is to promote economic growth and job creation throughout Muskoka. To accomplish this Muskoka Futures empowers entrepreneurs to succeed by offering experienced guidance and financial investment in their ventures.

Canada Business Ontario

Canada Business Ontario (CBO) is a federal/provincial government partnership that help Ontario entrepreneurs gain access to government business information. CBO provides accurate and relevant information to help plan for, begin, expand or exit your business. CBO aims to help:

• Reduce the complexity of dealing with multiple levels of government
• Enable you to make well-informed business decisions in a global economy
• Contribute to your success through sound business planning, market research and the use of strategic business information

Ministry of Labour's Small Business Resources

The Ministry of Labour's mission is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario. Through the ministry's key areas of occupational health and safety, employment rights and responsibilities, and labour relations, the ministry's mandate is to set, communicate and enforce workplace standards while encouraging greater workplace self-reliance.

Small businesses represent 95% of all employers in Ontario, and they employ 28% of Ontario's workers. Business owners know that running a business involves risks and costs; the Ministry of Labour knows that a commitment to health, safety and fairness makes good business sense.

View the Ministry of Labour's Small Business Resources link to learn about workplace responsibilities and their free resources and tools.