Starting a Business

Brantford has programs and supports for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the city.

Brantford Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre

The Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) offers free business advice with expert advisors who have hands-on business experience.

The BRC also provides free business workshops to learn more about starting and growing a business, and meet other business owners.

• Start a Business
• Grow your Business
• Business Workshops & Events
• Grant Programs and Financing
• Small Business Resources
• Success Stories

Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant

The  Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant can assist a new business through free networking events, business to business resources, community advertising, and advocacy to government.

Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area

The Downtown Brantford BIA specializes in connecting local businesses, empowering entrepreneurs, and providing invaluable support for building a client base, attracting new customers, and creating good relationships with nearby businesses. 

Wilfrid Laurier University StartUp Lab Brantford

StartUp Lab Brantford (formerly LaunchPad Brantford) is dedicated to helping innovators and entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

To learn more about the StartUp Lab in Brantford visit the StartUp Lab webpage.

Helpful Resources

• Government of Canada Business Guide for Newcomers to Canada - If you are a new Canadian or permanent resident in Canada and are interested in starting your own business, this guide provides some of the basic requirements for starting a business in Ontario.
• Starting a Business in Ontario - A list of information about starting a business in Ontario from the Ontario.ca website.

• Pro Bono Ontario - is a registered charity that provides legal education and assistance to low-resource immigrants who want to launch and grow their independent businesses.
• BizPal - helps you find the permits and licenses you may require when starting and/or operating your business. Filter permits based on your location, industry, and business activities and save the ones that apply to your situation.