Our Resource Centre offers free books and brochures. These cover:
Business Registration
Business Planning
Taxation/Record Keeping
Marketing
Sources of Financing
Import/Export
Franchise
Related government programs and services are also available.
Seminars/Workshops
We offer breakfast seminars and evening workshops throughout the year. These cover:
Legal and Financial Considerations
Strategic Business Planning
Small Business Taxation
Effective Marketing Tools
E-Business Strategies
Managing Your Cash Flow
Workshops and seminars are also excellent for networking with other small business owners.
Please view our current Event Calendar.
Reference Library/Internet Access
Use our Reference Library! We have trade directories and guide books. These list potential suppliers, clients, and market statistics. You can use these references in our office.
We also have business magazines and other publications. You can also use the Internet here.
Markham Small Business Centre hosts educational seminars on various business topics throughout the year. Certain subjects we repeat regularly and others are special interest topics, please see our schedule below:
Every year, the Markham Small Business Centre is proud to help develop, and celebrate, the entrepreneurial achievements of Markham's Youth. A number of funding programs are available for Markham's High School, College and University students.
Summer Company Program
Business Plan Competition
Futurepreneur Loan Financing
Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch - High School Video Pitch Contest
Summer Company Program
Be Your Own Boss!
Apply before May 19, 2019
Get hands-on training, mentoring and funding of up to $3,000 to start your summer company. Here’s what you need to qualify:
15-29 years old
Markham high school or post-secondary student
Launch-ready business idea
Comprehensive business plan
Ability to work over the summer
Entrepreneurial spirit
If you’ve got a winning idea for starting a new business and are a student who is not afraid of hard work, then you should consider applying to Ontario’s Summer Company Program. Spots are limited. Apply as soon as possible! If you are interested in the program, please go through the province's Eligibility Checklist and fill out the Application Inquiry Form.
Important: Select, “Markham” when asked about which office you want to work with.
For more information e-mail msbc@markham.ca or call 905.477.7000 extension 6722.
Business Plan Competition, Markham
What’s Your Big Idea?
Enter the competition now until May 22, 2019
Got a winning idea? Submit your business plan for a chance to win up to $600! The Business Plan Competition will encourage you to develop an idea, undertake research and write a business plan. You can work individually or as group (up to three students) to create and submit a business plan. A panel of judges from the business, government and educational communities will determine the winners.
Here’s what you need to qualify:
Markham high school or post-secondary student
A great business concept
Entrepreneurial spirit
There are cash awards for the top submissions:
High School Students
Cost per group
Post-Secondary Students
Cost per group
BDO Award of Excellence for First Prize
$600
Seneca First Prize
$600
Finalists (2 awards)
$300
Seneca Award of Innovation
$200
Seneca Award of Innovation
$200
*NEW* Video Pitch Winner
$200
*NEW* Video Pitch Winner
$200
You may submit your finished business plan in person or by email. For more information on the Business Plan Competition, Markham 2019, please contact:
Futurpreneur's Start-up Program is designed get your business off the ground. Futurpreneur provides young entrepreneurs aged 18-39 with:
Start-up resources for perfecting your business plan
Mentoring – Futurpreneur will hand-match you with a mentor in your community
Loan financing of up to $45,000
Expertise and resources to help you get connected and grow a successful business
Entrepreneur Summer Camp
This program provides an opportunity to learn the foundations of entrepreneurship. You will learn skills such as marketing, business planning, team building and budgeting. Participants will also gain real-world experience from hands-on product development, market research and a chance to showcase their products to the public in a final market day.
Reference the Course Barcode: #339825 to register online or by phone 905.475.4731
Additional Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch
Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch is a competition that challenges Ontario high school students to pitch their business ideas in a two-minute video. Videos are judged through a combination of online public voting (40%) and expert judges (60%).
Twenty finalists will be chosen to present their ideas in front of a judging panel at OCE’s Discovery at Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The Y2 Conference will help students in grades 9-12 build problem-solving, entrepreneurship and leadership skills with hands-on workshops led by business experts.
Dates:
February 23, 2019, Time: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
March 2, 2019, Time: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Register by: Thursday, February 21, 2019
Location: Seneca College – Markham Campus
Pitch It! 2019
Pitch It! is an annual business pitch competition hosted by the Prime Leaders Youth Collaborative for high school students across York Region. Participants have a chance at winning over $600 in cash prizes for their business ideas!
The Artrepreneur Youth Program is a one-week intensive program designed for youth who are interested in entrepreneurship and the arts. Participants will learn how to ideate creative solutions for problems through design thinking, and turn ideas into a business through business plan training.
Many local organizations have small business programs for Markham residents.
Accounting Mentorship Program
Get a free, 30-minute accounting consultation from a professional. This is only for business-related topics. You must book in advance.
For detailed information and an appointment, contact: msbc@markham.ca or call 905-477-7000 extension 6722
MENTORING FIRM: BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants and Advisors
Leadership Development Series – Business Management Skills Certificate
Enhance your management skills! This new management development program helps today’s leaders and managers. It covers a wide range of topics. It focuses on the skills used by managers in everyday decision-making and problem solving.
Learn more about the Leadership Development Series
Entrepreneurship Certificate Program
Learn how to start your own business! This course will teach you how to develop a business plan, follow business law, and deliver good customer service. Choose electives that include:
Marketing
Simply Accounting
e-Marketing
International trade
Supervision
…and more!
You can take this course entirely online.
Business insurance is a key part of business planning, you need to know how much you need; coverage for life events, property, workers, and liability; where to buy; choosing an advisor; and considering group insurance.
A business plan is not just for obtaining financing, there are other benefits to planning. Be prepared to discuss the industry, your services/products, management, marketing, equipment, operations, financial projections and risks.
It is never too early to think about retirement and succession plans. Think about passing the business on to the next generation, or selling the business as exit strategies.
Plan for retirement as a business owner or self-employed individual. Learn about RRSPs, reducing tax rate, individual pension plans, insured retirement plan, and savings.
Statistics and Demographics Markham is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario. It’s home to over 310,000 people and covers 212 square kilometres of land. More than 400 companies are headquartered in Markham.
Markham Online Business Directory This is Markham's official online directory service. With over 12,000 listings, this is the region's largest directory of organizations, businesses, schools, tourist attractions, churches, agencies, and government offices.
BizPaL - Business Permits & Licences BizPaL is a free online service. It helps you get the permits and licences you need to open or expand your business.
Government Grants, Loans and Financing Find government grants, loans, and other ways to finance your business. Be sure to select the purpose of financing (to start up, hire employees, develop a new product, etc.), and select "Ontario" as your location.
Your Guide to Small Business This guide was made by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. It will help you find the tools you need to start a small business.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business This guide was made by Canada Business Ontario (CBO). It has information on federal and provincial government programs, services, and regulations.
Canada Business Ontario A one-stop-shop for information on federal and provincial government programs, services, and regulations.
Business Plan Guide, Canadian Youth Business Foundation
A business plan is a business development map. It shows your destination and maps out your travel path. Learn how to create it!
Service Ontario Visit this website to register your business.
