The City of Markham has many small business services for residents. These include:
Free Counseling
Our consultants can help you with:
- Business planning
- Start-up procedures
- Regulations
- and more!
This counseling is confidential. It’s also free!
To make an appointment, please contact the Markham Small Business Centre:
Phone: 905.477.7000 extension 6722
E-mail: msbc@markham.ca
Resource Centre
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:
Upcoming Special Interest topics:
- Networking for Sales Professionals – Tuesday, September 10, 2019,1 to 3 PM
- Instagram for Business – Wednesday, September 11, 2019,10 AM to 12 PM
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Sales and Marketing – Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 10 AM to 12 PM
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Google AdWords – Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 1 to 4 PM
- Ask the Legal Expert (1-1 Consultation) – Friday, October 4, 2019, 10 AM to 3:15 PM
- CRA Corporate Tax Info Session – Thursday, October 10, 2019, 10 AM to 1 PM
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CRA Small Business Tax Info Session – Thursday, October 10, 2019, 1 PM to 4 PM
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Quickbooks for Basics and Advanced – Thursday, October 31, 2019, 10 AM to 3 PM
- Rapid Results Marketing – On a Shoestring Budget! – Tuesday, November 14, 2019, 10 AM to 12 PM
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Doing Business with the Government – Thursday, November 19, 2019, 10 AM to 12 PM
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Importing Step-by-Step Procedures & Requirements Workshop – Thursday, November 21, 2019, 1 to 3:30 PM
- SEO – Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 1 PM to 3 PM
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Sales and Marketing – Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 10 AM to 12 PM
Start-Up Requirements (repeated twice per month)
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Thursday, September 12, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Thursday, September 26, 2019, 1 to 4 PM
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Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM @ Aaniin CC Library
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Thursday, October 24, 2019, 1 to 4 PM
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Tuesday, November 5, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Thursday, November 21, 2019, 1 to 4 PM
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Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Monday, December 16, 2019, 1 to 4 PM
Financial Forecasting (repeated once per month)
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Wednesday, September 4, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Thursday, October 3, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Wednesday, November 6, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Business Planning
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Monday, September 23, 2019, 1 to 3 PM
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Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 1 to 3 PM @ Aaniin CC Library
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Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 10AM to 12 PM
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Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 1 to 3 PM
Other Events in the Community
About Starter Company Plus
Starter Company Plus seeks to help entrepreneurs start, expand or grow a small business in their communities by providing training, grant funding of up to $5,000.00, and access to mentorship from local business leaders.
The August 16, 2019 deadline has now passed but we are beginning to accept intake for our next cohort. The deadline for submitting a completed business plan and cash flow projections for our next cohort is Monday, December 16, 2019 before 11:59PM. (continue reading for more detail).
If you are:
- Not employed full time
- Not in a full-time education program or returning to school
- Not currently receiving funding from another Provincial entrepreneurship or business program
- Not a previous recipient of Starter Company (Plus) grant
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario.
And are willing to:
- Create and follow a business plan and a 2-year financial forecast
- Agree to participate in bi-weekly training and mentoring meetings over a 3-month period
- Agree to provide business reports to the Markham Small Business Centre for verification over a 3-month period.
Then:
- Your business may be a fit with the Starter Company Plus program.
Important Note:
We encourage all who are eligible to apply, we can help with your business plan but please be aware that preference to receive a grant will be given to those applicants whose proposals have a realistic plan for:
- Creating employment opportunities for individuals other than the business owner; and/or,
- Opening a physical location outside of a home office; and/or,
- Expanding an existing business; and/or,
- Operating in a priority sector (e.g., Regulated professions, Scientific, Technical, Medical, Life Sciences services or Technologies that are market ready with demonstrated traction).
Take an Expression of Interest
Survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StarterCompanyPlus
This expression of interest is not a complete application. In order to complete an application you must submit a substantially completed business plan including cash flow projections to msbc@markham.ca. Our program coordinator will help you get started by recommending training sessions and working with you to complete these documents.
Once you have been deemed eligible, you will be assigned a learning plan which includes attending training sessions. You will also have to complete a business plan and financial forecast, and submit it for evaluation. You can find the Business Plan and Financial Forecast Templates here:
https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/business/msbc/business-plan-templates/business-plan-templates
For example, a learning plan could include attending sessions on the following subjects:
· Start-up Requirements
· Financial Forecasting
· Business Planning
· Sales & Marketing
Please check upcoming dates on our website: http://www.markham.ca/msbc
Interviews will be conducted and those who are selected to receive a grant will then begin three months of mentoring, starting in Feburary as they work towards executing their business plan. This is the second of a number of cohorts, so if your application is not selected for this cohort, there is the possibility that your application could be deferred for consideration in a subsequent cohort.
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.
Many local organizations have small business programs for Markham residents.
Accounting Mentorship Program
Get a free, 30 minutes accounting consultation from a professional. This is only for business-related topics. You must book in advance.
For detailed information and an appointment, send an email to msbc@markham.ca or call 905.477.7000 extension 6722.
Mentoring Firm: BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants and Advisors
PowerStream saveONenergy Conservation Incentive Programs
saveONenergy programs can help your small business lower its electricity costs. Learn more about saveONenergy programs for business.
Markham Board of Trade Membership Offer
Attend 2 free Markham Board of Trade (MBT) events by:
- Joining a Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC) program
- Being referred to join the Markham Board of Trade
Read the full Board of Trade Membership Offer Details (PDF)
Seneca College Pathways to Success
Seneca College has two small business programs:
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.
Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program.
10 Ways to Market Your Business
10 great ways to market your business, including: networking, maintaining a database, newsletters, brochures, flyers, presentations, etc.
Business Insurance
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.
Business Plan
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.
Entrepreneurship Myths Mask the Truth
To help you decide whether or not entrepreneurship is your next career move, it’s important to challenge some common myths.
Financial Matters
Sanning Cheng of BDO Dunwoody LLP, Chartered Accountants and Advisors
Human Resources Management
Learn when to hire employees; how to find and pick the best candidate; how much to pay employees; and other tips for employers.
Making Debt Work for Business
What is good debt vs. bad debt. How to effectively borrow money and leverage debt. Using debt as an effective financial tool.
Planning Business Exit
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.
Retirement Planning
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.
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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.
- Ontario Business Program Guide
Your resource for Ontario government programs for small and medium-sized businesses.
- 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 Planning Resources
Find business plan writing guides, templates, and samples.
- Perfect Your Business Plan
This Royal Bank guide helps you develop and improve your business plan.
- Business Planning, Business Development Bank of Canada
Your business plan is the most important document you will prepare. Learn how to make it strong!
- 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.
- Small Business Tax Guide
Learn about taxes for small businesses.
- Tax and Reporting Information for New Businesses
Learn about taxes and how to report them from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Canada Revenue Agency
Find tax information and file income tax returns electronically. You can also register your business here.
- Small Business Financing
Learn about the different types of financing that are available to you.
- Conducting Business on The Internet
If you have an export permit to sell your goods overseas, you also need one to sell over the Internet.
- Strategies
Get business information, tools, and support for your small business.
- Markham Home Occupations By-Law
Learn how to run a home business in Markham.
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office
Learn about intellectual property in Canada from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
- E-Laws
Access the consolidated laws of Ontario.
- Government Of Canada Online
Access all federal government departments and agencies.
Our sponsors make it possible for us to help small businesses in Markham. Learn more about these important organizations below.
Founding Partners:
Gold Sponsors:
Founding Sponsors:
Community Partners:
