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:
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How to go Viral on YouTube – Wednesday, May 22, 2019, 10 AM to 12 PM
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Marketing for Success – Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 1 PM to 4 PM
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Twitter for Business – Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 10 AM to 12 PM
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MOL 101 Overview – Thursday, August 22, 2019, 2 PM to 4 PM
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Google AdWords – Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 1 PM to 3 PM
Start-Up Requirements (repeated twice per month)
Financial Forecasting (repeated once per month)
Other Events in the Community
- York U: Founder Fundamentals 13-week Program
— Thursday evenings, 6 to 9 PM, May 9 to August 1, 2019
- The Networker: 2019 Thornhill MEGA Networking Event (Use special code “MARKHAMGUEST” on registration to get free admission, spots are limited) — Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- Web Summit: Collision 2019, May 20, 2019 to May 23, 2019
- Markham Board of Trade: The Ultimate B2B Networking Expo! — Thursday, May 23, 2019, 5 to 7 PM
- Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA): National Conference “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong 2.0”
— Friday, June 21, 2019, 9AM to 7 PM
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:
