Small Business Support

The City of Oshawa recognizes that small businesses are significant drivers of the local economy. Starting a new business takes motivation, dedication and talent. It also takes research and planning. Below offers more information on local services, programs and resources focused on working with new businesses to help you succeed.

Oshawa Economic Development is committed to economic advancement through strategic activities that enhance job growth and create investment opportunities in the City of Oshawa. We offer guidance and support for developers, investors, and business owners, including:

Promote Oshawa as a destination for business investment.

Site location and business support - whether a company is expanding, locating or relocating within Oshawa.

Assistance in addressing operational or municipal issues, and streamlining the development approval process.

Statistics and information related to Oshawa's economy.

Access to information on the latest government initiatives, programs and events.

Administering the City's Community Improvement Plan incentive programs.

Starting your business

Business permits and licences

The City of Oshawa administers various licences for businesses that address health and safety issues and provide consumer protection. View the Business Licence Classes on our Business Licences and Permits page for further information about the various licences administered by the City.

Certain businesses require you to have additional permits and licences. BizPaL is a free, interactive tool that identifies the permits, licences and inspections that your business may require from all levels of government.

Home-based business

The entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem are part of what makes Oshawa a great place to start a business. We encourage you to connect with Oshawa Economic Development to discover ideal locations, identify potential partnerships to ensure your business is a success, and connect you with the supportive partners in our community.

The City of Oshawa supports the entrepreneurial spirit and small business through a home occupation by-law that recognizes the needs of business, balanced against the needs of the community.

See Home Occupations in Zoning By-law (Section 5: Uses Permitted in Certain Zones) for more information on how certain home-based businesses are permitted to operate, subject to some conditions.

Registering your business

You can register or renew your business, search for business names, or get a Master Business Licence online via the Ontario Business Registry (O.B.R.) at ServiceOntario.

Local business support services

Business Advisory Centre Durham

The Business Advisory Centre Durham (B.A.C.D.) is Durham Region's Small Business Centre supporting the start-up and growth of businesses through a range of free and low-cost services.

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (G.O.C.C.) is a membership-based organization that fosters a thriving business community by creating networking opportunities and advocacy for business.

Spark Centre

Spark Centre works with technology-based businesses and offers business planning, financial management, mentorship, market intelligence, entrepreneurship idea assessment, and incubation space.

Business funding and support finder

Oshawa Economic Development has partnered with Fundica to help businesses easily find government funding in Canada. Fundica’s smart search tool connects entrepreneurs with grants, tax credits, loans, equity, and accelerators. Use the Business Funding and Support Finder to explore a growing list of resources tailored to your needs.

Funding support organizations

Business Development Bank of Canada (B.D.C.)

The Business Development Bank of Canada works with Canadian businesses to offer financing, consulting services and securitization focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Export Development Canada

Export Development Canada provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services and foreign market expertise.

Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.

Government of Canada

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business, or a not-for-profit organization, utilize the Business Benefits Finder to identify programs and services to help your business grow.

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada offers government funding for specific business expenses, including the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

Invest Ontario

Acting as the bridge between private and public sectors, Invest Ontario understands business challenges and is available to guide them in optimizing government resources to their advantage.

Ontario Centre of Innovation (O.C.I.)

In partnership with the provincial and federal governments, O.C.I. accelerates the commercialization and adoption of emerging technologies in Ontario.

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

A not-for-profit social enterprise that collaborates to empower women, strengthen small business, and promote community economic development across Ontario.

Rise

A national organization dedicated to empowering people with mental health and addiction challenges to achieve greater social and economic inclusion through entrepreneurship.

Other resources to explore

Oshawa Economic Development
Oshawa City Hall,
50 Centre St. S.,
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-5617
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Fax: 905-436-5623
Email: business@oshawa.ca

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