6 Free Resources for the Canadian Small Business

By the small business content developers at  BizLaunch.com.

Face it: even if you’re adept at one or more areas of running a business, you can always use a helping hand. Canada fosters small business growth through various resources and organizations that can provide you with (often free) assistance. Here are the top free resources you need to know about.

  1. CanadaOne


CanadaOne is an informative small business portal that not only provides useful articles to help you launch and grow your business, but also lists events you can attend in your community. Attend workshops on social media or conferences on business development to sharpen your skills. Additionally, the site offers in-depth guides and tools, a business directory, and the ability to email Members of Parliament about business-related policies.

  1. Canada Small Business Financing Program


If you’re interested in seeking funding for your business, this website is a good place to start. Get your financing questions answered, discover if your business is eligible for a loan, then find a lender near you.

  1. Business Development Bank of Canada


While the BDC is a company looking to provide financing to businesses, its website provides a wealth of useful small business resources. The free articles and tools offer assistance and advice on specific topics, such as defining your business strategy and improving inventory management. There is also a free website assessment that can help you determine if your site is appropriately targeting the right audience.

  1. Small Business BC


If you live in British Columbia, take advantage of Small Business BC’s many free resources for entrepreneurs. It offers free articles, guides, and programs. For a fee, there are affordable services like one-on-one opportunities to ask an expert your questions, as well as low-cost seminars.

  1. Canada Marketing Association


The CMA is the place to go if you want to educate yourself about marketing your business. It’s not necessary to become a member to take advantage of the plethora of free content on every marketing topic imaginable, from native advertising to marketing to millennials. There are also webinars and workshops online and in-person you can benefit from.

  1. Canada Business Network


Another free resource to bookmark is the CBN. Its library of articles covers the gamut from starting a business to growing and financing it. Additionally, you can locate financing opportunities, permits and licences, and a Regional Business Service Centre in your area.

These are just a few of the free resources available to Canadians. It’s worth spending some time on these websites; you just might learn something that helps you escalate your business to the next level!

By Andrew Patricio

September 14, 2016

BizLaunch