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Local Resources

Please select a link from the list below or scroll down the page to learn more.

• Available Government Programs
• Business Advisory Services
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• Connecting Windsor-Essex
• Essex Community Futures Development Corporation
• Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
• Self-Employment Benefit Program
• Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce

Available Government Programs

This recently published matrix is offered to assist regional business and industry in increasing their capacity of:

• Research and Development
• Business Management and Efficiencies
• Diversification
• Workforce Development
• Capitalization

Click here to access the Matrix

Business Advisory Services

Twelve business advisory service offices provide direct one-on-one assistance to small & medium enterprises (SMEs). Business advisors links firms with the right people, information and business resources to enhance competitiveness and profitability, and provide one-on-one consultations and information about programs and services for existing business.

If you are an existing, innovative and growing small or medium business (SME) and are looking to grow your business in Ontario or internationally, please contact the Windsor Office at:
221 Mill Street, Windsor, Ontario N9C 2R1
Tel: 519-252-1704
www.canadabusiness.ca

Business Development Bank of Canada

BDC offers a variety of financial products designed to help Canadian businesses grow, such as term loans, subordinate financing and venture capital. BDC is also a major player in helping businesses improve their management techniques by providing tailored consulting services through a national network of consultants.

Connecting Windsor-Essex

A Smart Community is a community that has made a conscious effort to use information technology to transform life and work within its Region in significant and fundamental, rather than incremental ways. The Windsor and Essex County Smart Community, through its Connecting Windsor-Essex activities, will provide participant organizations, entities, families and individuals with governance, community engagement, access to infrastructure and online services, as well as smart results that demonstrate new opportunities, well-being and connectedness to improve the quality of life in learning, work and play.

Essex Community Futures Development Corporation

Essex Community Futures Development Corporation program provides the following services to the businesses of South Essex (all Essex County communities excluding Windsor):

• Small business assistance (financing, business planning, viability assessment, and government service information)
• Funding for special projects
• Resource facility available

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade's goal is to build a strong economy for all Ontarians. They do this by helping Ontario businesses innovate and compete; attracting new growth and investment to our province; and supporting Ontario businesses expanding their exports. Whether you're a small or medium-size enterprise or a large corporation, we know how hard you've worked to get to where you are now and how challenging it is to stay competitive in today's global marketplace. You can visit their web site to learn more about Investment Services, Exporting, and Funding.

Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs)
A network of 44 business centres and nine satellite offices throughout Ontario provide assistance to new entrepreneurs and support early-stage businesses through their first five years. SBECs provide easy access to business consulting services and information covering management, marketing, technology and financing. If you are looking to develop a new business please contact the Windsor main office or Kingsville satellite office.

Ontario Business Program Guide
The Ontario Business Program Guide is your resource for Ontario government programs for small and medium-sized businesses.

Self-Employment Benefit Program

The Ontario Self-Employment Benefit Program provides financial assistance and business planning advice to people who are eligible for employment insurance to help them start their own businesses. The financial assistance is intended to cover personal expenses and other expenses during the initial stages of the business. Qualified and experienced local organizations or businesses serve as self-employment coordinators to provide participants with technical and consultative support. Financial and entrepreneurial support may last up to a year.

For those applicants living in Leamington, Mersea Township, Kingsville, Gosfield North, Gosfield South, Pelee Island, Wheatley, and Romney Township, apply at: Self-Employment Service

Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce

The mandate of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is: "to foster an environment which allows Windsor business to compete and prosper, recognizing that a thriving business sector contributes to the quality of life. This is accomplished by influencing government policy, providing networking opportunities and encouraging private sector leadership."