Growing Your Business

Table of Contents

Introduction
Growth Planning
Research and Marketing
Financing
Types of Growth
Managing a Growing Business
Next Steps

Introduction

Growing a business can mean different things to different people. The Growing Your Business guide is for you if:

• You feel that you are ready to move past the start-up phase
• Your business is established and you are looking for ways to grow
• Your business is growing and you’re looking for information and resources to help you

If you are starting a business in Ontario, read our Business Start-Up Guide.

Read Online:  
Business Start-Up Guide

Growth Planning

You may already know how you want to grow your business. Writing down your growth plans can help you determine how to make it happen. Consider looking at your current business performance and outlining a plan before you start.

Research and Marketing

Understanding who your customers are, what they need or want, and how to reach them is an essential part of growing a successful business. One way to get more information on your customers is through market research and statistics.

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Market Research and Statistics

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing can help you determine the value of your product or service and communicate that information to customers. Depending on your market and its size, you can consider using flyers, business cards, brochures, newspapers, radio, TV, the phone book or the Internet. Keep in mind, a satisfied customer or a positive referral is often the best form of advertising.

Read online:  
Developing a Marketing Plan 
Marketing and Sales

When preparing your marketing and/or advertising material, there are regulations to follow. When you promote a product or service, your customers need to have enough information to make informed choices. You can get more information on advertising requirements from the Competition Bureau.

Contact the Competition Bureau:
1-800-348-5358
Misleading Advertising and Labelling

Financing

Canada Business can help you find government financing options for your business. There are programs that apply to businesses across Canada, and others that apply only to businesses in Ontario. Use the Canada Business financing search tool or browse by type of financing.

You can also access Canada Business information through the ONe-Source online financing wizard. The wizard guides you through 3 easy steps to create a personalized list of results for Ontario business financing programs.

Search online:
Canada Business: Government Grants and Financing
ONe-Source Ontario Business Financing Guide

Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888

The Ontario Business Program Guide (OBPG)

You can find Ontario-specific assistance for your business including advice, financing options, tax incentive programs and more using the Ontario government’s free online directory of support programs for business.

The OBPG provides:

• An at-a-glance directory designed for quick and easy scanning
• Programs and services for Ontario businesses
• Basic information on programs as well as links you can follow for more detailed information

Search Online:
Ontario Business Program Guide

Types of Growth

There are many ways to grow a business. Whether you are expanding into new markets, developing a new product line, or moving into new distribution channels, each strategy will present different challenges. To determine which option is best suited to your business needs, read the following guide.

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Assess your options for growth

Listed below are some of the most common ways that a small business may grow.

You can also read our blog on going global for more information on exporting. 

Read Online: 
Going global: Is your Ontario business export ready?

Managing a Growing Business

Managing a growing business can present new challenges to a business owner. When a business is growing, there may be changes in processes and staffing requirements, as well as decisions about investments and strategies for future expansions.

The following resources can help you find support, learn about managing your business and prepare you for growth challenges.

Legal Questions

If you have legal questions, contact a lawyer who deals with business regulations. The Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer, based on your needs.

Contact the Law Society of Upper Canada:
1-800-268-8326
Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service

Next Steps

For other information that relates to starting your business, you can read the following guides:

• Business Planning
• Market Research and Statistics
• Starting Your Business
• Grants and Financing
• Taxation Guide
• Employment Regulations Guide: Hiring

Additional resources that may be of interest to you include:

• Growing a Business – Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
• Expanding Your Business – Ontario Ministry of Economic Developmen, Trade and Employment

You can also find books, magazines and other relevant print material at business service organizations in your community. To locate a Canada Business Ontario (CBO) community partner, contact us through the Business Info Line at 1-888-745-8888.

Need more information?

Click: Canada Business
Call: The Business Info Line, a collaboration between ServiceOntario and Industry Canada, at 1-888-745-8888
Visit: Find a Community Partner Location near you

Disclaimers

Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.