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Women in Business Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Women in Business
As an entrepreneur, your ideas help shape the business landscape in Ontario. From small independently run businesses to hi-tech corporations, women entrepreneurs are making their mark on the economy. This guide will provide you with links and resources for your business.
You can also read our Business Start-Up Guide for information on the requirements for starting a new business in Ontario.
If you would like to learn how the federal government promotes the participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada, contact Status of Women Canada (SWC).
Contact SWC:
1-866-969-9922
Status of Women Canada
The Business Start-Up Guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations that may apply to individuals starting a business in Ontario.
2. Regulations
Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. Our regulations guide will help you to navigate through many of the most common regulations that apply to businesses in Ontario.
Read Online:
Business Regulations Guide
In addition to the information you will find in this guide, you can use BizPaL—an online search tool—to find licences and regulations that may affect your business. You can also contact the Business Info Line to speak to someone about starting your business.
Use online:
BizPaL
Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888
3. Financing
Finding and accessing start-up or expansion capital can be one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs. Canada Business can help you find government financing that is available for starting a business. Use our online financing search to find programs that are available for starting or growing an Ontario business:
Search online:
Find Government Grants, Loans and Financing
You can also find information on Ontario-specific financing programs from our financing guides.
Read Online:
Financing for Starting a Business Guide
Financing for Established Businesses Guide
Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888
The following organizations offer financial support programs that apply specifically to women:
- Women's Program - Funding
If you are planning a project that will have a direct impact on women in your community, you may be eligible for funding from Status of Women Canada (SWC).
Contact SWC:
1-855-969-9922
Women's Program - Funding
- PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
If your business is in the Thunder Bay, Greenstone, Patricia, and Superior North regions, you can contact the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise for information on training programs, peer-to-peer lending, and financing options that are available to women entrepreneurs.
Contact PARO:
1-800-584-0252
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
4. Taxation
Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.
Read online:
Taxation Guide
If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to collect and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Most businesses that make less than $30,000 in any 12 month period are not required to charge HST; however, you can register voluntarily and claim input tax credits. Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.
Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency – Business
5. Training and Mentorship
Skills, knowledge, and networking are keys to running a successful business. Training and mentorship programs can give you hands-on experience in the field and put you in contact with other women entrepreneurs. The following resources provide information on mentorship and training programs for women in business.
- Investing in Women's Futures
Contact the Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD) to find out about programs and centres where you can access entrepreneurial training and other community services. Consult their website to find a program near you.
Contact OWD:
1-866-510-5902
Investing in Women's Futures
- Businesswomen in International Trade
If your business exports goods, you can get information and resources on international trade from the Businesswomen in International Trade program, which is offered through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
Contact Businesswomen in International Trade:
613-943-4556
Businesswomen in International Trade
- CATA Women in Technology (CanWIT)
CanWIT is a community network designed to boost women's participation and advancement in the high-growth technology sector. You can find support through mentoring, networking and online resources to help your technology business succeed.
Contact CATAWIT
613-236-6550
Women in Technology Forum
- PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
If your business is in Northern Ontario, contact the PARO Centre for Women for information on skills training and peer-to-peer lending programs for women entrepreneurs.
Contact PARO:
1-800-584-0252
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
6. Associations
There are many associations for women entrepreneurs that you may be interested in joining. It is not necessary to join an association, but some of the advantages include:
- Promoting and exchanging marketing and promotional ideas among members
- Establishing and encouraging high standards of quality and professionalism
Examples of associations for women entrepreneurs include:
- The Business and Professional Women's Club of Ontario
If you are interested in liaising with other women entrepreneurs and professionals and improving economic and business conditions for women, you may consider becoming a member of The Business and Professional Women's Club of Ontario. The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Ontario also offers the option of a group insurance plan for members.
Read Online:
Business and Professional Women - Club of Ontario
- Community MicroSkills Development Centre
You can access critical business and economic skills training through the Community MicroSkills Development Centre, which offers programs, services, and resources to women entrepreneurs for business start-up and operation.
Contact the Community MicroSkills Development Centre:
1-877-979-3999
Community MicroSkills Development Centre
- Women Who Excel
If your business is in the Hamilton Wentworth or Halton Regions, you can access panel discussions, networking opportunities and seminars to help you grow your business through Women Who Excel.
Contact Women Who Excel:
1-800-363-0268
Women Who Excel
7. Next Steps
For other information that relates to starting your business, you can read the following guides:
- Business Planning
- Market Research and Statistics
- Starting a Business
- Grants and Finances
- Taxation Guide
- Employment Regulations Guide: Hiring
Additional resources that may be of interest to women entrepreneurs include:
- Canadian Women's Business Network
- Influential Women of Northern Ontario
- Women Entrepreneurs (October 2010)
- Rotman Initiative for Women in Business
- Womenspages.ca
- Women in Leadership
- Women in Capital Markets
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.
