Need to research your market? Want more information on how to prepare a business plan? To grow your existing business? To finance...? The Internet is THE best research and library tool for entrepreneurs. Here is a list of websites that we have found helpful.

Starting Points

Canada/Ontario Business Call Centre
COBSC acts as an information gateway for Ontario businesses to access federal and provincial programs and services for businesses. A great resource for info on topics such as financing, incorporating and more.

Federal and Provincial Sites

The Ontario Government
This site is updated frequently with new articles pertaining to business news and is a good source of provincial and political information. Also included is information regarding to business acts, taxes, and provincial business contacts are provided.

Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
A great link for information about business start-up, expansion, youth entrepreneurship programming and exporting. Get updates on the provincial economy and latest in business news.

Ministry of Goverment Services
MCCR publishes helpful material in brochure format and issues quarterly "Consumer Beat" articles to Ontario's new media. Download the text from this site or order your free copies by mail. Business owners may also obtain incorporation forms through the site and may amend their business registrations online.

Research Tools

Strategis
This is one of Canada's largest websites. It provides easy, direct access to Industry Canada's extensive on-line business resource library. It contains over 75,000 reports and a database of Canadian businesses, which can be manipulated to your statistical needs.

The Small Business Policy Branch
This website has been designed specifically for small business researchers and policy makers. The site includes more than 1500 key reports on small business financing, key policy documents, frequently asked questions on key statistics on small business topics, and more.

Statistics Canada
Great for market research. This website has information on everything ever tabulated, researched indexed and qualified. Of particular use is the section on Canadian economy with its subsections on international trade, manufacturing and construction, and primary industries. Research everything from the demographics of your target market to the buying patterns of that market.

Statistics Canada's Business Data
A new resource available through Statistics Canada that is devoted to guiding small and medium-sized business to the valuable data and analysis that is available.

Better Business Bureau
A helpful organization that will assist you in researching the credibility of a potential franchise or supplier you are interested in conducting business with. Acting on behalf of Canada and the United States it also posts alerts and complaints issued against businesses.

Financing

Business Development Bank of Canada
Considered a "hub site," it includes more than 300 hyperlinks to small business resources available from coast to coast. Descriptions of resources offered by federal and provincial governments, Crown corporations, regional agencies and chartered banks. Users can browse through topics of interest such as Starting a Business, Expanding Operations, or Exporting.

Toronto Venture Group
This non-profit organization facilitates connections between people and companies interested in turning time into money. Through education, communication and networking, TVG has successfully introduced positive high-potential companies to contacts they need with a goal of developing profitable business relationships. Also provides details on "Venture Fair," a premier Canadian trade show which promotes quality emerging and growing companies to investors.

Farm Credit Corporation
FCC provides a wide range of innovative financing solutions to Canadian agricultural communities. It actively supports farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations within and beyond the farm gate.

Aboriginal Business Canada
Aboriginal Business Canada provides business services and support to Canada's Aboriginal people, whether on or off reserves. It provides a wide range of counseling and training as well as financial assistance to Aboriginal companies.

MoneyHunt
This website offers an array of resources at almost no cost. It contains a popular Internet business plan template, a directory of relevant contacts, and advice from America's leading business experts.

The Idea Cafe: Small Business Channel
Although this site has an American focus, it offers good small business info in a user-friendly fashion. Of particular interest is the "All You Can Eat Financing Feast," an excellent primer for anyone with a great idea and no money to make it happen.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation
This is a non-profit, private sector initiative designed to provide mentoring, business support and financial assistance to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 29. The website provides excellent start-up information and a means for young entrepreneurs all across Canada to network.

More Assistance

Yello
"Canada's online source for business." Conduct a business search from a database of over one million Canadian companies. This site links to various business websites in North America. Also lists your company for free. Online advertising opportunities also available.

The Internet Marketing Center
This is contains over 300 pages of excellent articles covering everything from website promotion to business automation, as well as recent success stories. Browse through the monthly newsletter and various other research resources. Discover how to promote your business on-line!

WebMarketing Today
A free twice-monthly electronic newsletter regarding Internet marketing and doing business on the web. Relevant topics covered are "shoestring marketing," paid online advertising, and search engine and directory registration.

Canadian Commercial Corporation
CCC offers exporters a wide range of services to help Canadian businesses conclude sales with foreign governments and international agencies. CCC assures contract performance to a foreign customer, enhancing the Canadian exporter's chance of securing a contract on advantageous terms.

Trade Show Locator
The TSCentral website represents the next generation of trade and professional event resources. Head to TSCentral.com to find new way to add value to your trade or professional event participation.

Canadian Industrial Innovation Centre
Just invented the greatest widget? Meet the people who can guide you through product evaluation, market feasibility and financing. There is a minimal fee for some services.

CNN
For some entrepreneurs staying on top of world events is crucial. Here's the website that will provide up to the minute reports.

For more great links and a copy of our handout "Websites for Entrepreneurs," drop by the Business Advisory Centre today.

Business Advisory Centre - Northumberland
Dressler House
212 King Street West
Cobourg, Ontario K9A 2N1
Tel: (905) 372-9279 Fax: (905) 372-1306
E-mail: bizhelp@cobourg.ca