Starting a business can be exciting, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Learn about the suggested steps to take, where to find trusted advice and discover resources within Haldimand County. The information provided below is meant as a first step and is not a substitute for legal or financial advice.

Steps to Starting a Business

Read the Government of Ontario’s 10 steps to start a business in Ontario for entrepreneurs.

Find steps on Starting A Business from the Government of Canada.

BizPal and Business Licensing

BizPal is an innovative online service that helps you quickly and easily find the Federal and Provincial business forms, permits, and licences you’ll need.

Discover the information you need using BizPal.

Find out about other licenses that your business may require within Haldimand County.

Business Zoning

One of the first steps to starting a business is finding out what zoning is required for the business to operate. View the Zoning Map of Haldimand County’s Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Map.

Business Resources and Help

Haldimand County is lucky to have so many partners that are able to help aspiring, new, and experienced business owners alike. Even luckier are the business owners because they get to learn from and work with local business experts who can guide them through all of the challenges and opportunities that come with owning a business.

Access resources available to business owners from Haldimand County’s partners.

The Grand Erie Business Centre is a great place to learn about the different ways you can set up your business. Receive free advice on:

• How do I create a business plan?
• What items need to go into my business plan?
• Do I need to register my business?
• Should I incorporate?
• How do I handle cash flow problems?
• I want to grow my business, but is now the right time?

Business Services Overview

Haldimand County is committed to creating an environment for businesses to thrive. Our Economic Development & Tourism team links the business community to partners, helping pave the way for business development and expansion within Haldimand.  Staff leverage their experience and knowledge of the local landscape to provide consultation services and hands-on solutions to help you.

Haldimand County’s Business Services will give you an overview of the assistance you can find through the Economic Development and Tourism division.  We are here to help.

Business Benefits Finder

Using the Business Benefits Finder, provided by the Government of Canada, business owners can find out about specific benefits and funding that they may be eligible for. The drop down fill in the blank menu makes it super easy to tell your story, and get matched up with benefits that are right for you and your business.

Home Based Business Definitions

Sometimes it is hard to define what category your home business may fall in to. To make things less confusing, Haldimand County has compiled all you need to know about Home-Based Businesses.

Business Toolkit

Haldimand County’s Business Toolkit provides tools to promote your business under the brand Real. Local. Haldimand! We have created customizable graphics and templates for use in promotional campaigns so that proud, local small business owners can showcase it!

Business How To Videos and Documents

As a business owner, learning new skills is essential in keeping your business current and thriving. Discover Business Workshops including pre-recorded webinars from our Digital Service Squad and how-to quick how-to videos and documents that can help you master new skills, and keep your business up to date.

Business Inquiry

Are you a current or aspiring business owner within, or outside of Haldimand County and have questions? Fill out a Business Inquiry Form, and the Economic Development and Tourism Team would be happy to chat with you or set up a visit or zoom meeting.