Starting
Are you ready to start your business in the City of Kawartha Lakes? The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre (KLSBEC) can provide the resources and services you need to get started.
In the starting stages of your business development you need to establish the structure of your business, prepare a business plan, and find out about the regulations and taxes that apply to your business, the KLSBEC can help you with all of these steps and more.
Take the BDC Entrepreneurial Assessment and find out if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur!
Business Consultations
The first step in getting your business started is to book a confidential one-on-one consultation with Diane Steven, Manager of the KLSBEC to discuss where you are at, and where you need to be in your business planning process.
Consultations are available throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.
To book your consultation contact Diane Steven directly at:
Diane Steven, Manager
(705) 324-9411 ext. 1283
dsteven@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca
Seminars and Events
Throughout the year, a variety of information-packed seminars and workshops are offered to help you plan, start, and grow your business.
Programs
Self-Employment Benefit Program (SEB)
The Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program is an initiative sponsored by Employment Ontario and administered in the City of Kawartha Lakes by the Community Futures Development Corporation. The program is designed to assist eligible persons who want to become self employed as an alternative to employment. During the 40 week program, participants receive business planning and skills training, practical business mentoring and income support
The Summer Company youth entrepreneurship program offers full and part-time students between 15-29 years of age, the opportunity to own and operate their own business for the summer. Participating youth are provided with hands-on business training and mentoring in addition to awards of up to $3000 to help start and run the business. Read more ...
Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF)
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national charitable organization that empowers young Canadian entrepreneurs, age 18-34, to start up their own business. The CYBF program offers low-interest loans of up to $15,000 in addition to mentoring and business resources. Read more ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre?
Do I have to register my business name?
How do I register my business name?
Who registers for Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and how do I go about it?
How do I find out about zoning by-law restrictions for my business location?
Do I require a license to operate my business?
What is a Business Plan and why do I need one?
What kind of financing is available and what are the alternatives?
Where is the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre?
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre is located at 180 Kent Street West in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada K9V 2Y6. (Corner of Cambridge Street and Kent St beside the library) Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm. For more information Contact Us at info@klsbec.ca or (705) 324-9411 ext. 1283
Do I have to register my business name?
A sole proprietorship is not required to be registered if the business is carried on under the owner’s name. If the business uses a name other than the owner’s or adds Company or other words, the Business Names Act requires that you register the business name before you start using it.
How do I register my business name?
Online registrations:
KLSBEC-Computer Station
180 Kent Street West
Lindsay, ON K9V 2Y6
(705) 324-9411 ext. 1283
info@klsbec.ca
Walk in registration:
Service Ontario - Lindsay
322 Kent Street West
Lindsay, Ontario K9V 4T7
1-800-267-8097
Service Ontario - Minden
Hwy 35 By-pass
Minden, Ontario K0M 2K0
1-800-267-8097
The registration fee for a business name of sole proprietorship or general partnership is $60.00 through the Ontario Business Connects and $80.00 through the mail. A name search will cost $8.00 per online search and $12.00 per search by mail. Registration must be renewed every five years. Online registration fees are payable by VISA or Mastercard.
To register a corporation is very different from a sole proprietorship and partnership. Incorporation can be a very involved process and it is recommended that you seek advice and services of a lawyer and/or an accountant. For a named corporation, a NUANS name search must be performed and Articles of Incorporation must be filed.
For further information contact:
Provincial
Ministry of Government Services
300 Water Street, South Tower, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 7000
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5
(705) 755-1342
Federal
Industry Canada – Corporations Directorate
Journal Tower South, 9th Floor
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C8
(613) 941-9042
www.strategis.ic.gc.ca
Who registers for Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and how do I go about it?
You have to register for and charge HST if you sell or provide taxable goods or services in your commercial activities in Canada; and your total taxable revenues (before expenses) were more than $30,000 within a four month period. Although, it is not necessary to register for HST if your business does not have gross annual revenue exceeding $30,000, you may register voluntarily. To register for HST or for information contact:
Canada Revenue Agency
Tax Services Office
5th Floor, 185 King Street
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M3
1-800-959-5525
www.cra.gc.ca
How do I find out about zoning by-law restrictions for my business location?
Zoning by-laws outline what is legal within a city or municipality or regional district. The three main categories of zones are residential, commercial, and industrial. Zoning by-laws restrict what can happen in each zone with such things as type of activity, size of building, how close the building can be to the street, parking, the number of employees, amount of traffic, and size/type of outdoor sign. It is recommended that research on zoning by-laws be done very early on. Without zoning permission there is risk that the business will be shut down. For more information contact:
Senior Planner
Development Services
City of Kawartha Lakes
180 Kent Street West
Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5R8
(705) 324-9411
Do I require a license to operate my business?
Many businesses including retail and service outlets, restaurants and lounges, manufacturing and processing operations, may be subject to licenses. The licenses are designed to protect the interests and safety of the public regarding the use, application or sale of certain items or services. To find out if your business requires a license to operate contact:
Don Abel, Licensing Officer
City of Kawartha Lakes
180 Kent Street West
Lindsay, Ontario K9V 2Y6
(705) 324-9411 ext. 1343
What is a Business Plan and why do I need one?
A Business Plan is a tool for understanding how your business is put together. Careful planning is one of the most vital parts of any successful small business. A Business Plan is a written summary that outlines, in your own words, the overall activity of your business, as well as your short-term and long-term goals and strategies. It helps you recognize and evaluate your internal and external business risks before they become a problem, ensuring you make informed decisions. Your Business Plan will need to include your industry profile, market research, company profile, marketing plan and financial plans including cash flow and income statement forecasts.
It is important to have a Business Plan to provide information on your proposed business venture to lenders, investors and suppliers to demonstrate how you plan to use their money, and to establish a basis for credibility of your project.
For more information and guidance with the preparation of your Business Plan, book a consultation at the Small Business Enterprise Centre today! Contact Us at: info@klsbec.ca or (705) 324-9411 ext. 1283
What kind of financing is available and what are the alternatives?
It is essential to that one has enough money to buy the equipment and inventory needed, pay overhead costs such as rent, salaries, etc.; and have a large enough reserve fund for extra working capital to survive temporary setbacks.
In the early stages it may be necessary to commit your own funds in the start-up of your business. You may also find support available from friends and family members. If you plan to approach a chartered bank or other financial institution they will look favourably upon you having made a personal financial commitment toward the success of your business. Be aware that all financial institutions will require a well developed Business Plan and will complete a credit background check on all potential clients.
Ontario Government Funds and Rebates
The Ontario Government offers a variety of financing options and resources for businesses.
For a comprehensive, free and authoritative directory of Ontario Government tax incentives, tax credits and support programs for business, take a look at the online Ontario Business Program Guide.
For information on financing resources available visit the Financing Resources section of the Ontario website.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national charitable organization that empowers young Canadian entrepreneurs, age 18-34, to start up their own business. The CYBF program offers low-interest loans to young entrepreneurs in addition to mentoring and business resources. The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre is a community partner for CYBF. Read more ...
For more information on available financing Contact Us
What is Market Research?
Taking the time to complete market research will tell you if you have a viable business idea. It will help you establish what the demand for your product or service will be. Knowing your competition, where they operate and their strengths and weaknesses will help you to determine if there is still a market for you to go after. Understanding your business niche is absolutely essential before proceeding with your business plan. Having confidence in knowing there is a market for your business and knowing what your competition is doing helps you to clearly define what your business is and develop marketing strategies for promoting your business most efficiently.
