Directory of Business Services in Ottawa

International marketing, trade research, trade finance, legal aspects. Training programs.  Achieve Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) Designation.

As a social enterprise, International Talent Acquisition Centre offers a range of business support services for self employed, micro and small business and new start ups. This includes the following:

Free set up of Chart of Account and 3-month bookkeeping for new businesses and start-ups;

Special accounting and taxation service package for small businesses, self employed, including bookkeeping, corporate and personal tax filing, payroll and HST and financial reporting;

Workshops offered once a month on various topics in legal, accounting and finance, small business accounting, taxation, business plan writing, import and export, etc.;

Office IT set up and support; business immigrant support; interpretation and translation services;

Services provided in English and Chinese; other languages available are Spanish, Arabic and French by appointments, and are open to all. In-TAC is an initiative of the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre, 381 Kent St. Ottawa, ON.

Invest Ottawa delivers economic development programs and initiatives that increase entrepreneurial momentum, wealth and jobs in the City of Ottawa and its surrounding region. Its goal is to make Ottawa the best place in Canada to start and grow a knowledge-based business. Invest Ottawa services include startup incubation and mentorship, acceleration for existing companies, global business attraction and local business retention, targeted sector development, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. The organization delivers:

Many free programs and workshops available, on a continuous basis throughout the year, for basic information;

• Free one-on-one 30-minute sessions with a business advisor, by appointment, help with specific questions;
• Business advisory services include business plan and strategic reviews, market entry strategies, product evaluations and customer identification, competitive analysis, financial forecasting and capital structure assessment, governance and management evaluation and guidance, advice on investment pitch decks and assistance in crafting messages for the investment community, referrals to funding agencies, referrals to other Invest Ottawa programs and services, referrals to targeted investors;
• Customized market research and access to a variety of databases; access to publications from more than 500 leading publishers and consulting firms worldwide. Detailed information and in-depth analysis of markets in different geographic areas;
• Mentorship may be general or specific depending on company needs and requirements. Mentors are pre-qualified and are assigned to work with company management based on an appropriate match of skills and fit between the mentor and company senior management.

La Cité des Affaires is the entrepreneurial section of the Collège La Cité, the most important French language college in Ontario.

A wide array of services and programs meet the needs of the various groups using the services of La Cité: private enterprise and public sector employees, adults training for the workplace, new Canadians needing integration support and language training, and international students.

OCISO’s Community Economic Development Program explores, identifies and creates opportunities for economic development initiatives within the immigrant community in Ottawa. OCISO has formed partnerships with local employers within the private and public sectors, offering them the opportunity to participate in OCISO’s Career Mentorship Program where they have the opportunity to support the economic integration of new Canadians while developing their mentoring skills.

The Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF) is a non-profit organization working for financial inclusion in the Ottawa area. OCLF arranges loans to start, buy or expand your business, and professional development loans to increase employability. Professional Development loans can be used for covering costs such as professional licensing, credentials recognition and tuitions. OCLF provides financial literacy and entrepreneurship education through community partners for on-site delivery.

Loans

Business loans up to $15.000 (with an option of $45.000 for borrowers aged 18-39 yrs old) and Professional Development loans up to $5.000 (minimum of $100).

Interest rates

usually 6% above the current bank prime rate

Services

one-on-one counseling on business plan development, marketing, market research, and strategic planning.

Basic eligibility criteria

18 years of age or older, resident of Ottawa, either a Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen. Please visit the OCLF website for more details regarding loan eligibility and process.

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is one of Canada's most successful women’s business support organizations and the largest women-centered peer lending organization in North America, with 185+ Circles throughout Ontario.   As a non-profit women’s enterprise organization, they provide access to grants and loans, one-on-one counselling, mentoring, training, webinars, and opportunities to network.

PARO has supported hundreds of businesses to successfully achieve the next level of growth, scale-up and exporting.  The team can advise you through difficult decision-making processes, facilitate essential connections and help you find the right resources.  Their specialty is supporting Ontario women in business in small and medium sized businesses, and social enterprises.

They have developed their services and programs with exactly your needs in mind; start up, business growth and networking.

Start Your Business
Grow Your Business 
Build Your Networks 

They also offer regular workshops, conferences, and events to support personal and professional development on-line.

Rise is a national charity dedicated to helping people with mental health conditions or addiction, achieve financial independence through self-employment or small business ownership. They provide resources, mentorship and micro-financing to eliminate barriers, improve life outcomes and strengthen communities.

Contact them to learn more about the following programs and how to apply:

• Small Business Lending Program: Low-interest business loans based on your stage of business development, the viability of the business concept and capacity to repay. Eligible entrepreneurs can access loans up to $10,000, with an average initial loan size of $4,000. You will also be matched with a mentor for 12 months to help you navigate building and growing your business.
• Peer Supported Training Program: Learn how to create a business plan and develop the skills and confidence needed to start your business. For adults over 30.
• Enterprising Youth Plus: Work with our professional instructors and volunteer coaches to create a plan, gain confidence and skills needed to turn your business idea into a reality. For youth between the ages of 16 and 29.