Entrepreneurs & Self Employment

Entrepreneurs & Self Employment

Discover a collection of resources designed for military spouses who are entrepreneurs or thinking about starting their own business. Whether you’re just exploring ideas or already building something great, you’ll find helpful guides, business support organizations, funding information, and practical tools.

• Atlantic Association of CBDCs | Community Business Development Corporations
  CBDCs support the creation and growth of small businesses in rural Atlantic Canada by offering financial assistance, business counselling, training, and advisory services. They provide loans, entrepreneurship programs, and tailored support for youth, women, immigrants, and existing business owners to help strengthen local economies.
  
  To learn more, visit Atlantic Association of CBDC
  
  1-888-303-2232 | info@cbdc.ca
  
  Location: Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island) 
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Free advisory services; financing available (loan programs vary)
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Rural Businesses, Youth Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs, Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Employers in Atlantic Canada
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) | Government of Canada
  The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is a federal economic development department that works to stimulate economic growth and competitiveness across the Atlantic provinces by providing funding, business support, innovation programming, and community development initiatives. ACOA partners with businesses, communities, and organizations to help expand markets, develop new products, adopt technologies, and diversify local economies in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. 
  
  To learn more, visit Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
  
  1-800-561-7862 
  information@acoa-apeca.gc.ca 
  
  Location: Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, NL) with head office in Moncton, NB. 
  Langues: English, French
  Service Delivery: Virtual
  Cost: Free access to information and support; financial assistance via grants/loans to eligible businesses/organizations. 
  
  Audience:
  Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Atlantic Canada, Community organizations, Innovators and entrepreneurs, economic development partners
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
  BDC offers financial and advisory support tailored for Canadian entrepreneurs, including military spouses and partners who are starting or growing a business. Their services can help navigate funding, business planning, and growth strategies, making them a valuable resource for those in the military community seeking to build a sustainable business in Canada.
  
  Get tip sheets, eBooks, webinars and business templates in one place with the BDC Entrepreneurs Toolkit.
  
  For information, visit their official website Business Development Bank of Canada, Facebook, Instagram
  
  info@bdc.ca
  1-877-232-2269
  
  Location: Canada-wide
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: Virtual, In-Person
  Cost: Fees may apply (consult BDC for details)
  
  Audience:
  All
• Business Link | Alberta
  Business Link is a government-funded nonprofit that provides free, personalized support to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Alberta. Services include one-on-one business advising, market research, digital marketing support, workshops, and tailored programs for Indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs.
  
  To learn more, visit Business Link | Alberta
  
  1-800-272-9675
  askus@businesslink.ca 
  
  Location: Alberta, Canada (Calgary & Edmonton; services available province-wide)
  Langue : English
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Free
  
  Audience:
  Entrepreneurs, small Business owners, start-ups
• Business Supports & Services | Government of Manitoba
  A provincial portal connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners in Manitoba with tools, programs, funding, and guidance to start, run, and grow a business. Services include business planning guides, financing opportunities, mentorship, market research resources, regulatory information, and access to business development programs tailored to different stages of entrepreneurship.
  
  To learn more, visit Government of Manitoba | Entrepreneurs 
  
  bizinfo@gov.mb.ca 
  
  Location: Manitoba
  Language: English; French services available upon request
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Free access to information and advisory support; program costs vary (some funded opportunities available)
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Start-ups, Employers, Investors, Community Economic Development Partners
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED-Q) | Government of Canada
  Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports economic growth, innovation, community development, and business competitiveness across Quebec. It provides funding, advisory services, and programs that help entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and regional organizations grow, innovate, export, and create jobs.
  
  To learn more, visit CED-Q
  
  1-888-576-4444 | dec.queinfo.ced@dec-ced.gc.ca 
  
  Location: Quebec, Canada 
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Free support; funding available through grants/loans (varies by program)
  
  Audience:
  Entrepreneurs, small & medium-sized businesses
• Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) | Government of Canada
  CanNor is the federal economic development agency dedicated to strengthening the economies of Canada’s three territories—Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. It provides funding, advisory services, and partnerships that support business growth, community development, Indigenous economic participation, and long-term economic sustainability in the North.
  
  To learn more, visit CanNor 
  
  1-855-897-2667 | cannor.operations.cannor@cannor.gc.ca
  
  Location: Canada — Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut (regional offices in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit)
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Free
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Small & Medium-Sized Businesses, Indigenous Organizations, Community Leaders, Economic Development Partners, Employers in Northern Canada
• Find Your SADC or CAE | Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
  This tool helps entrepreneurs and community organizations locate their nearest Community Futures Development Corporation (SADC) or Community Business Development Centre (CAE) in Quebec. These local organizations provide business financing, advisory services, entrepreneurship training, and community economic development support to help rural and regional businesses start, grow, and succeed.
  
  To learn more, visit Find Your SADC or CAE 
  
  1-888-216-7300 (national network office)
  info@sadc-cae.ca 
  
  Location: Quebec
  Langues : English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual 
  Cost: Free advisory services; financing available (loan terms vary by location)
  
  Audience:
  Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Start-ups, Rural Businesses, Community Economic Development Groups, Employers in Quebec
• Futurpreneur
  Futurpreneur Canada empowers young entrepreneurs (ages 18–39) across Canada with accessible financing, personalized mentorship, and practical business resources. Those that meeting the eligibility criteria can benefit from startup loans, expert guidance, and a supportive network to help launch or grow their business. 
  
  An extensive online resource library for young entrepreneurs available at the Futurpreneur Resource Library.
  
  For information, visit their official website Futurpreneur.
  
  info@futurpreneur.ca
  1-866-646-2922
  
  Location: Canada-wide
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: Hybrid
  Cost: Fees may apply
  
  Audience:
  All 
• Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development Supports | Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
  Indigenous Services Canada provides funding and advisory supports to help First Nations, Inuit, and Métis entrepreneurs start or grow a business. Programs offer business planning assistance, access to capital, skills training, mentorship, and community economic development supports delivered in partnership with Indigenous financial institutions across Canada.
  
  To learn more, visit Indigenous Services Canada
  
  1-800-567-9604 | aadnc.bcap-pacp.aandc@canada.ca
  
  Location: Canada
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Free advisory services; funding available (contributions/loans vary by program)
  
  Audience(s): 
  First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Entrepreneurs; Indigenous Small Business Owners; Indigenous Economic Development Organizations; Communities supporting entrepreneurship
• Invest Ottawa | Economic Development Agency for Ottawa
  Invest Ottawa supports entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses in Ottawa by providing expert advisory services, business acceleration programs, entrepreneurship training, funding navigation, market intelligence, and global expansion support. It also operates Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and delivers programs for women founders, tech companies, early-stage entrepreneurs, and high-growth firms.
  
  To learn more, visit Invest Ottawa 
  
  613-828-6274 | info@investottawa.ca 
  
  Location: Ottawa, Ontario 
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Many programs and advisory services are free; some accelerator programs may have eligibility requirements
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Startups, Small Business Owners, Tech Founders, Women Entrepreneurs, High-growth Companies, Employers seeking business support or expansion guidance
• King’s Trust | King’s Trust Services Canada
  King’s Trust is a financial services organization that provides specialized lending solutions, including personal loans, debt consolidation, secured and unsecured business financing, and credit support to individuals and small business owners across Canada. They focus on serving clients who may face barriers accessing traditional credit, offering flexible options and personalized advice to support financial stability and business growth.
  
  To learn more, visit King’s Trust Services Canada
  
  1-866-207-0550
  general@kingstrust.ca
  
  Location: National 
  Language: English (French services available upon request)
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Varies (loan products have associated interest and fees)
  
  Audience:
  Individuals, Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Clients with Limited Credit Access
• Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) | Government of Canada
  Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is the federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia that supports economic growth, diversification, innovation, and community development. It provides funding, advisory services, and networking programs to help businesses, not-for-profits, Indigenous organizations, and communities in B.C. grow, innovate, compete globally, and create quality jobs. 
  
  To learn more, visit PacifiCan 
  
  604-666-6256 | Toll-Free: 1-888-338-9378
  info@pacifican.gc.ca  
  
  Location: British Columbia
  Languages: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, online
  Cost: Free access to business support information; funding (grants/contributions) available for eligible applicants 
  
  Audience:
  Entrepreneurs, Small & Medium-Sized Businesses, Not-for-Profit Organizations, Indigenous Businesses and Communities, Economic Development Partners, Employers in British Columbia
• Prairies Business Service Network (PBSN) | Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
  The Prairies Business Service Network is a funded partnership of independent organizations that help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and expand in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It includes local service partners such as Community Futures offices, Women’s Enterprise Initiative, Indigenous business supports, Francophone economic development organizations, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities programs, and Canada Business Service Centres. 
  
  To learn more, visit Prairies Business Service Network 
  
  Location:  Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
  Language: English, French 
  Service Delivery: In-person, online
  Cost: Free support through network partners (varies by specific service/program) 
  
  Audience: 
  Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Start-ups, Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, Employers in Prairie provinces
• Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
  PSPC provides tools, guidance, and advisory services to help businesses understand and navigate federal procurement. Supports include how to register as a supplier, find contracting opportunities, understand bidding processes, improve procurement readiness, and access seminars or one-on-one help for selling goods and services to the Government of Canada.
  
  To learn more, visit Public Services and Procurement Canada 
  
  1-800-811-1148 | tpsgc.pme-pep.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca 
  
  Location: Canada  
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: Virtual 
  Cost: Free
  
  Audience(s): 
  Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Suppliers, Contractors, Employers interested in federal procurement opportunities
• SK Startup Institute | Economic Development Regina
  SK Startup Institute provides free tools, guidance, and advisory services to help entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan start and grow their businesses. Supports include one-on-one coaching, business planning resources, workshops, market information, and connections to provincial programs, financing partners, and local ecosystem organizations.
  
  To learn more, visit SK Startup Institute
  
  1-306-789-5099
  info@skstartup.ca 
  
  Location: Saskatchewan (services available province-wide)
  Language: English
  Service Delivery: Virtual and In-person (workshops, coaching sessions, partner locations)
  Cost: Free
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small Business Owners, New Founders, Early-Stage Businesses
• Small Business Centre Ontario (SBCOntario)
  SBCOntario provides entrepreneurs and small business owners across Ontario with free, personalized guidance and resources to start and grow a business. Services include one-on-one business advising, business plan support, online tools and templates, webinars and workshops, market research assistance, and help connecting with government programs and local partners.
  
  To learn more, visit SBCOntario
  
  1-866-358-4222 | info@sbcontario.ca 
  
  Location: Ontario
  Language: English (French supports available through select local Small Business Centres)
  Service Delivery: In-person (local Small Business Centres), Virtual/Online
  Cost: Free
  
  Audience(s):
  Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Start-ups, Business Planners, Employers seeking business support in Ontario
   
• Start a Business | Government of Canada
  A federal gateway that provides step-by-step information and tools to help entrepreneurs start a business in Canada. It includes guidance on business planning, choosing a structure, registering your business, permits and licences, taxes, financing options, hiring employees, and accessing federal and provincial support programs.
  
  To learn more, visit Start a Business | Government of Canada 
  
  1-888-576-4444 
  
  Location: National
  Langues : English, French
  Service Delivery: Virtual/Online (primary), in-person support available through regional partners,
  Cost: Free
  
  
  Audience: 
  Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small Business Owners, New Founders, Employers, Self-Employed Individuals
• Start a Business | Government of Saskatchewan
  This provincial portal guides entrepreneurs through the steps of starting a business in Saskatchewan, including choosing a structure, registering the business, understanding taxes and regulations, hiring employees, and accessing provincial programs, funding, and advisory supports. It links to tools, checklists, and resources to help new business owners meet legal requirements and begin operating successfully.
  
  To learn more, visit Start a Business
  
  1-800-567-7233 
  
  Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
  Language: English
  Service Delivery: Virtual/Online, In-person support available through regional partners 
  Cost: Free access to information; registration and licensing fees vary
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small Business Owners, New Founders, Self-Employed Individuals, Employers planning to operate in Saskatchewan
• Strategyzer
  Strategyzer offers a suite of practical business planning and innovation tools, including the popular Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas. These resources help entrepreneurs and small business owners design, test, and refine their business models and value propositions. The tools are widely used by startups, established businesses, and individuals looking to clarify their ideas and build sustainable ventures. While not military-specific, Strategyzer’s resources are accessible and relevant to military spouses seeking to launch or grow a business
  
  For information, visit their official website Strategyzer.
  
  Location: Global
  Language: English
  Service Delivery: Virtual
  Cost: Many tools are free; premium resources and courses may have fees
  
  Audience:
  All
• World Trade Centre Winnipeg
  WTC Winnipeg is a bilingual, economic development organization that provides training, market research, advisory services, and global trade support to help Manitoba entrepreneurs start, grow, and expand their businesses locally and internationally. It offers workshops, one-on-one consultations, export readiness training, and connections to partners across the global World Trade Centers Association network.
  
  To learn more, visit WTC Winnipeg
  
  204-253-4888 | info@wtcwinnipeg.com
  
  Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
  Language: English, French
  Service Delivery: In-person, virtual
  Cost: Fees may vary
  
  Audience(s): 
  Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Small & Medium-Sized Businesses, Exporters, Importers, New-to-Market Businesses, Employers seeking international trade support