Startup Support
York Region is home to many resources that help businesses succeed. From makerspaces helping create product prototypes, to business incubators providing support and guidance, we’ve compiled them all here in one quick and easy to use guide.
ELLA
ELLA is York University’s accelerator for women entrepreneurs. ELLA provides women with the community, mentorship, and resources they need to scale their business.
Details:
4700 Keele Street, Toronto
ellawomen.com
Kingbridge Centre and Innovation Hub
The Kingbridge Centre and Innovation Hub offers programing and events designed to accelerate promising ideas that address challenges to strengthen economic resilience.
Details:
12750 Jane Street, King City
kingbridgecentre.com
Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill
Scientists from the University of Toronto provide research and education in biodiversity, ecology and conservation biology.
Details:
17000 Dufferin St, King
ksr.utoronto.ca
Kortright Centre
Environmental, renewable energy education and demonstration site. Living City Campus offers research and analysis of sustainable technologies. BRE Innovation Park will accelerate commercialization of green building products and services.
Details:
9550 Pine Valley Dr, Vaughan
thelivingcitycampus.com
Innovation York
York University’s commercialization and industry liaison office providing an integral suite of services to industry, to facilitate research and commercialization.
Details:
4700 Keele St, Toronto
innovationyork.ca
Seneca HELIX
Seneca HELIX, part of Seneca Innovation, is our on-campus innovation and entrepreneurship accelerator, which develops the innovation mindset by supporting entrepreneurs in developing and launching scalable ventures.
Details:
1750 Finch Ave E, Toronto
senecacollege.ca
Seneca Applied Research
Seneca Applied Research, part of Seneca Innovation, works with industry and community partners to facilitate research, development and design initiatives to advance technologies, products, services and programs.
Details:
1750 Finch Ave E, Toronto
senecacollege.ca
Treefrog Accelerator
The Treefrog Accelerator program provides programs for both international and local startups that help them to focus and scale their businesses.
Details:
567 Davis Dr. Newmarket, ON
treefrog.biz
University of Guelph Muck Crops Research Centre
Scientists from the University of Guelph and partners conduct research on crop protection and production for improved pest & crop management.
Details:
1125 Woodchoppers Ln, King
uoguelph.ca
ventureLAB
ventureLAB is a leading technology hub that supports tech entrepreneurs and companies through programs focused on capital, talent, technology, and customers to build, grow, and scale their businesses.
Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
venturelab.ca
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute
Located on the second floor of the IMPROVE Centre, this campus features 50,000 sq.ft of office spaced, shared co-working space, boardrooms and a 250 seat auditorium.
Details:
907 Alness St, Toronto
yedinstitute.org
YSpace
YSpace is York University’s newest innovation hub located at the heart of Downtown Markham. They build great companies by connecting them with high-end equipment, access to capital and a network of influencers and entrepreneurs.
Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
yspace.yorku.ca
Markham Small Business Centre
Funded by the City of Markham and Government of Ontario, Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC) provides no cost and confidential business advice and information to Markham’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses through one-on-one consultations.
Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
markham.ca
Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre
One-stop service for entrepreneurs/existing business owners, providing business consultations & information on management, marketing & sales, technology & finance. Seminars, webinars & business development workshops.
Details:
225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill
richmondhill.ca
Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre
One-stop service for entrepreneurs/existing business owners, providing business consultations & information on management, marketing & sales, technology & finance. Seminars, webinars & business development workshops.
Details:
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Level 200, Vaughan
vaughan.ca
York Small Business Enterprise Centre
One-stop service for entrepreneurs/existing business owners in York Region’s northern six towns, providing business consultations & information on management, marketing & sales, technology & finance. Seminars, webinars & business development workshops.
Details:
17150 Yonge St, Newmarket
yorklink.ca/smallbusiness
BDC – Markham
Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.
Details:
3985 Highway 7 E, Markham
bdc.ca
BDC – Vaughan
Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.
Details:
3901 Highway 7 W, Vaughan
bdc.ca
BDC – Newmarket
Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.
Details:
17345 Leslie St N, Newmarket
bdc.ca
Good News Ventures
Focused on investing in early stage technology companies.
Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
goodnewsventures.com
Keiretsu Forum
Events provide an audience of active angel investors.
Details:
9600 Bathurst St, Vaughan
keiretsuforum.com
Ontario Centre of Innovation
OCI co-invests with private sector to commercialize innovation from Ontario colleges, universities & research hospitals. Student entrepreneurship fellowships & programs.
Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
oce-ontario.org
South Lake Futures CFDC
Providing loans, counselling, and innovation grants to businesses in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, and Brock.
Details:
183 The Queensway S, Georgina
southlakefutures.ca
York Angel Investors
York Angel Investors Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2008 to promote private investment in early-stage innovative businesses. It is one of the largest and most active Angel Investor groups in Canada. Our goal is supporting our community’s innovation ecosystem in a collaborative manner to create superior financial returns for our Investors and Entrepreneurs.
Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
yorkangels.com
NewMakeIT
NewMakeIt is a non-profit and consists of a makerspace, co-working area and interactive training and workshop facilities in a collaborative environment.
Details:
621 Timothy St, Newmarket
newmakeit.com
Proto3000
Proto3000 provides various 3D printers. Services include 3D engineering, rapid prototyping, 3D printing, reverse engineering, 3D visualization and inspection services.
Details:
171 Marycroft Ave, Vaughan
proto3000.com
Y Lab
Y Lab is a volunteer, non-profit and offers makerspace memberships. For event information: ylab meetup.com. Also offers a robotics group.
Details:
123 Hillsview Dr, Richmond Hill
ylab.ca
Seneca HELIX
Seneca’s makerspace is a key part of Seneca HELIX’s Entrepreneurship incubator service offerings.
Details:
1750 Finch Ave E, Toronto
senecacollege.ca
ventureLAB
ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative is Canada’s only hardware and semiconductor-focused lab and incubator. The state-of-the-art $7 million lab has specialized equipment for product developers to transform concepts and challenges into new products.
Details:
13600 Steeles Ave E. Markham
venturelab.ca/hcilab
Aurora Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College – Aurora Armoury
Teaching and community space and part time teaching programs related to wine education and master taster program.
Details:
89 Mosley St, Aurora
auroraarmourycfwi.ca
Bioenterprise
Provides customized business advisory services, industry and technical expertise, and global connections to advance innovative agri-businesses.
Details:
bioenterprise.ca
Clearwater Farm (Ontario Water Centre)
Young Agri-preneur program is a multi-year apprenticeship providing practical experience to farming.
Details:
1614 Metro Rd N, Georgina
clearwaterfarm.ca
Foodpreneur Lab
Foodpreneur Lab is dedicated to helping early-start up food companies, particularly women of colour entrepreneurs.
Details:
foodpreneurlab.com
Kingbridge Innovation Hub
Hosts unique programing and events designed to accelerate promising ideas that address challenges to strengthen economic resilience, food innovation and biological preservation.
Details:
kingbridgecentre.com
Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre
Small-batch food-processing facility with a commercial kitchen, food testing equipment and business consulting services.
Details:
oafvc.ca
The Food Development Group
Product development, shelf life testing, nutritional labelling, and project management.
Details:
1250B Reid St, Unit 1, Richmond Hill
fooddevelopmentgroup.com
The Link
The Link is a collaborative, community, learning space that brings together people and organizations under one roof.
Details:
20849 Dalton Rd, Georgina
georgina.ca
Venturepark Labs
This food incubator offers shared commercial kitchens and private production spaces to meet the needs of early stage food companies.
Details:
ventureparklabs.ca
York Region Food & Beverage Accelerator Program – Yspace
Incubation space, expertise mentorship, high-end technologies, access to local events, and funding resources.
Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Unit 301, Markham
yspace.yorku.ca
York Region Food Network (YRFN)
Community cooks training, community gardens, food food box, and food access.
Details:
350 Industrial Pkwy S, Aurora
yrfn.ca
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
14483 Yonge St, Aurora
aurorachamber.on.ca
Business Women’s Network of York Region
Women’s business mentoring and networking.
Details:
#303, 72 Main St, Mount Albert
bwnyr.com
East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
19027 Leslie St, Sharon
egcoc.org
Georgina Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
20849 Dalton Rd, Georgina
georginachamber.com
King Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
Box 381, Schomberg
kingchamber.ca
Markham Board of Trade
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
Address
markhamboard.com
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
Address
newmarketchamber.ca
Richmond Hill Board of Trade
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
376 Church St South, Richmond Hill
rhbot.ca
TechConnex
TechConnex is a dynamic member driven community offering opportunities for peer education, networking and knowledge sharing.
Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
techconnex.ca
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
25 Edilcan Dr, Vaughan
vaughanchamber.ca
Stouffville Chamber of Commerce
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
6176 Main St, Whitchurch-Stouffville
stouffvillechamber.ca
Aurora Public Library
APL is a hub of learning and centre of innovation. In 2019 a new creative studio will open, providing hands-on opportunities for creation and sharing. Featuring 3D printers, Circut Machine, Button Maker, and much more!
Details:
15145 Yonge St, Aurora
library.aurora.on.ca
East Gwillimbury Public Library
Branches in Holland Landing, Queensville & Mount Albert.
Details:
19513 Yonge St, Holland Landing
egpl.ca
Georgina Public Library – Keswick Branch
Offering 3D printing at all its branches. one-on-one technology sessions, online legal services, business resource centre.
Details:
90 Wexford Dr, Keswick
georginalibrary.ca
Georgina Public Library – Peter Gzowski (Sutton) Branch
Offering 3D printing at all its branches. one-on-one technology sessions, online legal services, business resource centre.
Details:
5279 Black River Rd, Sutton
georginalibrary.ca
Georgina Public Library – Pefferlaw Branch
Offering 3D printing at all its branches. one-on-one technology sessions, online legal services, business resource centre.
Details:
75 Pete’s Lane, Pefferlaw
georginalibrary.ca
Markham Public Library – Aaniin Branch
Get access to a number of services/resources including: Business hub coworking space, Entrepreneurship workshops, 3D printers, Digital Media Lab, Laser Cutter, Creation Studio with Digital Embroidery and circuit die-cut machine, MakerClub.
Details:
5665 14th Ave, Markham
markham.ca
Markham Public Library – Angus Glen Branch
Get access to a number of services/resources including: Digital Media Lab, 3D Printers, and Robotics Club.
Details:
3990 Major Mackenzie Dr E, Markham
markham.ca
Markham Public Library – Thornhill Community Centre Branch
Get access to a number of services/resources including: Digital Media Lab, 3D Printers, Coder Dojo.
Details:
7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill
markham.ca
Newmarket Public Library
3D printing offered by downloading existing designs/using 3D modeling software. Lego Robotics program. Entrepreneurs in Residence Speaking Series spotlights local entrepreneurs & innovators.
Details:
438 Park Ave, Newmarket
newmarketpl.ca
Richmond Hill Public Library
Central Branch offers 3D printer & Lego Mindstorm programs. Library hosts the Entrepreneurship in Residence speaking series spotlighting local entrepreneurs & innovators.
Details:
1 Atkinson St, Richmond Hill
rhpl.ca
Vaughan Public Library
Vaughan Public Libraries offers 3 unique creation spaces that suit all ages and creative pursuits from 3D printing and carving in Make It!, to a state of the art recording studio and green room in Create It!. Even the littlest of makers can explore all things STEAM in the children’s Learn It! lab. All spaces are free to use, some material charges apply.
Details:
Civic Centre Resource Library
2191 Major Mackenzie Dr.
vaughanpl.info
Whitchurch-Stouffville Library
3D printing & Teen Lego Robotics Program. Entrepreneurs in Residence speaking series, spotlighting local entrepreneurs/innovators.
Details:
2 Park Dr, Whitchurch-Stouffville
wsplibrary.ca
Startup Support Programs by Organization
Each of these organizations offer their own unique programs to support startups with every stage of growing their business.
Small Business Resources
From business structuring to taxes, market research and more, small business owners need the right tools and knowledge to succeed. Depending on where your business is located in York Region determines which Small Business Enterprise Centre you should contact.
- Northern York Region (Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, Stouffville)
- Markham
- Richmond Hill
- Vaughan
Use the resources below to find helpful links that will help you get started on your entrepreneurship journey.
Want a quick way to find grants or subsidies? Check out the Business Benefits Finder tool.
The resources below provide information on the basics of setting up a business, including online learning sessions and more.
- Ontario Guide for Small Businesses | Get support, information and advice to run your small business through the Government of Ontario.
- Small Business Checklist | A handy chart to help you keep track of various business-related activities prior to launching.
Small Business Centres Ontario – Online Learning Sessions
- Business Basics | This series of 10 free online learning sessions will help you decide if starting your own business is the right path for you, then guide you through the steps involved in getting started.
- Startup Sessions | Every business needs a solid foundation. This series of 10 free online learning sessions will set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch your new business.
- Growth Sessions | Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your small business to the next level? These 10 free online learning sessions will equip you with skills and knowledge to successfully position your business for growth.
From choosing a legal structure for your business to finding the right insurance, every small business owner needs to ensure they have met their legal obligations to succeeed.
- Ontario Business Registry | The new Ontario Business Registry allows businesses and not-for-profit corporations to complete over 90 transactions online, including registering, incorporating, and updating their information.
- Registering Your Business | Find links to helpful resources for registering with the government before you start operating your business.
- Incorporating a Business | Incorporating your company federally is a four-step process. This resource outlines helpful tips to get you started.
- Choosing a Business Structure | Learn about sole proprietorship, partnerships and corporations and how each structure would impact your business.
- Choosing a Business Name | Pick the right name for your business, find out if its taken and learn how to register your name.
- Registering a CRA Business Number | Learn how to register a new CRA Business Number.
- Permits and Licensing Finder | Use this self-serve tool to find out what permits or licenses your business may need to operate. Note: We recommend reaching out to your local municipality directly for the latest information on what permits or licenses may be required for your business.
- Business Insurance | Learn about the different types of commercial insurance and what type will be appropriate for your business.
- Get Free Legal Advice | Pro Bono Ontario provides free legal advice to small business owners over the phone. Call 1-855-255-7256.
To succeed, you need to know where your target customer lives, what media channels they use and their overall demographic information. Use the resources below as a starting point to start your market research.
- Guide to Research and Business Intelligence | Learn how to conduct market research and find industry sector data, financial benchmarks, labour trends and business statistics.
- York Small Business Enterprise Centre Market Research | The York Small Business Enterprise Centre provides select clients with access to ENVISION, a powerful platform that gives you access to meaningful data about your target customer.
- York Region Open Data | Discover a wire array of publicly available data through York Region’s Open Data portal, including demographic information and more.
- Designing Customer Surveys | Learn how to design an effective customer survey to gather valuable insights from your database.
Each business owner needs to confidently manage and understand their finances to ensure success. Use the below resources to learn about your tax obligations, payroll information and more.
- Record Keeping, Income and Expenses Guide | This free online learning session helps you learn the basics of financial tracking and record keeping for your business.
- Managing Your Business Finances | Learn about financial planning, budgeting and forecasting through these free resources from the Government of Canada
- Payroll Guide | Learn the basics of setting up a payroll account and how to calculate deductions and contributions.
- Federal Grants and Tax Credits for Businesses | Find grants and other incentives to help boost your business.
- Provincial Grants and Tax Credits for Businesses | Find provincial grants and other incentives to help boost your business.
Depending on your business’ size and structure, your tax obligations may vary, but all business activities
must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency. Use the tools below to learn about income taxes and how you can get free help from a tax advisor.
- Business Tax Overview | Learn about income taxes, GST/HST, calculating business income and more.
- Free Tax Help for Your Business | Meet with a Canada Revenue Agency Liaison Officer to answer your tax-related questions.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) | This resource provides an overview of the GST/HST, whether your business needs to charge it and how to collect the tax.
- Employers’ Guide for Payroll Deductions and Remittances | Learn about your responsibilities as an employer for deducting CPP, EI and more.
- Payroll Deductions Tables | This guide uses plain language to explain the most common tax situations and CPP, EI and income tax deductions.
Some businesses may need to import or export goods as part of their operations. Use the links below to learn how the process works and what you need to consider before getting started.
- Importing Commercial Goods in Canada | This guide outlines the steps you need to take to import goods into Canada for commercial use, including duties, taxes and more.
- Import/Export Program Account | If you import goods into Canada or export goods to other countries, you need to register for an import-export program account.
- About Exporting | Whether your business is big or small, you can find new customers beyond our borders. Use this guide to learn about the steps you need to take to get started.
York Region is home to diverse communities, and its land is located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples such as the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Métis peoples, the treaty territories of the Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Williams Treaties First Nations including the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. Use the links below to access tailored resources for Indigenous business owners.
- Indigenous Economic Development Fund | The fund provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
- Indigenous Business Development | The Government of Canada’s list of programs that support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
- Wabutek Business Development Corporation | Waubetek delivers business financing and economic support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and First Nation communities.
- Ogemawahj Tribal Council | Provide direction, guidance and support to member First Nations Chiefs, Councils, staff and community members in community based business projects.
- Georgina Island Economic Development | The Georgina Island Economic Department is working to create local economic opportunities and a high quality of life for our community through training, business development, funding and more.
- Georgina Island Training Employment and Development Fund | This fund provides financial support to help overcome skill-based barriers for businesses based on Georgina Island.
- Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario | IAPO offers financing and business support to help First Nations farmer flourish
- Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business | CCAB builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.
- PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise | PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) provides a myriad of business supports including access to funding for women entrepreneurs living in Ontario.
- Native Women’s Association of Canada | The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization that supports women arosss Canada, including Indigenous Skills and Employment Training.
York Region Public Health wants to ensure your health and safety by providing you with information on current inspection and investigation reports as well as educational resources on emerging public health concerns. Use the resources below to help keep your business safe and compliant.
Food Safety
- A Guide to Opening a Food Premises in York Region | This resource outlines the requirements with which food premises owners and operators are required to comply under the Health Protection and Promotion Act
(HPPA) and the Ontario Food Premises Regulation (FPR). - A Guide to Starting a Home-based Food Business | This is a step-by-step guide from the provincial government to starting a home-based food business.
- Food Handler Certification Manual | This guide provides an overview of food safety best practices and applicable certification requirements. ENGLISH | CHINESE | TAMIL
- Special Events, Farmers’ Markets and Wild Game Dinners | Learn which community events require a notice to York Region Public Health or special event permits from your local municipality.
- Bulk Food Products | This fact sheet helps food premises operators protect bulk food and reduce food-borne illnesses.
- Food Safety for Operators during a Power Outage | If your food business experiences power outage, this guide will help you safely handle food to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
- Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17 | This regulation sets the guidelines for safe food handing in Ontario.
Workplace Signage and Posters
- Danger Zone of Food Temperatures
- Dishwashing: 2-Sink Method
- Dishwashing: 3-Sink Method
- How to Handwash Sign
- Minimum Cooking Temperatures
Infection Control
- Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings, 3rd Edition | This document provides information on best practices for operators to prevent and reduce the risk of transmission of infections.
- A Public Health Guide for Child Care Providers | The Public Health Guide For Child Care Providers offers up-to-date information and resources on how to deliver high quality child care.
Safe Water
- Small Drinking Water System Operators Guidelines | If your business provides drinking water that does not come directly from a municipal source, you could be operating a small drinking water system (SDWS).
- Pool and Hot Tub Safety | York Region Public Health inspects all public pools, hot tubs (spas), and spray or splash pads; visit this guide for information on safe practices.
- Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565/90 | This provincial government regulation sets the rules for public pool safety guidelines in Ontario.
YorkSafe Inspection Reports
- YorkSafe Program | YorkSafe is York Region’s enhanced public health inspection reporting program that discloses the results of routine inspections, complaint inspections and re-inspections.
Shared Office & Co-Location Spaces
York Region has many options for businesses and entrepreneurs looking for shared office space and co-working office space throughout our nine cities and towns. The shared office space locations are organized individually for the southern three cities and towns – Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan – and combined for the northern six communities of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
