New online tool is in place to help Ottawa’s small businesses succeed at every stage

If you are starting or buying a small business, or looking for ways to grow your business, the City of Ottawa Small Business Navigator is a new one-stop shop to find the tools and resources you need.

If you are starting or buying a small business, or looking for ways to grow your business, the City of Ottawa Small Business Navigator is a new one-stop shop to find the tools and resources you need. You can find answers to the questions you didn’t even know you were supposed to ask.

The Small Business Navigator is divided into four key business journey stages:

Plan: Create a solid foundation 

Owning and operating a small business can be rewarding – and takes resilience, risk-taking, and adaptability. This section guides you through a self-assessment, market research, business planning and financing your new business.

Launch: Getting your business off the ground

With a business plan in place, there will be some additional steps required to get your business up and running. Here the focus is on registering, permits and licenses and taxes.

Grow: Building and expanding your business

There are a wide range of organizations in our community that offer technical assistance to entrepreneurs at various stages of business development. They are listed here, as well as resources for specialized support for diverse entrepreneurs.

Transfer: Transition or exit your business

Good succession planning can prevent a business closure. Resources here will help you develop a succession plan and guide you through the process of selling, transferring or, in some cases, closing your business. 

Each stage provides thoughtful questions you should be asking and lists of resources where you can find the answers that are right for your business. Some of our resource partners found in the Small Business Navigator include:

• Invest Ottawa

• Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada

• Chnge Mker Hub

• Business Development Bank of Canada

• Futurpreneur

• Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Of course, we also direct you to City business resources including the Business Licensing Centre and Business Ambassador Service for food establishments.

Small business owners are encouraged to check back regularly with the Small Business Navigator for updates in information and resource partners. Have any questions or feedback? Please contact us at: economicdevelopment@ottawa.ca. 

 

 

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