The City of Oshawa recognizes that small businesses are significant drivers of the local economy. Starting a new business takes motivation, dedication and talent. It also takes research and planning. Below are local services and programs focused on working with new businesses to help you succeed.

Registering Your Business

You can register or renew your business, search for business names, or get a Master Business Licence either online or in person at:

Service Ontario
590 Rossland Rd. E.
Whitby, ON
L1N 9G5
1-888-745-8888

Business Permits and Licences

Certain businesses require you to have additional permits and licences. BizPaL is a free, interactive tool that identifies the permits, licences and inspections that your business may require from all levels of government.

 Learn more about business licences 

Local Business Support Services

Business Advisory Centre Durham (B.A.C.D.)
The B.A.C.D. offers one-on-one consultations, workshops, market research, business resources and innovation alliances for small businesses.

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (G.O.C.C.)
The Chamber is a membership-based organization that fosters a thriving business community by creating networking opportunities and advocacy for business.

Spark Centre
Spark Centre works with technology based businesses and offers business planning, financial management, mentorship, market intelligence, entrepreneurship orientation idea assessment, executive coaching and incubation space.

Funding Your Business

Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Development Bank of Canada works with Canadian businesses to offer financing, consulting services and securitization focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Canada Business Network
The Canada Business Network provides information to assist small businesses in starting, planning, financing and growing innovative businesses.

Ontario Business Program Guide
The Ontario Business Program Guide offers information about Ontario's economy and how to do business here. The guide includes economic development opportunities, research funding and tax credits for business.

Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada offers government funding for specific business expenses, including the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services and foreign market expertise.

Home-Based Business

• The Durham Home and Small Business Association is a local non-profit organization aimed at supporting small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs.
• The City of Oshawa does permit certain home-based businesses to operate, subject to some conditions. 
• See Home Occupations in Zoning By-law.

City of Oshawa Business and Economic Development Services

We will:

• Promote Oshawa as a destination for business investment
• Site location and business support - whether a company is expanding, locating or relocating within Oshawa
• Assistance in addressing operational or municipal issues
• Assistance in streamlining the development approvals process
• Statistics and information related to Oshawa's economy
• Access to information on government initiatives, programs and events
• Administer the Downtown Area Community Improvement Programs

Contact Us