Strong growth and support of new businesses

In St. John’s, we are witnessing strong growth of new businesses spurred by new investment, new arrivals, and new success stories.

October 16-22 is BDC Small Business Week, an annual celebration of small business owners, honouring the hard work, determination and vision of entrepreneurs. In the spirit of Small Business Week, it's also a good time to acknowledge two of our community partnerships that excel at supporting startups and entrepreneurs here in St. John's:

Twenty-five years of Genesis

2022 marks Genesis’ twenty-fifth anniversary, and with it, the chance to reflect on a generation of progress for Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology business community. When Genesis was first conceived, Memorial University wanted to help address the gaps of support available to early-stage technology ventures. In 1997, the Internet, artificial intelligence and computer engineering were only just beginning to change the landscape of what was possible. Fast forward twenty-five years, and few could have imagined the growth of the local ecosystem. Collectively, Genesis companies have raised $624M of private capital, $220M in annual recurring revenues and created over 2,500 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Companies like Verafin, Mysa and Genoa Design have helped reinvent our local business community by reaching global markets, and pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.

Their latest initiative to support a growing ecosystem, Genesis Coworking, opened in 2021 in the newly named Johnson Innovation Station, offering a community space for entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers to build businesses, connect with others and expand their horizons. Partnerships like these, made possible by the City of John’s, ACOA, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Memorial University, break down barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs here in St. John’s, allowing them to follow in the footsteps of companies like Verafin.

Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios

For a decade, the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios has successfully functioned as a community of emerging craft businesses. This specially designed location, nestled in Quidi Vidi Harbour, offers affordable studio space and supportive programs that help artisans to operate as small businesses. Honing their craft and their business models, the atmosphere at the artisan studios provides visitors and shoppers an interactive experience. Thirty-eight artisans have grown their businesses through Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, including: Ragmaw, Newbornlander, Pinpoint Ink, Saucy Pots, Yellow Rose, Northeastern Folk Art and Graham Blair Woodcuts.

Start Smart: Business Basics in St. John's workshop

On October 18, the St. John’s Local Immigration Partnership is hosting the Employment + Skilled Labour Learning Event: a series of free workshops at the St. John’s Community Market that will introduce newcomers to digital marketing, employment law, the Canadian workplace, confidence in the workplace, and a workshop geared towards newcomers interested in starting a business.

Presented by TaskforceNL and the St. John's Business Information Centre, The Start Smart: Business Basics in St. John's workshop (4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.) will provide practical tips and community resources available to newcomer entrepreneurs, as well as information for navigating the new business permit process. You will also hear real stories from newcomers who have started their businesses in St. John’s.

All of the workshops are free but space is limited, so be sure to register in advance.

Our knowledgeable staff are here to help

Opening a new business is a busy and exciting time, and requires careful planning. Here at the City of St. John's Business Information Centre, we know our way around town and we'd be happy to connect you to the programs, resources and contacts you need to help make it happen. Get in touch. We're here to help.

Our Business Startup Guide

The City of St. John's Business Startup Guide can help simplify the process of starting your new business. Visit our Publications page to download your complimentary copy.

What is Advantage St. John's?

With the mandate to market the many advantages of living, working, studying and investing in our city, Advantage St. John’s is tasked with amplifying economic growth and enhancing people and investment attraction opportunities for St. John’s. Targeting a predominantly national and international audience, Advantage St. John’s helps bring focus to the broad appeal and positive attributes of our beautiful and historic city. Click here to learn more.