Announcements & Programs
Join Our Waterloo Region Small Business Centre Advisory Committee!
We are actively looking for members-at-large to join our Advisory Committee. If you’re interested in sharing your experience and expertise to help provide recommendations for SBC initiatives, goals and strategies, then submit your application today!

Click here to find additional details including an overview of the opportunity and terms of reference. Deadline to apply is Friday, December 10th.
Now Accepting Applications for Starter Company Plus
The Starter Company Plus (SCP) Program is for business owners operating between 1 to 3 years (market ready and ready to sell), ready to expand (hiring employees, contractors, or getting a location), or buying a business in Waterloo Region.

Think you (or someone you know) might be ready to take the next step in your business and pitch for a $2,500 - $5,000 grant? Then apply for the Winter 2022 cohort! Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 9th, 2022.

For more information or to submit your application, click here.
LiftOff by CCAWR Black Entrepreneurship Program
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) is proud to announce that the LiftOff Program began accepting applications for its first cohort on Monday, November 22!

Give your business a lift with support from Black entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors. For more information on the program, click here.
Government Resources for Small Business
Looking for Government support for your small business? The following links have been shared by the Canada Small Business Financing Program / Government of Canada:

  • The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions. Up to a max. of $1,000,000, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more info, download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you. 
  • The Government of Canada has introduced many COVID-19 supports to help businesses weather the storm. To get a tailored list of the ones that fit your business situation or to discover other federal, provincial and territorial programs and services, try the interactive business benefits finder. You can also sign up for the notification feature to receive emails when there are changes to your favourite programs, when application deadlines are approaching, or when a new program that meets your needs is introduced.
  • Get tools and info on what to consider before starting a business. Get info to help you identify opportunities to grow your business. Learn about programs and services available in your region to help your business succeed. Find out more about the municipal, provincial, territorial and federal permits, licences and regulations that apply to your business. Here's the Overview of federal government Services for Small Business
Business & Sustainability
SME Sustainability Roadmap
This tool will assist you in achieving your goals of sustainability. Each section is also part of a larger area of management, operations or leadership. Click here to view the Sustainability Roadmap.

The business case is a stand-alone document. Many examples of sustainability in practice are offered throughout the document. Where possible, they refer to the practices of SMEs.
Webinars & Workshops
Nov 30 | 10:30 – 12:00 pm | Business Plan 101
Why have a business plan? A business plan is a roadmap for your business that outlines goals and details how you plan to achieve those goals.

Dec 7 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Scale Up & Grow
Are you ready to grow your business? Do you know what to do next, which steps will move your business forward best? This interactive workshop will explore the strategies for business growth and help you decide on your next step.

Dec 8 | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Startup Business Basics
Starting a new business venture? Learn the necessary steps to start your business! Including: the various forms of business ownership; government regulations; the importance of a business plan; forecasting cash flow; identifying your target market and client profile; when and why to register for HST.

Dec 10 | 8:30 – 9:30 am | Human Resources for Startups
All the info you need to create strong people processes in your new company, including recruiting and government compliance. We’ll cover a wide range of topics ensuring you have the right components throughout the employee life cycle, from culture to employment and beyond. We’ll share lots of tools and tips to ensure that your people practices are getting you the most value for your people dollar and keeping you and your staff compliant and productive.
Article of the Week
Most people don’t start a business because they’re afraid to make mistakes. But here’s the secret: business mistakes don’t stop your momentum, they help you figure out a better path.