Starting a Business
If you are an entrepreneur, interested in local markets or international opportunities, there are many resources available to get you started.
Many newcomers to the province have started successful businesses in a wide variety of industries. The provincial department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (INTRD) will provide counseling and assistance in business development. If you are planning to start a small business, or are already in business but need some counseling, the staff at INTRD can help.
The Steps to Starting a Small Business handbook provides guidance on the basic steps necessary to start or own a business.
For information and assistance, contact the INTRD office nearest you.
The links below include a list of some of the organizations which support rural, economic and small business development in our province. We have also provided a select list of useful resources for strategic sectors.
Business Support Organizations and Agencies
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Technology Network
- Community Business Development Corporations
- National Research Council
- Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs
- Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) - Canada's 'Go-To' place for Young Entrepreneurs!
Economy and Statistics
- Community Accounts - a comprehensive source of data on Newfoundland and Labrador communities
- Economic Research and Analysis - publications from the Department of Finance
- Newfoundland Statistics Agency - information resources and advisory services
Industry Resources: Export
- The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
- Export Development Corporation
- ExportSource: a network of federal departments and agencies working with the provinces, territories and other partners to help Canadian businesses prepare for the global marketplace.
Industry Resources: Manufacturing
Youth
- Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador's Youth (FINALY!)
- Guide to Entrepreneurship and Opportunities for Rural Youth
Rural and Regional Economic Development
- Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Economic Development Association
- Canadian Rural Partnership
- Capacity Building for Regional Economic Development -- locally developed resource materials
- The Harris Centre - Memorial University's Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development
The Business Development Bank of Canada also provides a book for newcomers interested in working for themselves, called Starting a Business in Canada: A Guide for New Canadians. They also offer management training, counseling and planning services for entrepreneurs. Call their toll-free number for more information (1-888-463-6232) or visit their website.
Key Phone Numbers
- Department of Labour: 709-729-2664
- Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission: 1-800-563-9000 (St. John's)
- Department of Finance: (709) 729-3166
- Registry of Companies: 709-729-3317
- Retail Sales Tax: (709) 729-3831
- Harmonized Sales Tax: 1-800-959-5525
Other useful links include the following:
- Invest in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Invest in Canada
- St John's Board of Trade
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business
- Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Commerce
- Metro Business Opportunities Corporation
- Getting the Message Out
- Ambassador Program
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Coming to Canada as a Business Immigrant (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)
