Northumberland, Ontario’s pro-business environment supports a diverse small business sector from food processing to technology start-ups.
Over 7100
Small Businesses
Over 90 %
of businesses in Northumberland are small businesses
Spaces and Networks to Support Small Business Success
Northumberland County has a number of facilities aimed at helping business owners network and grow.
- BECN Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland: Network with fellow entrepreneurs.
- Venture 13: Launch your start-up, and let Cobourg’s newest business incubator help you succeed - includes leading-edge facilities.
- Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre (OAFVC): Develop new food and beverage products at Colborne’s fully-equipped commercial kitchen.
Expert Advice for Ontario Businesses
- The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN): Visit the BECN in Cobourg for business advice, mentorship programs, and workshops.
- Business Services at Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre (OAFVC): Get expert advice and training on food safety & handling, product development, and more at OAFVC in Colborne.
Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses in Ontario
Find a number of provincial and federal initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses.
- Community Futures Eastern Ontario delivers the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII), providing non-dilutive, repayable financing with flexible terms to support innovative scale-up businesses in Southeastern Ontario.
- Futurpreneur - The only national non-profit organization that provides young aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada with the loan financing, mentorship and resources they need to start or buy a business.
- Canada Small Business Financing Program - The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
- Business Funding Opportunities - Loans for Small Businesses - Government funding and financial support for entrepreneurs. Find loans, grants and tailored programs to help you start or grow your business or expand into new markets.
Ease of Process
Our economic development team is ready to help you navigate red tape, apply for funding and grow your company.