STARTING A BUSINESS
WE HELP YOU DEVELOP TOOLS TO BE WILDLY SUCCESSFUL
Hastings County supports new and existing businesses.
We offer free and confidential business coaching for entrepreneurs.
Whether you are looking to turn your passion into a business or you are an established business owner looking to expand, we can help you!
Our Small Business Coordinator Christine McLean will meet you at your location.
To book a confidential meeting anywhere in Hastings County, contact Christine McLean.
If you would like to do some research on your own, the Province of Ontario recently launched a single window/website for business that helps business owners and entrepreneurs access the information and services they need to get up-and-running, create jobs, and grow their business.
You may also want to visit this Business Benefits Finder to help you find the right program or service. Useful whether you’re just starting out or if you’ve been in business for a while and are ready to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven’t launched my business yet. Can I still meet with the Small Business Coordinator?
Definitely! They will sit down with you to get clarity on your ideas and where you’re currently at in the process, even if you’re just getting started. They can help you figure out what you need to take the next step and connect you with the right support for both short- and long-term success.
Is any of my information shared outside of my conversation with the Small Business Coordinator?
We recognize the importance of keeping your information safe. Your conversations with the Small Business Coordinator are strictly confidential. The only details shared beyond your one-on-one conversations are with the Resource Team for additional support and include the type of business, municipality, and the type of support you are looking for.
What is a Resource Team?
The Resource Team is a group of individuals from throughout Hastings County that come together in support of local businesses. They are business owners and residents of all ages and various professional backgrounds. While the Small Business Coordinator has many contacts to share, there may be others in the community that are the perfect connection for a business owner; the Resource Team can be the link.
Why is this service free?
The Small Business Coordinator role is funded by Hastings County with the aim of supporting local businesses in starting and evolving their business in a way that leads to sustainable success. We believe that collaboration is the key to this kind of success and keeps us wildly authentic as a collective.
Does the Small Business Coordinator write grant and loan applications for me?
No. They will work with you to help you figure out the best financial support for your specific needs, but they do not complete applications, write business plans, do bookkeeping, etc. However, they can connect you with resources and organizations that specialize in the applications, programs, and services that align with your needs.
Will the Small Business Coordinator advise me on what I should do with my business?
No. Their role is to help you gain clarity on how you want your business to unfold, but you are the expert. They will never tell you what you should do with your business or how you should do it.
I’m new to the area and want to relocate my business to Hastings County. Can the Small Business Coordinator help me expand my professional network?
They certainly can! They work with all types of local businesses and organizations, so they have a large network they can connect you with depending on your needs. They also work with a Resource Team comprised of representatives from throughout Hastings County that help support with additional connections.
I want to close my business. Can the Small Business Coordinator help me through this process?
Yes! Every stage of a business is important; they can help you keep this transition as smooth as possible by working with you to make sure you’ve considered all the necessary actions and decisions.
