1.  How can I register my business? Do I need to register my business?
There are several locations/methods for registering your business, and not all businesses need to register. Consult our guidelines to registering your business for more information.

2.  How can I get start-up capital or a loan to start my small business?
There are several different ways to help get funding for your small business etc. etc. etc.  For more information, consult our Financial Assistance suggestions.

3.  Are There Any Grants Available to Start a Small Business?
For most business start-ups there are no grants available. Grants tend to be very specific to certain projects (cultural works of art) or geographical locations. More information on government grants can be found at strategis.ic.gc.ca in the Business Support and Financing section or at www.cbsc.org/ontario. See also our Financial Assistance page for other ideas.

4.  What do your services cost?
We charge for certain office services like photocopying, printing or faxing. Our rates are very competitive. Our consultations are free of charge.

5.  Do I need to write a business plan?  How do I write a business plan?
Business plans are very important to the success of any business. A proper business plan will allow the management team (owners) to: determine the viability of the idea, set goals, determine likely financial success, learn about potential customers and competition, identify possible opportunities and pitfalls, and, act as a measuring tool for the success of the business. A business plan is absolutely mandatory for any financing.

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre has guides for business plans and offers one-on-one consultations for business plan creation and review by appointment (free of charge). Also the Canadian Business Service Centre offers an on-line template for business plan creation at www.cbsc.org/ibp.            

6.  Do I need to do market research?
Market research is vital to any business start-up. It is necessary to determine location, advertising strategy, number of potential customers, pricing and competitive strategy, and is an essential component to the preparation of a business plan. There are many sources for completing market research including several links on this site. The Waterloo Region SBC also offers one-on-one market research consultations by appointment (free of charge).

7.  How can I sponsor the Waterloo Region SBC?
As a non-profit organization, we rely on our sponsors to help us to provide resources. For more information, check out our current sponsors, and contact elizabeth.bonkink@kitchener.ca or 519.741.2221.