Business Resources

Listed below are free resources for anyone looking to start a small business or already operating one. These resources are updated as more are provided to us. Please let us know if you have a resource that may be useful for others!

Canadian Small Business Financing Program

The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, 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 information download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you.

Business Benefits Finder

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 designed to help Canadian businesses grow, 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.

Federal Government Services for Small Business

Get tools and information on what to consider before starting a business. Get information to help you identify opportunities to grow your business. Learn how to fuel your R&D and innovation projects through government grants, contributions and loans, as well as private sector financing. 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, licenses and regulations that apply to your business. Learn how to handle day-to-day operations, including budgeting, marketing and payroll deductions and more. Overview of federal government Services for Small Business

Canadian Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts awards grants to artists, groups and arts organizations. They are Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate “to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.” Grants are awarded by the Canada Council to artists, groups and arts organizations to help them pursue their creative vision, to operate, to complete projects and share their work with the public, both nationally and internationally.

The Council gives grants for the creation, promotion and dissemination of art and literature, as well as for the development of the arts sector. Grants may also be used to cover the costs of travel, touring and professional development activities associated with producing art and presenting it to the public.

Community Resources

Listed below are free resources for all community members in the Leeds and The Thousand Islands region!

These resources are updated as more are provided to us. Please let us know if you have a resource that may be useful for others!

Food Inventories

The food inventory is a list of the food and nutrition-related programs, organizations and businesses in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. It includes all stages of the local food system, and addresses all visions of the Food Charter.

Find links to community gardens, agriculture-related groups and businesses, seed exchange programs, gleaning projects, and resources and tools that provide supports for farming, growing food or gardening. Also included are community groups or individuals who grow food to donate.