Start and Grow Your Business

There are plenty of resources available to help you understand the ins and outs of starting and running your own business. 

 Starting Your Business
 

BUSINESS RESOURCES

 

COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

County of Wellington - The County of Wellington is made up of seven lower tier municipalities including the Town of Erin, Town of Minto, Township of Wellington North, Township of Mapleton, Township of Centre Wellington, Township of Guelph/Eramosa and the Township of Puslinch.

 

Province of Ontario Resources 

Ontario Business and Industry information 

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Province of Ontario – supports a strong, innovative economy that can provide jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians.

 

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – supports the sectors that keep rural communities economically successful is a priority. Information on how to start a commercial food business as well as a home-based food business.

 

Government of Canada Resources

 
 Growing our Business
Centre Wellington is committed to helping businesses grow. Our Economic Development team can connect you with the right people and walk you through the permits and processes to help your business move forward seamlessly. 

 

Looking for a new or larger location? We will work with local realtors, landowners and businesses to connect you to the location that is right for you.

Province of Ontario Resources 

FedDev Ontario – a one stop shop for information on how to start and grow businesses in Canada – tons of information from being an entrepreneur to accessing investment capital.

Innovation Guelph - acts to cultivate entrepreneurship, powerful partnerships, and innovative initiatives that transform the way we do things in business and in our communities.

County of Wellington - The County of Wellington is made up of seven lower tier municipalities including the Town of Erin, Town of Minto, Township of Wellington North, Township of Mapleton, Township of Centre Wellington, Township of Guelph/Eramosa and the Township of Puslinch.

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade– supports a strong, innovative economy that can provide jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – supports the sectors that keep rural communities economically successful is a priority. Information on how to start a commercial food business as well as a home-based food business.
 Centre Wellington Small Business Centre

The Business Centre of Guelph-Wellington (BCGW) is one of 57 Small Business Enterprise Centres across the province with a very clear and simple mandate, "to help people start and grow businesses." With the support of the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth for the Province of Ontario, the City of Guelph and Wellington County, BCGW provides free one-hour consultations with a business advisor, a suite of training seminars and hosts a variety of events each year to improve the economic health and wealth of the communities it serves.

It is the mission of BCGW to be the gateway to business ownership through experiential and practical supports for business owners. The Centre provides practical advice, coaching and training to those seeking to start and grow businesses, from experienced business owners.

 

As part of the BCGW, the Centre Wellington Small Business Centre, located at 160 Provost Lane in Downtown Fergus is open from10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the office is closed but Small Business Advisors can be accessed virtually through the Business Centre Guelph Wellington. 

It is now easy for residents in Centre Wellington, with an idea for a business or plans to expand an existing business to get the support and answers that they need. The Centre provides one-on-one business consultation, training, coaching and mentoring to anyone that needs their assistance.

 

Call 519-826-4701 to book your consultation. 
 Wellington Waterloo Community Futures
The Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures (WWCF) is a not-for-profit organization supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)


We offer support, financing and training for rural businesses in Wellington County and the Region of Waterloo.


Focusing on job creation through strategic planning, Community Futures provides funding and advisory services to area businesses. Economic development support, business consulting, and loans are available to businesses and residents of rural areas of the County of Wellington and the Region of Waterloo.

 
 Innovation Guelph
Innovation Guelph - acts to cultivate entrepreneurship, powerful partnerships, and innovative initiatives that transform the way we do things in business and in our communities.

 

Innovation Guelph is building prosperity for community wellbeing by providing mentorship and business support services that help innovative enterprises start, grow & thrive.
 Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
 

The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven non-profit organization which:

  • Serves as a community resource to promote and maintain business growth through advocacy, networking and educational opportunities.
  • Helps improve Centre Wellington by helping local businesses thrive. When local businesses are succeeding, the local economy flourishes and businesses can better support local charities, events, and their employees.
  • Acts as an ethical information resource for local commerce, business and professionals.

 
Elora BIA

Perched on the edge of a spectacular gorge and nestled along the banks of the Grand & Irvine River lies the enchanting village of Elora, Ontario, the most beautiful village in Ontario.

 

The Elora BIA is here to provide beautification and marketing support for the downtown Elora area, and advocates on behalf of the business community. 

 

downtown Elora

Fergus BIA

Beautiful Downtown Fergus Ontario - the most Scottish Town in Canada!

 

Built on the Grand River, Fergus boasts historic buildings, natural beauty, and community pride.

The Fergus BIA Over 180 businesses are part of the Downtown Fergus Business Improvement Area. If you own a business in Downtown Fergus, you are automatically a member of the Fergus B.I.A. by virtue of your location. Your input and assistance with our activities are very welcome. Please do not hesitate to call should you have any questions.

 

Fergus BIA boundaries map

 

 

The Fergus BIA is always expanding on the beautification of the Riverwalk and Templin Gardens with our participation in the Lighting of the Grand, Sculpture Project, new bike racks, flowers and picnic tables on the look-out. As with every year we hope to grow our beautification projects.

 

Fergus Welcome Sign

Other Government Resources

 

 Government of Canada Information

 Government of Ontario Support
 

Grants for PPE, and for energy and property tax grants

 

New Resources

 

Continuing Resources

  • Guidelines for Businesses and Sectors
    • Ministry of Health protocols and guidelines for re-opening various sectors of the economy.
  • Health and Safety Resource Information - sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ontario.
  • Government of Ontario website available to Source PPE - this list is not exhaustive and a list of local suppliers is provided below.
Municipal Business Support

The Centre Wellington Economic Development staff will continue to support businesses during this difficult time.  To ensure the health and safety of our staff, all business support activities will be conducted via phone or online.

County of Wellington
Wellington County launches New Business Grants Program - Open Now
 Township Economic Response
The Township of Centre Wellington has adopted policies to assist citizens during this difficult period, through the initial Economic Response Plan.  

Here are some resources and information to help our local businesses weather the current pandemic situation.   Additional resources and information will be added as it becomes available.  

The Township of Centre Wellington facilities are currently closed but staff continue to work on issues affecting the residents and business of Centre Wellington.  If you have any questions, please contact staff directly.  
 Property Taxes

  • Tax instalments due April 30: Penalty and interest for non-payment, and non sufficient funds charges for returned payment will be waived until June 30, 2020
  • Non-residential and multi-residential property owners with an instalment due March 31st will have until May 31st to make a payment without incurring penalty and interest charges.
  • The Township is encouraging business/property owners currently on Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) to continue PAP plans. If paying the full installment is difficult at this time, we encourage property owners to reduce their PAP withdrawal amount to half for May and June. It is important that property owners recognize this is a deferral of taxes and not a reduction of property taxes. Anyone interested in reducing their PAP amounts are asked to contact the Township office at 519-846-9691, ext. 902.
  • Postponing Planned Property Tax Reassessment: The government is postponing the planned property tax reassessment for 2021. Postponing the reassessment will provide stability for Ontario’s property taxpayers and municipalities. This means that 2021 tax levies will be based on 2020 assessment values.
 Water and Wastewater
 The Township will waive all penalties and interest on water/sewer payments for 60 days.
 Planning and Development Services

  • Development applications received prior to the closure are currently being processed.
  • Time sensitive inquires will be handled by Planning staff.
  • Staff are still accepting applications and processing applications by e-mail, sent to planning@centrewellington.ca
 Online Small Business Support and Consultations
 Guelph Wellington Business Centre 
  • Small Business Advisors at the Guelph Wellington Business Centre are available to do business planning and support consultation over the phone or on zoom.  Appointments for consultations can be made by calling 519-826-4701

Wellington Waterloo Community Futures

  • The Business consultants at Community Futures are available to discuss business training, advice or financing over the phone at 519-846-9839.

Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce

  • The Chamber of Commerce has information on resources including business continuity and the very helpful Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Planning Guide.  

Destination Development Association

  • Tourism and Downtown support organization with exceptional online materials and webinars - many great ideas for small business and content of a webinar on dealing with this current situation.

Digital Main Street 
 Shop Local Centre Wellington
Shop Local Centre Wellington

You can help support small business and the local economy by shopping Centre Wellington.


Keep the Businesses we love in Business!

 

Visit ShoplocalCW.ca and purchase gift cards for use as local stores, businesses and attractions when businesses reopen.

You can help support the many small businesses and the local economy by shopping Centre Wellington.

 

Businesses can sign up to participate by filling in this form.  

  

Centre Wellington's small and locally owned businesses are a critical part of our community.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to every area of our residents’ lives. These are challenging times for everyone. A number of local businesses have had to close their brick-and-mortar stores, but many are adapting to continue to serve their customers during this period of uncertainty.


We want to keep Centre Wellington's businesses vibrant and resilient. You can help make a difference by supporting them today!


Here’s how:

  • Whenever possible, buy local
  • Order from local businesses online
  • Order meals for takeout or delivery
  • Send messages of support on social media
  • Share local business content on your social media accounts
  • Write positive reviews for your favourite businesses
  • Purchase gift certificates now to use later


The Township of Centre Wellington, Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and Fergus Business Improvement Areas and Elora Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) offer resources you can use and share with your family, friends, neighbours and communities.


Let’s support Centre Wellington's economy. Because together, we're #CWStrong.

 

 Food Businesses in Ontario
The Province of Ontario has produced a guide to assist in establishing a home-based business.  The guide, which can be found here, provides information on foods that are considered low-risk and may be produced in a home kitchen.  While all food businesses must follow the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), home-based food businesses that prepare only low risk foods are now exempt from certain regulatory requirements such as:
  • Specified handwashing stations in food premises;
  • Compliance with commercial dishwashing requirements;
  • Food handling training certification

Please check the Ontario Supporting Home Based businesses website for additional information.
 Mental Health Resources for Businesses
 
 Live and Work CW

Your New Home & Career Are Waiting For You in Centre Wellington.

 

Live and Work Centre Wellington connects job & home seekers with opportunities and properties in the communities of Elora, Fergus.

Our interactive map and listings portal is a one-stop location for the region's employment and property listings, connecting you with the job you need and accommodations for sale or rent nearby.

Why Should We Support Our Local Business Community?

We Thought of 9 Reasons. Can You Think of More?

 

1. MY COMMUNITY IS MY BUSINESS

Living locally, shopping locally, it's all part of the investment you're making in the success of Centre Wellington.

2. CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT

Staying local means you are cutting down on fossil fuels, saving money and reducing air pollution.

3. THRIVING DOWNTOWN

Helping to create walkable, safe, compact, vibrant and livable town centres.

4. BE CONFIDENT YOU ARE GETTING THE BEST SERVICE

Your local merchants want to provide you with the best service, so they hire knowledgeable staff, and care about getting to know you as a customer.

5. PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOME IS!

Small businesses support local community groups, you supporting them means they in turn will support you and your family.

6. SUPPORT THE UNIQUENESS & CHARM OF OUR COMMUNITY

The one-of-a-kind nature of small businesses creates the uniqueness and charm that you love about Centre Wellington.

7. KEEP YOUR DOLLARS IN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

The money you spend in your community stays in your community and has a huge impact on the prosperity of everyone.

8. CONTINUE TO ATTRACT NEW & UNIQUE MERCHANTS

Small business is always focused on the needs of our specific community.

9. HELPING TO CREATE JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

Local businesses create local jobs, helping people stay in our community and make it a desirable place to move to.

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