One-Stop for Businesses

WHAT: Free resources, consultation and assistance for small business owners who are looking to open or expand. 

WHO: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, Real Estate Agents, consultants and new or expanding businesses.

WHY: Helping businesses understand what they need to do BEFORE they OPEN or EXPAND, which helps them:

Save Time and Money: Access key resources at one location.

Make Informed Decisions: Know the timelines, required applications, costs and processes for starting or expanding your business.

Get the Right Resources: Access customized resources, key contacts and information to moving your business forward faster and more efficiently.

WHERE: First floor at City Hall (71 Main Street West, 1st Floor).

MORE: One-Stop for Business' three key services include:

Planning Application Assistance: (Business Facilitation)

• Step-by-step guidance on how to navigate through the municipal processes from the start to end of your business project (business location expansion or new building).
• Understand the development approval requirements and processes and make it easier for business decisions to be made and faster to receive approvals.
• Business Facilitators will work with City planners to find creative solutions and facilitate development and guide businesses through the clearing of Site Plan Approval conditions
• Access information, advice, mediation, and problem solving.

Small Business Assistance delivered by Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC):

• Provides assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs and those already in business.
• Access to qualified business consultants who will help with the review and development of business and marketing plans, advice on incentives and financing programs, rules and regulations for business.
• Access to professionals program; clients can register to meet one-to-one with a business banker, accountant, lawyer and marketing professional.
• One-stop business resource area; featuring directories, demographics, wireless internet and two client research computers.
• Business registration (Master Business License) assistance for sole proprietorships and partnerships.
• Business networking opportunities and private consulting rooms.
• Community service provider for the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), Summer Company Program and Self Employment Benefit Program for the City of Hamilton Community Services Department, Employment and Income Support Division.

Business Licensing:

• Understand if your business needs to be licensed.
• Find out what your business needs to become licensed.
• Get your application processed.