Business Support Services

Municipal

St. Catharines Economic Development

The Economic Development division is responsible for the attraction of new businesses to St. Catharines, as well as encouraging the expansion and retention of existing businesses within the community. Find Out More

Niagara Falls Business Development Department

A facilitator between the private sector and various levels of government, the BDD provides an effective resource centre where  businesses may find support and assistance. Find Out More

Welland Development Commission

The WDC actively recruits new businesses and industries interested in establishing or expanding their enterprises in the City, as well as building working relationships with local businesses. Find Out More

Fort Erie Economic Development and Tourism Corporation

The EDTC’s core objectives are fostering growth in industrial, commercial, and tourism investment that generate the most potential for jobs, employment spin-offs and overall wealth creation. Find Out More

Port Colborne Economic Development

The department assists companies and entrepreneurs with locating or expanding in the municipality. It also assists businesses in expanding their market base, identifying available properties, and in accessing research, development, and capital funding. Staff also acts as a liaison between the business community and government offices and departments. Find Out More

Regional

Niagara Economic Development

NED promotes Niagara on a global scale and works in partnership with the region’s twelve municipalities to provide effective, innovative services that encourage investment in and travel to the region, along with business support services to attract, maintain and increase jobs in Niagara. Find Out More

Niagara Site Finder

Find optimal business locations in the Niagara region using powerful real estate search, demographic analysis, industry reports, and dynamic mapping tools. Find Out More

Provincial

Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth

The ministry delivers a range of programs, services and tools to help businesses innovate and compete in today’s fast-changing global economy, including business support and youth entrepreneurship programs, strategic investments and international trade and export expertise. Visit Ministry of Economic Development and Growth

Federal

Niagara Foreign Trade Zone

The Niagara region has been formally designated as a foreign trade zone (FTZ) point. The Niagara FTZ Point, the first one established in Ontario, promotes the usage of federal and provincial programs that support export development. Find Out More

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

FedDev Ontario works with the region’s communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to actively promote the region and build a strong foundation of partnerships and relationships to secure Canada’s long-term prosperity. Find Out More

Industry Canada

Industry Canada works with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. Find Out More

Export Development Canada (EDC)

Export Development Canada is Canada’s export credit agency, offering financial and risk management solutions to help Canadian businesses expand into the U.S. and other international markets. Find Out More

Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)

APMA’s fundamental objective is to promote the O.E. automotive supply manufacturing industry both domestically and internationally. The Association provides important representation to both Federal and Provincial Governments, supports regional government initiatives and creates and executes global marketing initiatives in order to develop trade and business opportunities for the membership. Visit Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)

CME focuses on manufacturing competitiveness, US business, international markets, people and skills, energy, and the environment. Visit Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)

Canadian Tooling & Manufacturing Association (CTMA)

The CTMA represents and promotes the interests of the Canadian tooling and machining industry, nationally and internationally. Visit Canadian Tooling & Manufacturing Association (CTMA)

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a leader in providing impactful risk management solutions that drive lasting business success for our customers. WSPS offers unparalleled health & safety expertise, insight and solutions for creating healthy work environments where employees thrive and businesses prosper. Find Out More

Workplace Safety Group

Workplace Safety Group helps companies achieve sustainable workplace health and safety through safety training, consulting, and SafeWork Summits. Find Out More

National Research Council of Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides financial support to qualified small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to help them undertake technology innovation. Find Out More

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)

OCE’s mission is to accelerate innovation through game-changing research leading to successful commercialization and vibrant collaboration between industry and academia, launching the next generation of products and jobs. Find Out More

Innovate Niagara

Innovate Niagara is a one-stop shop for leaders of developing businesses in innovative clusters, providing critical services to entrepreneurs within the Niagara Region. Find Out More

St. Catharines Enterprise Centre

Provides information and advice for starting and growing small businesses.  Services include: Business Consultations, Research Assistance, Events and Seminars and Start-up Business Program. Find Out More

Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre

A non-profit organization providing information and advice on starting or expanding a new business. Clients are served through personal consultations, seminars, workshops, business plan review, market research assistance, and information requests. Find Out More

Niagara College Business Development Centre

Business Development Centre offers new business owners a variety of business-related resources along with training, coaching and networking opportunities. Find Out More

Venture Niagara Community Futures Dvelopment Corporation

Venture Niagara invests in small and medium size businesses and carries out community development projects across rural Niagara. Find Out More

Niagara Workforce Planning Board (NWPB)

Serves the Niagara region as a leader in local labour market planning, delivering authoritative research, identifying employment trends, targeting workforce opportunities and bringing people together to action solutions. Find Out More

Niagara College Employment and Training Solutions

Helps business owners attract and retain the right employees. Find Out More