Starting a Business in Hamilton: Guide to Resources Last Update: March 2012 This guide’s focus is on business supports available by not‐for‐profit agencies and government‐ funded services. There are many other supports that can help people start and run a business, such as language training, financial literacy courses, and credentials recognition. This guide is for information only. It is not an endorsement.
Thinking of starting a business? Starting a business is a big step! Make sure you don’t waste your time and your money on a business idea that doesn’t work. If you are thinking of starting a business: visit the Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre (interpretation services are available) to learn about resources and seminars you can take
take your time and do your research – don’t be in a hurry to start your business
learn about Canadian businesses in your area of interest by working as an employee and finding another business owner in your field who will mentor you
upgrade your language and training if needed
build your local networks by
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attending events at the Chamber of Commerce
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visiting the Small Business Enterprise Centre
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visiting workplaces that interest you
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meeting people outside of your own immigrant community wherever you can
create a business plan, but know that it is likely to change over time
About WISE5 The Winning Strategies for Immigrant Entrepreneurship project (Wise5) built on a partnership of local Workforce Planning Boards in five communities: Hamilton, London, Niagara Region, Windsor, and Waterloo Region, including Guelph. To learn about the experiences of immigrants in business, we interviewed more than 100 individuals in these communities, including immigrant entrepreneurs, to identify key business supports and business start‐up trajectories that have met with success.