Starting a new business can be a rewarding experience, possibly one with many risks and plenty of unknowns. The success of any business initiative is usually tied very closely to the level and sophistication of pre-planning and is often closely linked to the effort put into developing a realistic and responsible business plan. For those individuals with limited experience in developing business plans and effective marketing plans, consulting services are available in Belleville at no cost to the individual.

Small Business Centre

The Small Business Centre is located on the campus of Loyalist College and is a service provided by the City of Belleville for the Hastings, Lennox & Addington (Napanee satellite office) and Prince Edward County region. Developed as a partnership between the City and the Ontario Ministry of Small Business & Consumer Services, the office offers one-stop shopping for people seeking information on starting a small business. Staff provide guidance to entrepreneurs as they work their way through the process of starting a small business, up to and including expanding that business. Consultations are set up by appointment. The office also provides periodic seminars and workshops on issues such as business planning, marketing and record keeping. The office maintains a broad selection of pamphlets and booklets, books and magazines, directories and guidebooks, to assist in investigating and learning about business issues. Computer services are provided free-of-charge to enable entrepreneurs to write business plans and complete any other work needed in initiating a new enterprise. The office also has services to enable individuals to search and register their new business with the Province of Ontario.

Trenval Business Development Corporation

Trenval Business Development Corporation, also located in the Quinte Business Development Centre on the campus of Loyalist College, is a non-profit organization funded by Industry Canada with a mandate to provide counselling services to assist an individual in developing a business proposal. Assistance is provided in business plan preparation, marketing plans, cash flow projections and management procedures. Individual counselling services are available by appointment, at no charge. In concert with HRDC, Trenval offers the Self Employment Benefit program that would be of interest to currently unemployed persons who have an idea for a new business. As Trenval also provides business loans, individuals can receive extensive support from Trenval in developing and starting a new business.