If you are a small or medium business owner, use these E-Business Resources to learn about e-business, assess whether it is right for your operation and get information on implementing an e-business solution. These publications have been developed by the E-Business Unit of the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services. Files are in PDF format. The link will open a new browser window: The largest Canadian business site developed and maintained by Industry Canada. This site provides extensive information, tools and links to a wide range of business subjects including but not limited to starting a business, financing options, sector reports, export development, technology, research and development, tax considerations, e-business, franchising, government programs and services, competitive intelligence resources, patents/licensing, aboriginal business resources, management consulting links etc. As part of Industry Canada's "strategis" website, this component offers a user-friendly means of searching for a variety of financing options. Links to government and private sector financing agents include those involved with leasing, factoring, venture funds, investment dealers, export financing, Women & Rural Economic Development, Community Futures Development Corporations and others. This “Performance Plus” component of the Industry Canada website allows new and existing businesses to see how other business groupings within the province are performing in terms of cost of goods (% of sales), operating expenses/margins & net profit. “Performance Plus” business information includes those in the retail, wholesale, service & manufacturing sectors; by type of good or service (SIC codes). As an example of the types of businesses included please consider these very few: men's clothing vs. women's clothing, candy store retail, manufacturing of agricultural products, dry cleaning service, trucking, sport store etc. This information can help in identifying new business operating margins (cost of goods, expenses) or compare your existing business “benchmarks” to provincial guidelines. This is the home site of the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre, operated jointly through agreement with the federal and provincial government. This site provides critical information for new and existing businesses. Through this site, there are business information guides on a range of subjects including start-up business assessment tools, marketing, taxation, copyrights & patents, franchising, exporting, product innovation, business registration requirements etc. etc. It also provides a “help desk” if you have specific information needs and want to ask specific questions. This site is another extensive resource of business links and information. Again, the range of information is expansive with an assortment of business tools and aids to help you target your information needs with available resources. This is a must see site for those looking at innovative processes or looking to access if inventions are market ready. A variety of programs and supports are available to those seeking export opportunities. Find out who and what is available. |