Partners
Community Partners
Ajax Economic Development Office
The Ajax EDO understands what businesses expect and deserve, and operate like a business. As the first fully-registered ISO municipality in North America, they have an operating procedure for virtually every service that the Town delivers to businesses, residents and visitors. The services from the Ajax EDI are proactive, prompt, consistent, reliable, and meet international standards.
Address: 65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON L1S 2H9
Telephone: 905-619-2529
Email: priority@townofajax.com
1Community1
1COMMUNITY1 is focused on the value of an individual’s role within a community as well as the importance of a community that is connected. The 1COMMUNITY1 social networking solution encourages bi-directional communication for citizen, business and government and offers valuable tools for growth and expansion.
Citizens, business and government will have the opportunity to participate in the 1COMMUNITY1 social networking solution on-line, using the 1COMMUNITY1 platform and in the real-world, through interaction with the 1COMMUNITY1 (1C1) Magazine and 1C1 Centre.
It is vital for everyone to feel a part of the community where they reside by contributing to its achievements and success. The 1COMMUNITY1 platform will support the connections necessary to uphold these relationships, reinforcing the value of local community.
Contact: Kevin Craddock
Telephone: 905-233-2033
Email: KCraddock@1COMMUNITY1.ca
Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Address: 144 Old Kingston Road, Suite 3, Ajax, ON L1T 2Z9
Contact: Iris Nicolaison
Telephone: 905-686-0883
Email: admin@apboardoftrade.com
Brock Youth Centre
Address: 33 Cameron Street East, Cannington, ON L0E 1E0
Contact:
Telephone: 705-432-2444
Clarington Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development
CBOT is well positioned to help you connect with many strategic partners that can help you achieve your business goals. Watch for new programming with the Business Advisory Centre in Durham working with a mandate to help start up companies to get their ideas off the ground. In addition CBOT will be starting programming with the SPARK Centre/DSEA in Durham who will be helping existing businesses in growth mode strategically identify markets, partners and funding sources.
Address: 54 King Street East, Unit 102, Bowmanville, ON L1C 1N3
Contact: Sheila Hall
Telephone: 905.623.3106
Email: info@cbot.ca
Business Advisory Centre Durham
The BACD strives to inspire entrepreneurs to #DoItInDurham! We launch and grow successful business within the mainstream economy in the Region of Durham. Mainstream businesses account for 85% of Canada’s economy. We guide our clients to increase their chance of success and survival through providing advice, education and tools to incorporate into their business. By helping our clients be successful, we create economic wealth through job creation and retention.
The BACD offers no cost, one on one professional advice, low cost workshops and other specialized services. They support Summer Company and Starter Company, exclusive government funded entrepreneurship programs for youth aged 15 – 29.
Address: 3000 Garden Street, Whitby, ON L1R
Contact: Teresa Shaver
Telephone: 905-668-4949
Email: tshaver@bacd.ca
Community Innovation Lab
The Community Innovation Lab is where entrepreneurs go for cutting edge, unique
training programs to help take their business to the next level. Whether you
have a start-up or an established business, Community Innovation Lab programs
can help. We are funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Centres of
Excellence and other community partners. The programs are free to attend for all
accepted applicants.
The Community Innovation Lab was founded by Pramilla Ramdahani with the vision
of an organization designed to equip people with opportunities to create
(entrepreneurial projects), experience (immersive work placements) and transform
(communities through the creation of world changing projects).
Address: 600 Rossland Road West, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1J 3E6
The Co-iLab Hub is located in the southwest wing of Monsignor Paul Dwyer
Catholic High School.
Contact: Skanda Skanthavarthan
Telephone: 905-576-6112
Email: ideas@communityilab.ca
Cobourg Business & Tourism Centre
Address: 212 King Street West Cobourg, ON K9A 2N1
Contact: Kevin Narraway
Telephone: 905.372.5481
Email: knarraway@cobourg.ca
Durham Region Economic Development
One of the key goals of the Economic Development and Tourism Division is to attract new foreign direct investment to the Region of Durham. By working with municipal, regional, provincial and federal partners, the Region promotes its value proposition to businesses in key sectors in priority markets. The primary activity of the Investment Attraction team is to generate and handle investment inquiries, and to convert these into successful investment within the Region.
Address: 605 Rossland Road East, Planning Division Section, 5th Floor Whitby, ON L1N 6A3
Contact: Kasia Chojecki
Telephone: 905-668-7711
Email:
Durham Home and Small Business Association
Address: Abilities Centre, 55 Gordon St, Whitby, ON L1N 0J2
Contact: Stefan Hettich
Telephone: 905-925-1895
Email: membership@dhsba.com
Core21
Occupying a workspace at CORE21 will provide members with an affordable opportunity to present themselves and their initiatives in a contemporary business centre environment, complete with high-end finishes, a welcoming reception area, and a variety of shared amenities including access to WI/FI technology, formal meeting spaces and informal gathering areas, a fully equipped communications (copy) centre and lounge areas. Imagine all of this coupled with what could be the greatest benefit of all – the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations looking to share industry insights and ideas.
Address: 21 Simcoe Street South Oshawa, ON L1H 7L9
Telephone: 905.725.6737
Email: info@core21.ca
Gaming & Entrepreneurship Lab - GEL
GEL works with world-class experts to give you the competitive edge—and not just in gaming. The lab can support advanced research and consumer behavioural analysis and generate insights for just about any new product in development.
Address: 260 Peter Street Port Hope, ON L1A 3V6
Contact: Thomas Coughlan
Telephone: 905.885.0303
Email: info@gamingla.ca
Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber will constructively influence governments in support of our members and businesses. The Chamber will also provide the resources necessary to ensure proper levels of member services to foster member involvement in the community through the Chamber.
Address: 44 Richmond Street West, Suite 100, Oshawa, ON L1G 1C7
Contact: Nancy Shaw
Telephone: 905-728-1683
Email: info@oshawachamber.com
Northumberland Business Advisory Centre
The BACN are part of a network of 46 Small Business Enterprise Centres operating in 56 locations throughout Ontario.
The BACN is the “Source for Small Business Expertise” offering a full scope of services that will facilitate business startup and expansion. Most services are at no cost to users.
Address: 600 William Street, Suite 200, Cobourg, ON K9A 3A5
Contact: Rob Day
Telephone: 905.372.9279
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation - NCFDC
Address: 600 William Street, Suite 600 Cobourg, Ontario K9A 3A5
Telephone: 905.372.8315
Email: info@nortthumberlandcfdc.ca
Oshawa Economic Development Services
Address: 50 Centre Street South Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Telephone: 905.436.5617
Email: business@oshawa.ca
Pickering Economic Development
Address: One The Esplanade, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
Telephone: 905-420-4625
Scugog Chamber of Commerce
Address: 237 Queen Street, PO Box 1282, Port Perry, ON L9L 1A0
Contact: Kenna Kozak
Telephone: 905-985-4971
Spark Centre
Spark Centre provides free advisory services to early stage or growing innovation and technology companies. Executive coaching, functional advisory, co-location, incubation and day to day operational support are just a few of the services available. The Spark Centre is a member of ONE, Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs.
Address: The Loft, 21 Simcoe Street South Oshawa, ON L1H 4G1
Telephone: 905.432.3999
Email: info@sparkcentre.org
Spark Angels
Primarily, focusing on firms in the Durham-Northumberland area, the Spark Angel Investment Network enables high net worth individuals to allocate a small proportion (3%, 5%, 7% ?) of their investable assets into a diversified (self-selected) portfolio of early-stage ventures. Becoming a ‘member’ will be of interest to those looking to allocate $25k+ per year to a mix of such private-equity opportunities.
Address: Ajax Business Center, 274 Mackenzie Ave, Ajax, ON L1S 2E9
Contact: Malcolm MacTaggart
Telephone: 905.754.0550
Email: info@sparkangels.ca
South Lake Community Futures Development Corporation
Address: 183 The Queensway South, Keswick, ON L4P 2A3
Contact: Susan Martin
Telephone: 905-476-1244
Email: smtmartin@bellnet.ca
Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce
Address: 2 Campbell Drive, Ste 810, Uxbridge, ON, L9P 0A3
Contact: Angela Horne
Telephone: 905-852-2632
Email: info@uxcc.ca
Whitby Economic Development
- Business retention and expansion: includes corporate calls with existing businesses and the real estate community.
- Investment attraction: includes meeting with potential investors and site selectors and developing customized business cases.
- Marketing: includes developing and maintaining the choosewhitby.ca website and other online marketing materials (e.g. community profile, newsletter, business directory).
- Small business support: includes providing information to start-up or established companies and introduce them to business support organizations or programs that may be of assistance.
- Economic development studies: includes any strategic planning or target sector research projects.
Address: 416 Centre Street South, Whitby, ON
Contact: Daniel Van Kampen
Email: ecdev@whitby.ca
Twitter: @WhitbyEcDev
Whitby Chamber of Commerce
By connecting local businesses, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce fosters a thriving business community through connection, learning and leadership.
The Whitby Chamber facilitates multiple ways to reach out to the business community. Hosting more than 20 events, at which you can meet other local professionals, establish solid relationships, develop business leads, or simply unwind after hours. Review our list of members online, network through social media, and keep up to date on what’s happening within the Chamber through the weekly eConnect.
The Whitby Chamber has developed a strong professional development program to keep you at the top of your game.
The Whitby Chamber of Commerce acts on behalf of its members as a dominant voice within the business community, advocating for legislative and policy change. It drives local economic growth and professional development, serving a variety of sectors and company sizes.
Address: 128 Brock St. South, Whitby, ON L1N 4J8
Telephone: 905-852-2632
Email: info@whitbychamber.org
Community Futures Ontario East
Address: 270 George Street North, 2nd Floor, Peterborough, ON K9J 3H1
Telephone: 705.741.1980
Email: info@cfontarioeast.ca
Academic Partners
Durham College
FastStart DC helps students create solid business plans that take their products and services to market – quickly and successfully.
Address: 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Contact: Lindsey Jeremiah
Telephone: 905.721.2000 x. 3578
Email: FastStartDC@durhamcollege.ca
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
Address: 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4
Contact: Jeffrey Peng
Student Liaison Officer
Brilliant Entrepreneurship
Telephone: 905.721.8668 x 6522
Email: jeffrey.peng@uoit.ca=
Contact: David Pamenter, LLB
Executive in Residence
Brilliant Entrepreneurship
Telephone: 416.624.4954
Email: davidpamenter@gmail.com
Junior Achievement
Address: 133 Richmond Street West, Suite 405, Toronto, ON M5H 2L3
Telephone: 416-360-5252
Email: info@jacentralontario.org
Provincial and Federal Resources/Partners
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Contact: Sayeed Hai
Address: 400 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON, L1N 2M7
Telephone: 888-463-6232
Email: sayeed.hai@bdc.ca
Canada Business
Address: 4th Floor, 151 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W7
Telephone: 888-576-4444 or 416-775-3456
Email: COEF@ontario.ca
Canadian Commercial Corporation CCC
Address: 350 Albert Street, Suite 700, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S6
Telephone: 613-996-0034
Email: communications@ccc.ca
Canadian Federation of Independent Business CFIB
We have our finger on the pulse of any issues affecting the full range of enterprises in Canada, from one-person, home-based businesses to firms employing hundreds of people. Through regular polling of our membership, we are privy to an up-to-date, firsthand perspective regarding the state of the economy, as well as their feedback concerning what changes need to be made to government policies.
Address: 401-4141 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M2P 2A6
Telephone: 888-234-2232 or 416-222-8022
Email: msont@cfib.ca
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters CME
Address: 55 Standish Court, Suite 620, Mississauga, ON L5R 4B2
Telephone: 905-672-3466
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Provides useful links to programs and services for Canadian businesses that require information about exporting internationally.
Telephone: 888-306-9991
Email: enqserv@international.gc.ca
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium EMC
Telephone: 866-323-4362
Email: info@emccanada.org
Export Development Canada EDC
Contact: Surbhi Agarwal
Address: 155 Wellington Street West Suite 3120, Toronto, ON M5V 3L3
Telephone: 416.349.6515
Email: sagarwal@edc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Through Budget 2013, the Agency was renewed with an additional five-year mandate, beginning in April 2014, to help create and grow businesses, cultivate partnerships and build strong communities across southern Ontario.
The funding initiatives below are intended for for-profit businesses including small- and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and multinational enterprises.
Address: 143 Simcoe Street, Peterborough, Ontario, K9H 0A3
Telephone: 866-593-5505
Futurpreneur Canada
Address:133 Richmond Street West Suite 700, Toronto, ON M5H 2L3
Telephone: 800-464-2923
Email: loans@futurpreneur.ca
Global Affairs Canada
- Ensure a close link between defence policy, foreign policy and national security.
- Revitalize Canada’s public diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and cooperation with partners in Canada and abroad.
- Reenergize Canadian diplomacy and leadership on key international issues and in multilateral institutions.
- Increase Canada’s educational and cultural interaction with the world.
Address:125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0G2
Telephone: 800-267-8376
Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada ISED
Innovation, Science and Economic Development 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.
This includes managing Canada’s airwaves and overseeing its bankruptcy, incorporation, intellectual property and measurement systems; providing financing and industry research tools to help business develop, import and export; encouraging scientific research; and protecting and promoting the interests of Canadian consumers.
Address:125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0G2
Telephone: 800-328-6189
Ministry of Economic Development and Growth MEDG
Address: 8th Floor, Hearst Block, 900 Bay Street, Toronto Ontario M7A 2E1
Telephone: 800-268-7095
National Research Council NRC
Address: 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg M-58, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6
Telephone: 877-672-2672
Email: info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Office of Small and Medium Enterprises OSME
- Buyandsell.gc.ca which provides access to federal procurement information and open data including bid opportunities (tenders), standing offers and supply arrangements, and contract history;
- free seminars and webinars and one-on-one sessions to assist suppliers in understanding federal procurement;
- a 1-800 InfoLine for suppliers who have questions about the procurement process and related tools.
OSME also manages the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP), which assists Canadian businesses in testing their innovative goods and services before they are commercialized. For more information on BCIP, visit Buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation.
OSME assists the government in bridging the gap between supply and demand by bringing forward the concerns and challenges of SMEs in the federal procurement process.
Contact: Landry Kayembe
Address: 11 Laurier Street, Phase III, Place du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0S5
Telephone: 800-926-9105
Email: ont.osme-bpme@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca
Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre
OSME assists the government in bridging the gap between supply and demand by bringing forward the concerns and challenges of SMEs in the federal procurement process.
Address: 116 Industrial Park Road North PO Box 795 Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Telephone: 905.355.3680
Ontario Centres of Excellence
In partnership with industry, OCE co-invests to commercialize innovation originating in the province’s publicly funded colleges, universities and research hospitals. We also support and invest in early-stage projects, where the probability of commercial success and potential total return on innovation are substantial. Another expanding focus for OCE is the development of the next generation of innovators through our entrepreneurship fellowships and programs for students and youth across Ontario.
Our efforts are focused on sectors of the economy with the greatest potential to drive Ontario’s future prosperity and global competitiveness: energy and environment (including water); advanced manufacturing; advanced health technologies; and information, communications technologies and digital media.
A trusted partner of government in program delivery, we are committed to advancing a whole-of-government approach as a means of streamlining funding application processes for companies and entrepreneurs.
Contact: Dan Ruby
Address: 21 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, ON L1H 4G1
Telephone: 416-861-1092 x3249
Email: dan.ruby@oce-ontario.org
Ontario Chamber of Commerce OCC
Address: 116 Industrial Park Road North PO Box 795 Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Telephone: 905.355.3680
Service Canada
Telephone: 800-277-9914
Statistics Canada
In addition to conducting a Census every five years, there are about 350 active surveys on virtually all aspects of Canadian life.
Telephone: 800-263-1136
Yves Landry Foundation
Address: 10 Four Seasons Place, Suite 602, Toronto, ON M9B 6H7
Telephone: 866-232-4411
Community Groups
Ajax-Pickering Toastmasters Club
Address: 1675 Montgomery Park Road, Pickering ON L1W 3C7
Email: vppr-5425@toastmasters.org
Brooklin Downtown Business Association BDBA
Telephone: 905.655.3723
Durham Region Farm Fresh
Address: 237 Queen Street, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B9
Telephone: 905.427.1512
Email: info@durhamfarmfresh.ca
Durham Construction Association
The Durham Construction Association has been providing essential services, successfully meeting the needs of its members. The DCA membership is represented by companies dedicated to providing materials and workmanship of the highest quality and standards. This web site contains an extensive list of experienced contractors, manufacturers & suppliers, and allied services.
Address: 2001 Thickson Road South, Whitby, Ontario L1N 6J3
Telephone: 905.728.3391
Email: dca@on.aibn.com
BNI Synergy Durham Ontario
Address:15 Harmony Road N, Oshawa, ON
Telephone: 905-725-8463
Business & Professional Women’s Club of Durham - BPW Durham
Our aims and objectives are to:
- Provide opportunities for business and professional women to network together, promote their businesses, professions and special interests in our community.
- Provide opportunities for professional and personal development.
- Provide opportunities to develop leadership skills.
- Improve the status of women in business, the professions and in industry.
- Be a strong advocate for women’s issues
- Encourage women to think internationally and gain an appreciation of women’s issues around the world.
- Support young women to become strong and confident leaders in our community.
BPW Durham meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month (from September to June). Please see Events for more information on the next meeting.
For more information about Membership and costs, please see our How to Join Page.
Address: 1355 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON L1V 6P7
Durham Region Toastmasters Club
By learning to effectively formulate, organize and express your ideas to others, you can achieve all kinds of success. You’ll be more capable and confident when giving presentations. You’ll be more persuasive when pitching prospective clients. Want to be better at negotiating your salary with your boss? Networking at business or social functions? Motivating co-workers – or your kids?
Telephone:905-668-7711 ext. 2324
Durham Sustain Ability DSA
Durham Sustain Ability is an environmental not-for-profit and social enterprise that supports individuals, organizations and communities on the path to a sustainable future.
Our Mission: Provide awareness, training, and implementation support services driving environmental and economic benefits for Durham Region organizations and residents in concert with our partners and alliances.
Our Vision: Enable Durham Region’s transformation into a world-class community in environmental conservation which will attract sustainability-conscious organizations and residents.
Our Values and Culture: We describe our values and culture as professional, business-minded, passionate (committed to making a difference), optimistic, pragmatic, trustworthy, credible and dedicated to providing our clients with the best knowledge, advice, and support we can to help them make informed choices.
Address: 105 Consumers Dr., Whitby, ON L1N 1C4
Telephone: 905.985.3279
Email: info@sustain-ability.ca
Durham Contact Business Exchange Club
DCBE members grow their business using the oldest and most productive form of business development: personal contact, networking and word-of-mouth. We all have the same goal – to create and maintain a successful business. By working with other like-minded entrepreneurs, you will uncover new prospects, clients and ultimately business revenue. Business connections, friends and contacts will be yours for less than 2 hours a month. Make DCBE a strategic part of your marketing.
Telephone: 905.985.3279
Durham Business Outsource
Durham Business Outsource, a network of professional consultants providing business development and support services for residential, SO/HO, small and medium-sized companies.
Address: 77 Linton Avenue, Ajax, Ontario L1T 2V5
Telephone: 905-683-5245
Email: info@dbo.ca
