Business Support Ecosystem

• Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) – A local hub that helps you start and grow your businesses with advice, planning support, and programs such as mentorship and grants.

• Local Chambers of Commerce & BIAs – Local organizations that help you grow your business through networking, advocacy, resources, and community connections.
  • Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce
  • Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce

• Business Benefits Finder – Helps businesses identify federal and provincial grants, loans, tax credits and other available supports.

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Provides financing and advisory services to help Canadian entrepreneurs grow, improve productivity and navigate change.

• Kawartha Lakes Cultural Facilities Operational Support Grant – Provides operating support to eligible cultural facilities serving the Kawartha Lakes community.

• FedDev Ontario – Supports projects that strengthen business growth, innovation, productivity and job creation across southern Ontario.

• Launch Kawartha – Provides flexible financing options, including business loans, lines of credit, equity investment and LEAP grants.

• Kawartha Lakes Local Economic Development Support Grant – Provides funding to eligible organizations undertaking projects that support local economic development.

• Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas – Helps technology-driven start-ups and businesses develop, commercialize and bring innovative ideas to market.

• Fleming College – Connects businesses with skilled talent, applied research and industry expertise through specialized research centres:
  • Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) – Helps businesses develop, test and validate innovative water and wastewater technologies.
  • Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) – Supports applied research, technology development and innovation in aquaculture production.
  • Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) – Helps businesses adopt automation, machine intelligence and integrated technologies to improve products, processes and productivity.

• Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) – Connects Ontario businesses with funding, expertise and partnerships to develop and commercialize new technologies.

• National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) – Provides advice, funding and connections to help small and medium-sized businesses develop and commercialize technology.

• Trent University – Connects businesses with research expertise, student talent and opportunities for industry and academic collaboration.

• New Canadians Centre (NCC) – Supports newcomer employment and helps local employers connect with an increasingly diverse workforce.

• VCCS Employment Services – Helps employers recruit, train and retain employees while connecting job seekers with local opportunities.

• Workforce Development Board (WBD) – Provides local labour-market information, research and partnerships that support workforce planning.

• Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA) – Connects local manufacturers through peer networking, information sharing, sector advocacy and collaborative opportunities.

• Local Chambers of Commerce – Support businesses through networking, advocacy, promotion, resources and community connections:
  • Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce
  • Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce

• Lindsay Downtown BIA – Supports downtown Lindsay businesses through promotion, events, beautification and community-building initiatives.

Explore specialized resources, programs and opportunities available to businesses working in Kawartha Lakes’ key economic sectors.

• Advanced Manufacturing – Information and connections for manufacturers looking to grow, adopt technology, strengthen their workforce or access new markets.

• Agriculture, Food and Agri-business – Resources and support for farms, food producers, processors and businesses across the agricultural supply chain.

• Creative and Cultural Industries – Programs, resources and opportunities for artists, cultural organizations and creative businesses.

• Innovation – Support for entrepreneurs and businesses developing new technologies, products, services and processes.

• Tourism – Resources for tourism operators looking to strengthen their business, develop visitor experiences and connect with destination marketing opportunities.

Not sure where to start? Contact Economic Development and we'll help connect you with the right organization.