Relocate Your Business
Your business has a home in Kawartha Lakes.
Considering Kawartha Lakes for your business? Whether you are relocating an existing company, opening a new location or establishing a new operation, use these steps to research the market, explore locations, understand development requirements and connect with the people who can help.
1. Research Kawartha Lakes
Start by understanding the local market and how Kawartha Lakes fits your business needs.
Explore information on:
- population and demographics;
- labour force and workforce characteristics;
- major industries and sectors;
- local and regional market conditions; and
- community information for you and your employees.
Use our Market Research Tool to access data and resources that can help inform your location and investment decisions.
Looking beyond the numbers? Explore Living and Working in Kawartha Lakes to learn more about communities, education, healthcare, recreation and everyday life in Kawartha Lakes.
2. Find a Location
Finding the right property is an important part of your business relocation or expansion.
Depending on your operation, you may be looking for industrial land, an existing building, commercial space or a flexible workspace.
Economic Development can help you:
- understand different communities and employment areas;
- identify the type of location that may fit your operation;
- access available site and property information; and
- connect with local real estate and development contacts.
You can also connect with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors to explore commercial and industrial real estate listings.
For smaller businesses and entrepreneurs, coworking and flexible business spaces are also available through organizations including Launch Kawartha and the Lindsay Business Hub.
3. Understand Development Requirements
Before purchasing or leasing a property, confirm that the location can support your proposed business use and understand what municipal approvals may be required.
Depending on your project, this may include:
- zoning and permitted uses;
- planning approvals;
- site plan approval;
- building permits;
- municipal licences and applications;
- servicing and infrastructure requirements; and
- environmental or conservation requirements.
The City's Development Services team provides information on planning, zoning, building and development requirements. Kawartha Conservation can provide information on regulated areas, environmental planning and property permits where applicable.
Planning a significant development or expansion?
Connect with Economic Development early.
For eligible projects, the Development Concierge Program provides coordinated support to help businesses navigate municipal development processes and connect with the appropriate City departments.
Economic Development can help you understand the process and coordinate connections, while the appropriate regulatory departments remain responsible for applications, approvals and permits.
4. Find Business Support
Kawartha Lakes businesses can access local, provincial and federal programs and services to support investment, growth, innovation, workforce development and financing.
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre provides business advice, training and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Launch Kawartha offers business counselling, financing and support for businesses at different stages of growth.
Support varies by business size, sector and project. Explore our Business Programs and Incentives or visit our Key Industries pages for sector-specific information and resources.
5. Build Your Workforce
Access to skilled workers is an important part of choosing a business location. Kawartha Lakes and the surrounding region offer workforce, recruitment, training and post-secondary resources to help businesses find and develop talent.
Our Talent and Workforce page brings these resources together, including:
- local labour market and workforce information;
- recruitment and employment services;
- training and workforce development;
- post-secondary education and talent connections; and
- resources to help attract and retain employees.
6. Talk to Economic Development
Tell us about your project
Considering Kawartha Lakes for a new location, relocation or expansion? Connect with Economic Development early in your decision-making process.
Our team can help you:
- understand the local business environment;
- explore potential locations;
- connect with municipal departments and external partners;
- identify relevant programs, resources and funding opportunities; and
- navigate next steps as your project develops.
Whether you are beginning your location search or already have a specific property or project in mind, a conversation with our team can help you determine your next steps.
