Relocate Your Business

Your business has a home in Kawartha Lakes.

Whether you are considering relocating your business or starting a new company in Kawartha Lakes, there is a lot to sift through. We are going to break it down step-by-step, so you have what you need to get started and successfully grow.

1. Do Your Research

Thriving local businesses begin with being prepared and making decisions based on up-to-date information. Through the Kawartha Lakes Market Research Tool you can access insights on the local business climate including labour force, costs, and incentives. To scout locations, connect with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors where experts intimately familiar with the region can help you explore available real estate to suit your business. Depending on your needs, you may want to take advantage of the coworking spaces popping up around our community such as Launch Kawartha and the Lindsay Business Hub.

As you craft a complete picture of how your business fits into the community, take a break from researching the data to explore the community itself and all it has to offer for both you, your staff, and your clients.

3. Investigate Business and Economic Development Services

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) can set you up for success! As a part of the broader economic development team at Kawartha Lakes, the KLSBC helps you navigate the small business economy. Support is available to businesses at any stage of growth and we provide tailored advice, information, training, and programs. 

There are many resources to meet your needs, customized to your business sector and size.

• Kawartha Lakes' Development Concierge Program is a complementary services that supports and assists businesses with navigating the intricacies of the development application process.
• Launch Kawartha offers funding options and business counseling in the areas of innovation, space, growth, and capital.
• The regional Innovation Cluster supports entrepreneurs and their technology-driven companies. With business incubator locations, boot camps, and mentorship, allow them to guide and connect your start-up to find the best path to market.
• The Business Development Bank of Canada is focused on small and medium-sized enterprises providing entrepreneurs with financing, advisory services, and capital.
• Agriculture remains one of the region’s key areas of economic development and businesses are encouraged to learn about the Government of Ontario’s financial assistance for the agri-food sector.
• The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade offers funding opportunities in addition to incentives for employers and small business support.
• It’s not all about looks…. but it doesn’t hurt. The Million Dollar Makeover is a local program made up of ten funding opportunities designed to improve the visual and functional aspects of eligible properties.
• With an eye to nurturing the innovative and creative manufacturing industry that has developed from the region’s historical strength in this sector, the Kawartha Manufacturing Association is a vital driver of local economic growth. 

Visit our business resources page for more business and economic support programs.

4. Get the Right People

Skilled staff can add huge value to your business. There are local services that can help you research the labour market, recruit team members, and identify employer incentives and training.

• Fleming Employment Hub
• New Canadian Centre
• VCCS Employment Services
• Workforce Development Board

Post-secondary schools are also a great source of highly trained workers ready to take on new challenges. Visit the school career centre sites for more information.

• Trent University
• Fleming College
• Durham College
• Ontario Tech University

If you are on the hunt for seasonal workers or considering business locations to suit staff with parental responsibilities, you can find more information about elementary and secondary schools from the local school boards.

5. Connect to the Community

By relocating to Kawartha Lakes, you will find a wonderfully supportive business community where challenges are faced together, and success is celebrated. Membership in a local chamber of commerce offers you networking and professional development opportunities along with advocacy and marketing support. Browse the local chambers to connect with new customers, forge new partnerships and receive member discounts.

Our popular events calendar is another way to link you or your business to the community. With opportunities to promote products or services, or sponsor events to grow your brand recognition, there is no shortage of ways to build your local presence. 

Are you new to Canada? Perhaps you are exploring affordable smaller communities with great access to an educated workforce, large urban centres, and a relaxed lifestyle. You will want to connect with the New Canadians Centre who can support you, your family, and your business as you adjust to Kawartha Lakes.