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 Kawartha Lakes Real Estate Association 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 Thrive Coworking Community and the Lindsay Business Hub.
As you craft a complete picture of how your business fits into the region, take a break from researching the data to explore the region itself and all it has to offer for both you, your staff, and your clients.
2. Get Set Up
If your business requires physical space, verify that your choice of land or building is zoned properly for its intended use. The Development Services Department at the City of Kawartha Lakes provides zoning maps and support to submit planning applications. For additional applications, licenses, and building permit information, head over to the municipal forms section of our website where you can find everything you need in one convenient place.
Conservation and sustainability are integral to our region and a key philosophy for many local businesses. Visit Kawartha Conservation for information on local environmental planning, property permits, and landowner services.
3. Investigate Business and Economic Development Services
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC) can set you up for success! As a part of the broader economic development team at Kawartha Lakes and one of 54 small business centres across the province, the KLSBEC 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.
- The Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KL CFDC) 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.
- Kawartha Lakes' Development Concierge Program is a complementary services that supports and assists businesses with navigating the intricacies of the development application process.
- 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.
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.
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.
6. Connect with Us
You are not expected to do this alone. A thriving business sector is supported by the economic development department at the City of Kawartha Lakes. Here you can get tools and personalized attention to get your business on track. Sector specific officers are available to suit all business needs. We are accessible by email, phone, or we invite you to schedule a visit. Get in touch today!
Contact Us