About Our Services
What is the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC)?
The Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) is a free small business support centre serving entrepreneurs and business owners across St. Thomas and Elgin County. We offer one-on-one business advisory services, training workshops, mentorship connections, and access to funding programs, all at no cost to you. Our work is funded through provincial and local partnerships, and we are part of Ontario's provincial network of Small Business Enterprise Centres, which means you have access to both local expertise and a broader support system.
Who can use your services?
Our services are available to anyone who lives or operates a business in St. Thomas or Elgin County and is interested in starting, buying, growing, or improving a small business. Whether you have a fully formed business plan or just the beginning of an idea, we are here to help.
What qualifies as a small business?
A small business is generally defined as having fewer than 100 employees. We primarily work with micro and small businesses, including sole proprietors, startups, and businesses with fewer than 10 employees. If your business is growing beyond that scale, we may also be able to connect you with additional support through our parent organization, the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation.
Are your services only for new businesses or startups?
Not at all. We support entrepreneurs at every stage of business, including established businesses that are looking to grow, pivot, hire, expand, or work through a specific challenge. If your business is facing a transition or a new opportunity, we can help you think it through.
Do I need to have a business already to work with you?
No. Many of the people we work with come to us before they have registered a business or even settled on a final idea. We work with you wherever you are in the process, from exploring an early concept to managing a growing operation.
How Much do Your Services Cost?
Most of our services are free, including one-on-one consultations, advisory sessions, and many of our training and workshop opportunities. Some programs may have specific eligibility requirements, but there is no cost simply to meet with an advisor and get started.
What happens during a business consultation?
A consultation is a conversation. We will talk through your goals, your challenges, and where you want to go, then connect you with the resources, programs, and support that make the most sense for your situation. There is no pressure and no set agenda. You can come with a specific question or just a general sense that you could use some guidance.
Can you write my business plan for me?
We cannot write your business plan for you, but we can do a lot to help you build one you feel confident in. We offer guidance, templates, feedback, and coaching throughout the process. The business plan needs to reflect your vision and your voice, and we are here to support you in developing it.
Starting A Business
I have a business idea but I'm not sure where to start. Can you help?
Yes, and this is exactly the kind of conversation we love to have. We can help you assess your idea, understand what is required to get started, research your market, identify potential customers, and build a realistic roadmap for launching. You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out.
Do I need to register my business before meeting with an advisor?
No. Many people connect with us before they have chosen a business structure or completed any formal registration. We can help you understand your options and decide what makes sense for your situation.
Can you help me understand the licences, permits, and regulations that apply to my business?
Yes. Navigating business regulations can feel overwhelming, and requirements vary a lot depending on your industry and location. We can help you identify what may apply to your business and connect you with the right municipal, provincial, or federal resources to move forward.
Can you help me find out if my business idea is actually viable?
Yes. Viability is one of the most important things to explore early, and we can walk through it with you. We will look at your target market, your competition, your pricing approach, and your overall business model to help you get a realistic picture of your opportunity.
Funding and Grants
Do you offer grants for small businesses?
We administer select grant programs throughout the year, including entrepreneurship grant opportunities when available. Eligibility requirements vary by program and intake. Getting in touch with our team is the best way to find out what is currently available and whether you may qualify. For more information about the grant programs we administer on behalf of the province of Ontario, please visit our Programs page.
Can you help me find funding for my small business?
Yes. We can help you identify grants, loans, and financing programs that may be a fit for your business stage and goals. While we do not provide loans directly, we can connect you with programs and lenders that might be right for you.
Can you guarantee that I will receive funding?
No. Funding decisions are made by program administrators and external funders, and approval is never guaranteed. What we can do is help you put together the strongest possible application and make sure you are presenting your business clearly and compellingly.
Programs
What is Starter Company Plus?
Starter Company Plus is a provincially funded program offering training, one-on-one mentorship, and grant funding for eligible entrepreneurs who are looking to start, purchase, or expand a small business. Program intakes are competitive and happen periodically throughout the year. If you are interested, we recommend connecting with us early so you can prepare a strong application.
What is Summer Company?
Summer Company is a program designed for eligible students who want to start and run a business over the summer months. Participants receive hands-on training, mentorship, and funding support. It is a meaningful way to experience entrepreneurship with real guidance and a lower level of personal financial risk.
How do I know if I am eligible for a program?
Eligibility varies depending on the program, including factors like residency, age, business stage, and employment status. The easiest way to find out is to reach out to our team directly. We will ask you a few questions and let you know what fits.
Working with our Team
How often can I meet with a business advisor?
There is no set limit on how often you can connect with an advisor. The frequency is shaped by your needs and advisor availability. Some clients meet with us regularly over a period of months, while others come in for a single focused session. We are here for however much support is useful to you.
Can you connect me with other professionals or resources?
Yes. Part of what we do is connect entrepreneurs with the right people. That might include local mentors, industry experts, legal or financial professionals, community partners, or other business support organizations. Our goal is to make sure you are not navigating things alone.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments, so you can choose what works best for you.
How do I book an appointment with the SBEC?
You can book an appointment through our website or by contacting our office directly. We would love to hear from you.