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Starting a business

If you’re ready to get started on a business idea, the following steps will help set you up for success!

  1. Visit the Government of Canada’s starting a business web page for steps to consider before operating a business in Canada.
  2. Find support for your business to see which local organizations can best assist you with information, business planning, employee recruitment and relevant funding.
  3. Determine what type of business license you will need and how to apply.
  4. View the Ministry of Labour's Small Business Resources for free resources and tools on responsibilities
  5. Connect with the Town’s Economic Development Officer to let us know what your business offers and ways in which we can support you. This helps us keep an eye out for relevant grants and business opportunities for your sector.

Relocating your business

If your business is new to Huntsville, the following steps aim to help with your transition and get engaged with the business community!

  1. Before you buy or lease property for your business, check the Town of Huntsville zoning by-law on the interactive map. This will help make sure that you can use it for the purpose of your business and determine the type of business licence required.
  2. Connect with the Town’s Economic Development Officer to let us know what your business offers and ways in which we can support you. This helps us keep an eye out for relevant grants and business opportunities for your sector.
  3. Visit the Business Support page to see local resources and contacts you should connect with in the community

Promoting your new or relocated business

  1. Stay up-to-date on funding programs, promotions and event opportunities in the community by following these accounts on social media: Town of Huntsville, District of Muskoka, Downtown Huntsville BIA, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Muskoka Tourism, Explorers’ Edge, The Great Canadian Wilderness, Muskoka Futures, Parry Sound Community Network, Muskoka Small Business Centre
  2. Become a Huntsville BIA and/or Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce member to stay in the loop on business events, programs, promotions and supports.
  3. Look into memberships with Muskoka Tourism and Explorers’s Edge for promotions and marketing opportunities and sign up for their e-newsletters. Often times e-newsletters will include info about current regional promotions and advertising opportunities.
  4. Get active on social media! – Follow and engage with fellow businesses. Use relevant hashtags and geo-tags so users come across your business profile.