Business and Resources

Resources for starting your business
Rural business organizations
Rural association partnership program
Public Private Partnerships (P3’s)
Procurement opportunities (bids and tenders)

Resources for starting your business

• BizPaL is an online, one-stop service for entrepreneurs that simplifies the process of finding information on business permits and licences from all levels of government - federal, provincial, and municipal. Simply answer a series of questions to obtain a list of permits and licences specific to your business activities, which includes basic information and links to more details where available.
• The City of Ottawa has compiled a list of resources and contact information for starting and growing your business.
• The Ministry of Government Services Web site also provides comprehensive information on starting a new business and how you can register a new business.
• If you are planning to operate a business in the City of Ottawa, you may require a municipal business licence. Refer to the business licensing page for more information and an application form.
• The Ottawa Home Based Business Guide was created by the City in partnership with the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) Entrepreneurship Centre to assist entrepreneurs looking to start a home-based business, as well as for existing home-based business owners looking for additional resources.

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Rural business organizations

There are a variety of key organizations and associations that assist rural businesses in the marketing and promotion of the larger agricultural and tourism sectors.

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Rural association partnership program

The Rural Association Partnership Program is designed as one common funding program with a total budget of $75,000 to support the rural economy by providing funding for rural business organizations, fairs and farmers markets. Funding is project based with a defined beginning and end, and measurable outcomes.

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Public Private Partnerships (P3’s)

Public-Private Partnerships (P3’s) are contracts between government and private-sector partners that use creative approaches to enable the design, building, financing, operation and/or maintenance of facilities that serve the public. Sometimes, City of Ottawa P3’s involves federal and/or provincial government partners. P3 approaches enable the City to offer residents new or better facilities that it could not afford to undertake on its own, or that it does not have the specialized skills to undertake.

For more information, refer to About Public Private Partnerships.

Review the listing of existing Public Private Partnerships including the new West Carleton Community Complex.

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Procurement opportunities (bids and tenders)

The City's Supply Management Division administers purchasing activities in accordance with
the City of Ottawa Purchasing By-law and established policies and procedures to ensure:

• The competitive process is cost effective and used whenever possible
• Fair, open and equitable treatment to all suppliers
• Best value for taxpayer dollars
• Conformity with the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT), and the Ontario-Quebec Procurement Agreement (OQPA)

For detailed information on procurement opportunities, refer to the Bids and Tenders page.

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