"Knowing that I wanted to open a photography studio was the easy part, figuring out how to do so successfully was the challenge.
The Business Basics program gave me the knowledge, guidance and confidence to take what I had learned and put it into practice."
Rachel Spiewak-Hills, Rachel Spiewak Photography

 

The First Steps
The OSEB program is restarting on April 1, 2010.

We will be holding 2 Information Sessions to begin taking applications for the program:

April 6, 2010     3pm NOTL Campus    2 spots have opened up (Apr 1st)

April 13, 2010   3pm NOTL Campus

You must register in advance for the sessions, as space is limited, and there are some documents that you must bring with you to the session in order to apply (see below).

The first step in finding out if you're eligible for this Program is to attend one of our free monthly Information Sessions. Information Sessions are currently held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 3pm at Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. Seating is limited; you must register in advance to attend.

At the session you'll be provided with detailed information about what the program involves and the eligibility requirements, and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions specific to your own situation. You can then fill out the preliminary forms required for us to check your eligibility with Employment Ontario.

You must bring a pen and the following three documents with you to the Information Session:

1.   NEW: You must bring a copy of your current EI claim status. The document is called "My Current Claim"; you can obtain a copy at your EI office, or you can click here to pull up a copy online on the Service Canada website.
2.   You will need to print out and complete a Business Concept Summary and bring it with you to the  Information Session. Click here for a copy of the form; select "File", then "Print", to print the 3-page form. Printed copies of the form are also available in our office in Rm W115 of the NOTL campus.
3.   You will also need to bring a copy of your standard resume.

For more information and to register call 905-641-2252 ext. 4456/4435. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus is located just off the QEW and Glendale Avenue, at 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Click here for a map of our location.
 Advantages of Our Program
 
Our Advisors come from real-world business backgrounds, and a number of them are Certified International Business Counsellors under the APEC-IBIZ program. Their knowledge, business counselling and mentoring skills are unmatched.
Our Business Basics Program. Business Basics provides you with the knowledge and skills that you need to operate a successful small business. Click here for details on how the Business Basics program will help you succeed.
Our Ongoing Mentoring And Counselling. Business advisors meet with each client on a monthly basis for one full year, providing business advice, coaching, guidance and support.
Additional Support in areas such as legal, financial and marketing. Business Advisors or Consultants who have expertise in those fields are available to assist your particular needs.

If You Don't Qualify or You Need to Start Quickly
 

If you're not eligible for Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB) program funding, or if you have clients lined up and need to get your business going quickly, check out our Start a Business services. We can provide you with the training you need to set up your business, and follow-up mentoring as you begin to operate. Click here to find out more information.