Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland
A Partnership
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) can assist you in the following three key business development stages: Thinking about starting a business; starting a business; and growing your business.
Embarking on the journey of starting and growing a new business demands motivation, passion, and a keen sense of talent, along with thorough research and meticulous planning. The BECN stands ready to offer invaluable business support, expert guidance, and a wealth of resources to assist you in assessing the feasibility of your business concept. 
- Free business consultations
- Business plan development and review
- Microgrants
- Business start-up and growth programs
- Marketing plan assistance
- Information and resources
- Business coaching and networking opportunities
- Business seminars and workshops
- Guidance on licenses, permits, registration and regulations required to start and build a business
Looking to start a food business?
The Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre (OAFVC), is a built-to-purpose niche food manufacturing facility located in Northumberland County in Colborne. It is a launchpad for food entrepreneurs who have outgrown their local commercial kitchen and are almost ready to construct commercial production space or begin negotiations with a co-manufacturer. The OAFVC assists farmers who need short and medium-term fresh and frozen food storage and who are looking for value-adding opportunities for their produce. The OAFVC provides food entrepreneurs with safe, clean, manufacturing and storage spaces that can help you start, grow or expand your food business.
Visit our Business Resources page for additional food entrepreneur business start-up information.
Contact the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre
216 Purdy Road, Colborne
905-355-3680
Business consultations
Business consultations are free and can provide you with the information you need to start and grow your business. Consultations typically last one hour and appointments should be made in advance by phone or email.
Business consultations are meant solely as a form of advice and direction with the concept of coaching present throughout all discussions. We encourage you to seek professional advice on legal, tax and accounting matters where necessary.
During the business consultation, this time can be used to discuss:
- Your Business Idea
- Business Start-Up Procedures
- Your Business Strengths and Weaknesses
- Your Business Viability
- Business & Marketing Plans
- Business & Marketing Plan Review
- Market Research
- Creating an Online Presence
- Social Media
- Financing Information
- Roadblocks in the Planning Process
- Expansion
Programs
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland offers business support programs for entrepreneurs in various stages and categories of business. Each program is unique and can offer business support, mentorship, education, guidance, business planning, networking and sometimes a micro-grant for further business support.
For general information on program details, eligibility and requirements please see the descriptions below.
For the status of a program, how to apply, and any further questions please contact the BECN.
- Youth in Business: My Future My Career Kids Entrepreneurship Program
- Youth in Business: Summer Company Program
- New Business: Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
- Existing Business: Starter Company Growth Program
- Existing Business: Faster Forward Business Success Program: Coaching
- Existing Business: Food & Beverage Development Group
