The Niagara Falls Business Development Department (BDD) is the economic development arm for the City of Niagara Falls. The BDD is committed to promoting Niagara Falls as an outstanding location to conduct business. A facilitator between the private sector and various levels of government, the BDD provides an effective resource centre where businesses may find support and assistance. The mandate of the BDD is to provide relevant information on a confidential basis, which will assist potential investors in their decision-making process, concerning location or expansion of operations in Niagara Falls. The BDD provides an array of services, many of which are listed below:
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Community Profile information (Demographics, Services, Education, Lifestyle, etc.) Business Ombudsman Services - Working for Niagara Falls’ Businesses Niagara Falls Business Network Contacts for Investments, Joint Ventures, Suppliers etc. Network with the Real Estate Brokers, Representatives and Developers regarding available building and vacant land inventory Direction and coordination to key tourism/economic development and major special events ie: Winter Festival of Lights, Small Business Seminars, etc. Preparation and implementation of other City-sponsored major events Coordination of City’s public relations image and efforts Entrepreneurial Assistance and Advice An extensive small business information kiosk with such relevant material as, “Steps in Starting a Business in Ontario”
Niagara Falls Business Development Department staff provide numerous helpful business-related services. The City is proud to present the service of “one-stop shopping” for interested investors, developers, or entrepreneurs. This one-stop business centre approach is designed to reduce duplication of services, provide expedient, accurate information, and advice to people interested in the Niagara Falls business community. For additional information or to arrange an appointment, please contact: Serge Felicetti, Director of Business Development - email - sfelicetti@niagarafalls.ca Wendy Canavan, Economic Development Officer - email - wcanavan@niagarafalls.ca Lydia Waters, Office Secretary - email - lwaters@niagarafalls.ca Jessica Potts, Small Business Consultant - email -jpotts@niagarafalls.ca Niagara Falls Business Development Department City of Niagara Falls P.O. Box 1023, 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Tel: (905) 356-7521 ext 5000 Fax: (905) 357-9293 email: bdd@niagarafalls.ca Homepage - www.niagarafalls.ca
Niagara Falls, Canada • Community Profile
Business Services • 1
Niagara Falls Area Small Business Enterprise Centre
Business Information and Consultation Ontario
Business Enterprise Centre
Reference Library Our Role
The Niagara Falls Area Small Business Enterprise Centre, in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, is the city’s one-stop shop for information and advice on starting or expanding a small business. Resources available through the office include: • business name registration • reference library • business consultations • public-access computer workstation • business seminars • research assistance • business databases Our reference library contains all the information you need to start or expand your business. You will find information pamphlets and booklets to take home as well as directories, guides and magazines available for in-office use.
Business Consultations
A Business Consultant is available, by appointment, to discuss your business and review your business plan. This is a free and confidential service.
Computer Workstation
An Internet-linked computer is available for public use. In addition the workstation is linked to exclusive business and government databases.
Seminars
Seminars are scheduled throughout the year featuring guest speakers from various professions. These seminars provide an opportunity to ask questions about your business start-up, current operations or business idea.
Business Development Department Niagara Falls City Hall
Research Assistance
Our Business Consultant can help you with your market, competitor and industry research.
Resources
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Niagara Falls Area Small Business Enterprise Centre
Ontario
Business Databases
Contacts
Business Information System
Information on business-related programs at the federal and provincial level. Find information on all forms of government assistance including: Jessica Potts Small Business Consultant Phone: (905) 356-7521 ext. 5001 Fax: (905) 357-9293 Email: jpotts@niagarafalls.ca
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legal, tax and regulatory requirements financing How To documents contact and networking information
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Lydia Waters Phone: (905) 356-7521 ext. 5000 Fax: (905) 357-9293 Email: lwaters@niagarafalls.ca
Business Name Registration
An Ontario Business Connects (OBC) Business Name Registration workstation is located in our public resource centre. You can do a name search or register your sole proprietorship or partnership between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Website www.niagarafalls.ca Office Location & Hours Business Development Department City Hall, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 1023 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. - Monday to Friday
Company Directories Information on more than 50,000 Canadian companies. Used to source suppliers and identify competitors. STAT-USA: Export Opportunities A service of the U.S. Dept. Of Commerce, STAT-USA consolidates business, economic and trade data from over 40 U.S. government agencies. Great for identifying trade opportunities and information on specific industries.
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