Small Business Hub

Economic Development & Strategic Projects Department

• If you are an entrepreneur or business seeking support and resources which can include community or start up information, licences, permits, vacant property search, grand opening ceremony, or relocating, please reach out the Small Business Hub by email with for a one on one meeting to discuss further.

• A Grand Opening or Milestone Events is an opportunity to celebrate you and your business. We will coordinate a Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ensuring invitations are extended to Mayor, Councillors’ and local stakeholders.  Please use the Red Ribbon Ceremony Form to submit details of your event. 

• The Small Business Hub provides entrepreneurs items to borrow as they start up and grow. This includes a Grand Opening Banner (intended only for the Grand Opening date); assistance with product photography; and items to support for business tradeshow, conferences and events. Please reach out to the Small Business Hub by email to schedule a meeting.

Zoning Department 

• Connect with City of Pickering’s Zoning Department for your due diligence in confirming zoning use for your business by calling 905.420.4617. Ask to speak with a zoning technician and request confirmation of the location’s zone, and whether the business use is permitted. (Alternatively, you can also walk into City Hall, Pickering).

• Should you require any changes to the area in the future, an in-depth zoning review is required. A Zoning Information Request can be completed.

• Additional information on Development charges, permit information, access to planning application information can be found on our City Development page.

Building Services Department 

• Connect with City of Pickering’s Building Services for your due diligence in confirming whether any building permits are required while you prepare for opening your business. Call 905.420.4617 to confirm your tenancy.  Learn when Building Permits are required.

Business Licenses

• The City issues a variety of licences to regulate activities and ensure a safe and healthy community. View the type of Business Licenses available which includes home-based businesses and refreshment vehicles, along with applications and fees. The Business By-law can be viewed here.

• See our Business Costs for information on tax rates, development charges (non-residential), hydro rates and natural gas charges. 

Business Sign By-Law

• City Sign Licences and Sign Permits may be required for a Sign. To learn more about our current Pickering Sign By-law, review the following: Sign By-law 6999/09. This provides direction for businesses looking to erect signages. The Ministry of Transport (MTO) also has guidelines on proximity to the Highway corridor for all signage.

Fire Services

• Connect with City of Pickering Fire Services to provide confirmation on change in tenancy or any outdoor events by calling Fire Administration & Fire Prevention: 905.250.0420 or visiting their webpage. 

City of Pickering Library

• Prior to starting up, entrepreneurs looking to validate their business idea can conduct market research through Pickering Library resources. To obtain a library card, visit the in person and gain insights for your business from secondary and competitive research through books, stats and databases.

• Creative entrepreneurs starting up or looking to grow their business can visit the Pickering Library Makerspace to utilize various technology for their business needs. Items for use include a Sound Booth with iMac; Electronic Music Kit; 3D Carving Machine; Vinyl Cutter; Photo Scanner, Red Clam Heat Press; 3D Printer, Sewing Machine and more. Call 905.831.6265 with any inquiries.

Supply and Services Department

• The Supply and Services department is responsible for purchases of goods and services which acts as a liaison between vendors and the City. Learn how to do business with the city via our bids and tenders opportunity page.

Durham Region Health Department

• As per regulatory requirements, all food premises are required to notify their local health unit, Durham Region Health Department, that they are operating a Food Premise in Pickering. Such businesses are legally subject to inspection by the health unit with some exceptions.
• The first step for entrepreneurs wishing to open a restaurant or food premise (home based or as a commercial store front) is to complete a Notice of Intent to Open a Food Premise Application.
• Please also review information on food businesses as well as food safety which details information on DineSafe Durham, food safety training courses and additional resources. If you require assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact them at 1-800-841-2729 or 905-668-2020, or by email.

• Owners and Operators that intend to operate a licensed child care centre or intending to make alterations/renovations to their current facility within Durham Region must submit a child care centre application form.

• Owners of a personal service setting are required to notify the Health Department in writing at least 14 days prior to opening a new personal service establishment or if there are additional services being offered. Additional information can be reviewed for salon and spas as well as, tattoos and piercing businesses)

Durham Region Economic Development

• Whether you are looking to start your own business or grow your business, the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) can provide you with the roadmap, guidance, tools and resources to make it happen. Their free services (conditions apply) support small business and include:
  - Business Advisory Services
  - Business Training
  - Mentoring & Workshops
  - Entrepreneurship Funding Programs
  - Networking Opportunities

• The Region of Durham, in collaboration with local area municipalities and community partners, hosts a Durham Business Showcase event. This event bridges the municipal, public and private sectors and provides an opportunity for businesses to share their products and services with municipal staff and other public sector partners, that would improve municipal operations and service delivery. Participation in this event is voluntary and does not guarantee a business contract. Previous themes include solutions for Operations (facilities and emergency services), general administration and business services, health and social services, IT, Transportation (transit and roads), water, wastewater and solid waste management. For any questions, please email the Business Showcase Team. 

Ajax Pickering Board of Trade

• The Ajax Pickering Board of Trade is a not-for-profit, membership-based association representing businesses in Ajax and Pickering. They provide access to resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses; some of their services include monthly networking events; an annual Business Expo (trade show); educational seminars; member-to-member discounts; print and electronic member directories; and access to an exclusive group health benefits plan.

Spark Centre

• Spark Centre is a business incubator providing advisory services, office space and day-to-day operational support to early stage and rapidly growing innovation and technology companies. Depending on what stage you are at, Spark Centre offers a range of services. 

1855 Accelerator

• 1855 Accelerator is a space that supports high-potential technology companies during the early revenue growth stages, with mentorships, advisory, investment and other differentiating specialized knowledge, services and resources.

Ontario Tech University

• Home to Durham Region, Ontario Tech University provides programming and services for businesses requiring talent for hire.
• The Brilliant Catalyst department supports aspiring student and alumni entrepreneurs get started with varying incubator programs.

Durham College

• Durham College provides a supports businesses with their programming and services.
• The Office of Research Services, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) at Durham College provides a space where industry and social challenges are addressed through innovation and collaboration by engaging industry, faculty, students and the community. 

Business Development Bank of Canada

• The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. They provide financing, consulting services and resources for businesses at every stage of their growth.  

Ontario Federal Government

• FedDev Ontario Small Business Services helps Ontario entrepreneurs find government business information and services.
• Visit the Government of Canada’s Business and Industry site to for guidance before operating a business in Canada or most requested business support.

Ontario Provincial Government

• Learn how to register your business, apply for funding and tax credits and get free help to start your business by visiting the Provincial Government Business Services website.
• Businesses can utilize Service Ontario Business Services for various business support protection laws to help your business avoid complaints to getting information or learning about frauds targeting businesses.

Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre

• Durham Region Unemployment Help Centre is an Employment Ontario service provider, offering free services to job seekers and employers support with various hiring and training needs. They also host career fairs periodically providing employers with the opportunity to meet interested candidates.
• In addition to supporting local Pickering and Durham Region candidates, they work closely with the Welcome Centre, who support newcomers with the right resources, job opportunities and services. 

Durham Region Transit

• Visit the Durham Region Transit website for information on getting your employees to work via local transit.

Durham Workforce Authority

• The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) is a community-based not-for-profit that works with stakeholders from business, labour, education, community services and government o provide locally focused labour market information to the community.