Foodpreneur Advantage offers introductory workshops for food-related businesses and more specialized programming for food and beverage ventures producing packaged consumer goods. Explore upcoming sessions through Business Centre Guelph-Wellington or connect with an advisor to find support suited to your business stage.
Business Resources
The Township of Mapleton is dedicated to encouraging economic growth in our community. Our strategic and convenient location, educated and dedicated workforce, and safe and spirited community are among the many reasons businesses build and grow in our Township. Our Economic Development Department is here to provide you with the business resources and tools you need to succeed. This includes:
Agriculture, Food and Tourism
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness provides information and resources for farmers, food processors and other agri-food businesses. Explore resources on farm business management, land use, food safety, research and funding opportunities.
Taste Real connects local food and farm businesses in Wellington County and Guelph with customers, partners and promotional opportunities. Eligible businesses can explore becoming a partner to access directory listings, Local Food Map participation where applicable, networking and local food promotion.
Wellington County Tourism Signage
Eligible tourism businesses and attractions can apply to participate in Wellington County’s paid directional tourism signage program. Review the policy for eligibility, available sign locations, fees and the required commitment before applying.
Wellington County Experience Development Programme
This program supports eligible Wellington County tourism businesses, organizations and event organizers developing or enhancing visitor experiences. Funding is offered through application intakes. Visit the program website for current availability, eligible projects, matching contribution requirements and application details.
Business Registration, Permits and Taxes
Canada Revenue Agency — Business Tax Resources
Find Canada Revenue Agency information on business numbers, GST/HST, payroll deductions, income tax, payments and online business accounts. Small businesses and self-employed individuals can also explore the CRA’s free Liaison Officer service for help understanding their tax obligations.
Government of Canada — Business and Industry
Access federal resources for business planning, financing, incorporation, hiring, international trade, intellectual property and selling to government. Use the Business and Industry portal to find information and services relevant to your business activities.
ServiceOntario and the Ontario Business Registry
Use the Ontario Business Registry to register or incorporate a business, renew an eligible business name registration and update business information. Visit ServiceOntario’s business services pages for related transactions and instructions on accessing your business account.
Local Business Advice and Support
Funding, Loans and Improvement Incentives
Use the Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder to explore programs and services suited to your business. Answer questions about your location, business and goals to find potential grants, loans, tax credits, wage subsidies, expert advice and other support.
Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides financing and advisory services to help eligible Canadian businesses grow, improve operations and manage change. Its website also offers business planning tools, templates and practical guidance. Explore financing options or speak with BDC about your business needs.
Mapleton Community Improvement Plan
Mapleton’s Community Improvement Plan provides a framework for financial incentives supporting eligible property improvements and community revitalization. Contact the Township to discuss your proposed project, confirm the incentives currently available and review eligibility and application requirements before beginning work.
Wellington County Community Improvement Funding
Wellington County offers top-up funding for eligible businesses already approved and participating in their local municipality’s Community Improvement Plan. Review the County’s application guide for available grants, eligibility requirements and the application process. Contact the Township first to discuss participation in Mapleton’s program.
Wellington County Funding Opportunities
Explore funding resources for starting, growing and sustaining a business in Wellington County. The County’s funding page connects businesses with local programs and government grants, loans and tax incentives. Follow the individual program links for current eligibility requirements and application information.
Hiring, Training and Finding Work
2nd Chance Employment Counselling
2nd Chance Employment Counselling offers free support to employers and job seekers in Guelph and Wellington County. Employers can access recruitment assistance, candidate screening, job posting support and information about training and placement incentives. Job seekers can receive personalized employment counselling, resume and interview assistance, and help exploring training options.
Employment Ontario connects employers with free advice on recruitment, workforce needs and potential training incentives. Residents can access free employment counselling, job-search assistance and information about skills training and apprenticeships. Visit the website to find services and connect with a provider.
FindYourJob.ca brings together online job postings across Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin. Residents can search for employment opportunities, while employers can find guidance on how their online postings can appear on the regional job board.
EmployNext provides free employment services to businesses and job seekers in Mapleton through its regional network of service providers. Employers can access job posting tools, candidate matching, recruitment support and guidance on potential training incentives and wage subsidies. Job seekers can receive resume assistance, interview coaching, job-search support and connections to training opportunities.
Market Research, Innovation and Business Tools
Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin
Access local labour market reports, employer survey findings and workforce resources for Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin. Businesses can use this information to understand recruitment challenges, workforce trends and employee attraction and retention needs.
Visit Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin
Statistics Canada provides census, population, economic and industry data to support business research and planning. Explore its data and tools to better understand potential customers, communities, labour markets and economic trends.
The Ontario Centre of Innovation connects eligible businesses with researchers, industry partners and programs supporting technology development and commercialization. Explore its programs or contact its business development team to discuss opportunities relevant to your business.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce provides business research, policy updates, events and programs addressing issues affecting Ontario businesses. Explore its resources for information on the economy, trade and business competitiveness.
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade provides resources supporting small business, investment, innovation and export growth. Explore business programs, export advice and trade events, and review eligibility requirements for relevant funding opportunities.
Visit Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Ontario’s Ministry of Rural Affairs provides resources and programs supporting rural economic development and community growth. Businesses, municipalities and community organizations can explore rural development information and review individual program requirements to determine which opportunities fit their projects.
The Rural Ontario Institute offers leadership development, research and data resources focused on rural and northern Ontario. Explore its programs and community data tools to support leadership skills, understand rural trends and inform community or business planning.
Cyber Security for Small Businesses
The Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe Guide for Small Businesses offers practical steps to protect business information, devices and online accounts. Explore guidance on passwords, staff awareness, backups and responding to cyber security incidents.
Starting or Buying a Business
Ontario Small Business Supports
Find Ontario government information and support for starting, operating and growing a small business. Explore business advice, financing resources, registration information, hiring supports and links to important business requirements.
Futurpreneur offers startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship to eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18–39 who are starting or buying a business. Entrepreneurs can also access business planning tools, cash-flow templates and workshops. Review the program’s eligibility criteria or connect with its team to discuss your plans.
Delivered locally by Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, Starter Company+ offers business training, advisory support and an opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000. Local intake requirements apply. Check the provider’s website for eligibility, required workshops and the next application period.
Summer Company helps eligible students aged 15–29 start and operate a summer business with coaching, mentorship and funding of up to $3,000. Applicants must meet the program’s student and business eligibility requirements, including returning to school. Visit Business Centre Guelph-Wellington for local application information and intake dates.
Promote and Connect Your Business
Explore upcoming business workshops, training and networking opportunities through Business Centre Guelph-Wellington. Visit its events calendar for current topics, registration details and any participation fees.
Mapleton Council Business Visits
Welcome members of Mapleton Council to your business for an opportunity to showcase your work, introduce your team and share your successes, challenges and plans for the future.
These visits offer a chance to speak directly with Council and help members learn more about the businesses that contribute to our local economy.
Interested in hosting a visit? Contact Amy at agrose@mapleton.ca.
Mapleton Means Business Promotional Videos
The Township of Mapleton offers free promotional reels to showcase local businesses and the people behind them.
We’ll visit your business to capture footage and a short interview, then create a one-minute video to share on the Township’s social media channels. Simply arrange a filming time and be ready to tell us a little about your business, we’ll take care of the filming and editing.
Interested in having your business featured? Contact mvandenberg@mapleton.ca
Wellington County Business Directory
Help customers find your business through the Wellington County Business Directory. Businesses located in Wellington County, along with eligible Taste Real partners, can submit a new listing or request updates to an existing listing. Keep your contact details, website and business information current.
Get in Touch
Amy Grose - Manager of Community Services