Free help to start a small business
Free advice, grants and programs for people starting a small business.
We found 7. The ones with a clear way in come first. When a deadline passes, that place moves to the bottom of this page, so you can still ask them about the next round.
MaRS Venture Services membership (free startup advisory)
Rolling; response within about one week, screening call if shortlisted
Free MaRS membership giving 1:1 and small-group advisory with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts, market intelligence, investor and expert network access, applied for through MaRS Connect (about 2–3 weeks to a decision).
For: Canadian-incorporated startups in climate, health or transformative tech with a prototype/MVP or validated technology and early customer interest.
Canada-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
Starter Company Plus Grant (City of Toronto, Fall 2026)
Deadline: 9 October 2026
A City program combining up to 15 hours of business training, a $5,000 micro-grant and up to three months of advisory and mentoring services.
For: Toronto residents 18+ running a business that has operated for six months to five years and who have already invested $1,250 in it.
Remind me before the deadline
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Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
YSpace (York University) free 30-minute Idea Consultations
Ongoing; book via the programs page form
Free one-on-one 30-minute consultations with YSpace's entrepreneurship manager, plus Founders Fundamentals workshops (business plan, grant writing, team building) designed for the community at large; incubator members also get bi-weekly Entrepreneur-in-Residence office hours.
For: Anyone in the community with a business idea (not limited to York students).
Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
Business Inc. (Toronto Public Library × City of Toronto × TBDC) – Fall 2026 series
Fall 2026 sessions: Runnymede (Newcomer) Wednesdays Oct 7–Nov 25; North York Central (General) Tuesdays Oct 20–Dec 8; Deer Park (General) Thursdays Oct 22–Dec 10; S. Walter Stewart (Women) Saturdays Nov 14–Dec 5; apply by emailing the form before each start
An eight-week business planning program with professional advisors and peer networking; the newcomer and women series are free ($700 value), the general series costs $150 + HST.
For: Toronto entrepreneurs with a valid TPL card; dedicated free series for newcomer entrepreneurs and for women entrepreneurs.
Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
Pro Bono Ontario Free Legal Advice Hotline
Ongoing; phone Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (powers of attorney mornings only, 9–1)
A phone hotline staffed by volunteer lawyers offering up to 30 minutes of free legal advice, Monday to Friday 9–5; no family, immigration or criminal law.
For: Ontarians who cannot afford a lawyer and have a civil law problem (court process, appeals, employment, consumer/debt, housing, small business/non-profit corporate matters, powers of attorney).
Ontario-wide · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
Toronto Public Library – Book a Librarian
Ongoing; request via online form
A free 30–60 minute one-to-one appointment with a librarian at any branch, requested through an online form.
For: Anyone who wants dedicated help with research, business research, job searching, homework or digital skills.
Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre (Enterprise Toronto) one-to-one consultations
Ongoing; book by online form
Free one-to-one consultations with City small business consultants (business plan and expansion reviews, registration help), booked online, in person on Mondays (Scarborough Civic Centre) and Tuesdays (North York Civic Centre) or virtually.
For: Anyone starting or growing a small business in Toronto.
Toronto · checked 30 September 2026 · everything we know
Which ones have closed?
These have closed for now. Many open again every year, so ask them when the next round opens. The way to reach each one is right there.
Everything above is from their own websites, with the date we read each one. Tap “It worked” or “No answer” after you try one. That is how this stays true for the next person.
For an AI assistant: llms.txt. How to read this site.