Welcome
We want to be your destination of choice! Are you a new Canadian interested in finding the perfect location for your small business? With a diverse range of opportunities and distinct competitive advantages -consider Ontario East.
Opportunities
Be a part of a strong economic region with a highly-skilled and motivated workforce. Ontario East is home to vibrant colleges and research-intense universities, each with skills training and upgrading programs and English as a second language programs. The region boasts available property and market-ready land, with lower operating costs! Most communities have economic development offices to help you develop and implement your plan.
Location
Ontario East is located between Toronto and Montreal – Canada’s two largest cities. Ontario East is home to Ottawa, the nation’s capital, and borders New York State to the south. The well-maintained transportation infrastructure provides easy access to family, friends, and markets by highway, rail, air or bus.
Education
Ontario East is home to some of the best schools in the country. From elementary through to post secondary, the region has a vibrant education system. Most areas offer English as a second language programs and opportunities to upgrade skills, learn a new trade or further your educational studies.
Universities enhance the fabric of Ontario East. Queen’s University and Royal Military College (Kingston), Carleton and the University of Ottawa (Ottawa), Trent University (Peterborough) and the University of Guelph (Kemptville Campus) are all well respected academic institutions. They, along with numerous colleges including Loyalist (Belleville), St. Lawrence (Brockville, Cornwall & Kingston), Algonquin (Ottawa), Durham College (Port Hope), and Fleming (Peterborough, Lindsay & Cobourg) provide wide range of degree and diploma programs.
Communities
In Eastern Ontario you can choose an urban centre, small town, village or rural setting. Our communities strongly support new investment in local services and business. Most communities have small business or economic development offices to assist you. We welcome you!
Lower Operating Costs
Doing business in an Ontario East community costs less than in larger cities. Land and buildings are more affordable, taxes are competitive and there is less cost for business overhead. You can live close to your business – housing is affordable and commutes to and from work are manageable.
Lifestyle
In Ontario East, there is a wide variety of affordable housing with communities offering an excellent quality of life. Located in one of Canada’s most picturesque regions the area boasts clean lakes, rivers and streams; lush forests and outdoor wilderness. Crime rates are lower, and it is an excellent area to raise children and grow your business. In Ontario East, life is a balance of work and relaxation – a great place to work and play.
Support Services
In most Ontario East communities you will find readily available support services to assist you in your planning and development; from offices such as your local Community Futures Development Program, municipal planning or economic development offices, as well as both the Ontario Government and the Government of Canada offices and websites. Each provide a wide range of business services from planning, to financial support or networking opportunities. We can help!
Research indicates that business immigrants fare well in smaller urban or rural communities. Our diverse and welcoming communities in Ontario East encourage you to consider the wonderful lifestyle and affordable business opportunities available throughout the region.
Several of our communities are working with the Government of Ontario to encourage new Canadians to locate in Ontario East’s region of opportunities and we look forward to working directly with you. Live and thrive in Ontario East!