print page icon

Local Agencies to Support Businesses

These local organizations and agencies are available to support your business needs.  Whether you are seeking assistance starting out, finding a location to establish your business, networking opportunities or financial program information.

County of Renfrew Economic Development Services

The primary function of the Ottawa Valley Economic Development, a division of the Development and Property Department, is the promotion and delivery of Economic Development in the County of Renfrew. Programs in this regard are undertaken independently or in conjunction with lower-tier development department partners or individual municipalities.  The focus of these initiatives is related to industrial/business sectors within the County.

Several databases are maintained ranging from business directories to demographics, available properties, and recent news. Custom research for specific information required by site selectors can be handled quickly by available research staff. In today's "connected" environment, the choice is no longer where does one has to live to do business, but how can one do business where one wants to live.

They can help you bring your business to Renfrew County and can assist you with:

  • Resettlement and business startup counseling
  • One-on-one business consultation
  • Networking and support services
  • Connections to potential employers
  • Matchmaking for business ideas and opportunities

Office Location: 9 International Drive Pembroke, Ontario K8A 6W5
Phone: 613-735-0091
Website: www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca

Enterprise Renfrew County

Enterprise Renfrew County provides free information and advisory service for anyone interested in starting their own business and for existing small business operators. The Office is a Canada Business Ontario (CBO) regional access site.  This joint federal-provincial-municipal initiative provides useful information to new and established entrepreneurs about government programs, services, and regulations on starting and sustaining an enterprise in Ontario.

An experienced Business Consultant is available, by appointment, to meet with you at the centre or at your place of business if preferred. They can help with most questions about small businesses and provide you with the information you need to get your business going and keep it running successfully. If there are questions they can't answer they will steer you to the sources of more specialized information.

Office Location: 9 International Drive, Pembroke, Ontario 
Phone: 613-735-8224
Website: www.enterpriserenfrewcounty.com

Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation

The Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation is a provincially incorporated non-profit organization that is governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors. They have been helping small businesses in the Renfrew County area since 1986.  Their approach is simple.  They look for local solutions that fit the challenges of the local economy.

Their objectives are as follows:

  • To promote and participate in the development of community plans and strategies for addressing socio-economic change, development of local economies, and job creation.
  • To provide financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs experiencing difficulties in obtaining traditional financing for the development, expansion, or restructuring of their operations where the aforementioned objectives, new employment opportunities, or the introduction of new business initiatives are involved.
  • To become self-sufficient in the provision of loans to enhance regional economic diversification and job creation.
  • To provide skilled business advice to clients.

In particular, they provide:

  • Strategic community planning and socio-economic development;
  • Support for community-based projects;
  • Business information and planning services; and
  • Access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises

Office Location: 450 O'Brien Road Suite 205, Renfrew, Ontario
Tel: 613-431-3951
Website: www.rccfdc.org

Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce (UOVCC) is to be a coordinating body providing a cooperative environment to support member businesses in the quest for growth and economic success by providing leadership, education, advocacy, communication, interaction opportunities, and tangible financial benefits.  The UOVCC is a member-based service.  Members receive discounts on local, provincial, and international programs and company discounts through affinity programs.  The UOVCC celebrates and recognizes our local businesses in a yearly gala, and provides network opportunities and training opportunities for the membership and business community at large.

Office Location: 177 Alexander Street Pembroke, Ontario
Phone: 613-732-1492
Website: www.upperottawavalleychamber.com

Startup Ottawa Valley 

Startup Ottawa Valley is powered by the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce and is a partner of Startup Canada. As a Startup community, the UOVCC can share opportunities and resources with our local entrepreneurs and access funding support through Startup Canada partners to facilitate local workshops, events, and programs. Learn more about Startup Ottawa Valley by staying connected to their social networks.  

Business Tool Kit: Startup Ottawa Valley website page
Facebook: Startup Ottawa Valley
Instagram: Startup Ottawa Valley