Business Inc.
Starting a business? Let us help boost your plans
Learn from professionals and make your business dreams a reality. Take part in an eight-week program offered at Toronto Public Library in partnership with the Toronto Business Development Centre. A valid Toronto Public Library card is required to participate.
During the program, you will:
- Prepare and/or update your business plan
- Access a business advisor and other valuable resources
- Network with other entrepreneurs
Upon completion, you will receive a Business Seminar Series Certificate of Completion from the Toronto Business Development Centre. Informative group discussions will also take place during each week.
Business Inc. - 2026 Sessions
Fort York
Focus: Newcomers*
Information session: March 11, 6:30 - 8pm (Register on Eventbrite)
Deadline to apply: March 25
Course: Wednesdays, April 8 - May 27, 6 - 9pm
Cost: Free (a value of $700).
*For application purposes, we align with federal guidelines from Statistics Canada, defining newcomers or recent immigrants as individuals who have arrived within the past five years. At the same time, we warmly welcome anyone recently arrived to submit an application.
Mount Dennis
Focus: Black Entrepreneurs
Information session: April 18, 10:30am - 12pm (Register on Eventbrite)
Deadline to apply: May 2
Course: Saturdays, May 16 - June 6, 10am - 4pm
Cost: Free (a value of $700).
Fairview
General
Information session: March 31, 6:30 - 8pm (Register on Eventbrite)
Deadline to apply: April 14
Course: Tuesdays, April 28 - June 16, 6 - 9pm
Cost: $150 + HST per participant (a value of $700).
Albion
General
Information session: April 2, 6:30 - 8pm (Register on Eventbrite)
Deadline to apply: April 14
Course: Thursdays, April 30 - June 18, 6 - 9pm
Cost: $150 + HST per participant (a value of $700).
How to apply
Complete the appropriate application and send by email to businc@tbdc.com. Questions? Call 416-345-9437.
- Business Inc. General application (PDF)
- Business Inc. Black Entrepreneurs Series application (PDF)
- Business Inc. Women Entrepreneurs Series application (PDF)
- Business Inc. Newcomer Series application (PDF)
Your application will be reviewed for:
- Demonstrated intent to start a new business within six months or accelerate the growth of an early-stage business
- A potentially viable business idea
- Opportunity for business growth.
Donor Recognition
The Business Inc. series is generously supported by the late Norman Hinton through a bequest to the Toronto Public Library Foundation.
The Business Inc. Newcomer Series is generously supported by:
The Business Inc. series supporting Black entrepreneurs and Women entrepreneurs is generously supported by:
In partnership with:
Enterprise Toronto at the City of Toronto offers many resources to help people start and grow their businesses.
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) provides a wide range of resources and guidance to new and emerging businesses in Toronto.