Aspiring entrepreneurs in Guelph and Wellington County have access to free workshops this week aimed at helping residents navigate the transition to self-employment and the complexities of starting a food business. The Business Centre Guelph–Wellington, which has supported the creation of more than 10,000 jobs in the region since 1999, is currently offering guidance to help residents determine if running their own business is the right path for them.
Among the offerings is the final session of the Stepping Into Business series, which concludes on June 9, 2026. This virtual course runs from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and is listed on the Wellington County community calendar. These sessions are part of a broader effort to provide hands-on assistance to locals considering new ventures.
For those interested in the food and beverage industry, the centre offers resources through Foodpreneur Advantage. This collaboration, supported by Libro Credit Union and FedDev Ontario, provides training on business models, market research, food safety requirements, and regulatory compliance. Additional specialized sessions follow throughout the month, including workshops on food product branding on May 14 and food safety fundamentals on May 21.
The centre also manages the Starter Company Plus program. Funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario, this four-month program helps entrepreneurs identify business challenges and design improvement plans, with the potential for participants to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding. Over the past 25 years, the organization has invested more than $4 million in grant funding to support local small businesses.
Residents looking for more information or one-on-one advisory services can contact the office at 519-826-4701 or visit the centre at 8 Macdonell St., Suite 100, in Guelph.
