Stratford Perth Centre for Business

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our unique communities across Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County. At the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, we are passionate about being an active partner in your entrepreneurial journey—because even as a solo-preneur, you don't have to go it alone!

We are proud to serve our region as an Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre (OSBAC). OSBAC programs and services are delivered locally by Stratford Perth Centre for Business and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. Operating as a department of investStratford—the City’s economic development corporation—we combine local expertise with provincial backing to champion your business growth at every stage.

Whether you are starting up, scaling, or planning your transition, we provide the one-on-one consultation, practical advice, and resources you need. We also deliver key provincial programs designed to fuel your success, including Summer Company, Starter Company Plus, and Succession Ontario. Let us be your first stop in the direction of your business dreams!

Our Services

Whether you're looking to relocate or expand, start a business or move your business, the
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Stratford Perth Centre For Business can help you succeed.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding statutory holidays). We are currently only accepting virtual or phone consultations.

Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre programs

Starter Company Plus

Grant application period opens November 2 and closes November 20

Provides training, mentoring, and grant opportunities up to $5,000 for eligible entrepreneurs (18+) to start, expand or buy a small business.

Learn more

Summer Company

Closed for applications

Provides training, mentoring and grants up to $3,000 to Ontario students, between the ages of 15 and 29, who wish to start a full-time business over the summer.

Learn more

Succession Ontario

An online hub that provides centralized free resources and tools for selling and buying a small business in Ontario, with a focus on preparing businesses for smooth ownership transition.

Learn more

OSBAC programs and services are delivered locally by Stratford Perth Centre for Business and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

Other programs provided by the Stratford Perth Centre for Business

Business Consultation

Book a FREE business consultation if you need assistance with your start-up, planning, strategic thinking and digital marketing strategies. (Virtual appointments only at this time.)

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FREE Start-up Courses

This series of free online learning sessions will help you decide if starting your own business is the right path for you, then guide you through the steps involved in getting started.

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Foodpreneur Advantage

Foodpreneur Advantage is a regional collaboration of Small Business Enterprise Centres, made possible by generous support from Libro Credit Union, and FedDev Ontario. Whether you are starting your food venture, or ready to expand and scale your operation, this is the place to start. Brought to you with our partner, Perth County.

Learn more
Download your FREE Start-Up Checklist

Testimonials

Great insight and guidance!

"I had an appointment there today and it went very well. We had a good conversation that offered me much insight and guidance into the world of small business in Stratford, Perth and online. Thank you very much for your time and energy today!"

Nicole Tracey

Client

Very Helpful!

"Very helpful with personalizing suggestions to each small business"

Florence Morris

entrepreneur

Friendly, professional and helpful!

"Friendly, professional and helpful, Stratford Perth Centre for Business will do their best to help you and your business succeed. Wonderful service and people!So how is any writer supposed to pen a stunning piece of advertising copy — copy that sizzles and sells? The following tips will jumpstart your creative thinking and help you write a better ad."

Em Cole

Developer at Uno Agency
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Our Events And Training

We offer targeted events, workshops and webinars custom designed for your business growth needs.

September 30, 2026

Barcodes and Beyond: What You Need to be Market-Ready

Learn how barcodes can get you market-ready for retail, online sales, and supply chain success.

Ongoing Training

Bookkeeping Basics For Small Business

Learn the essentials of bookkeeping from Christine of White Pine Bookkeeping to confidently manage your small business accounting and bookkeeping practices.

Ongoing Training

AI For Small Business: A Practical Bootcamp

Turn AI from a buzzword into your biggest business advantage. This fast, easy-to-follow course shows small business owners exactly how to use AI to save hours, cut costs, and grow revenue...all while keeping your unique human touch front and centre.

October 29, 2026

Starting A Food Business And Regulatory Compliance

Part of the Foodpreneur Advantage Program: This free session is for you if you are in the early stages of development and are looking to gain knowledge in the food and beverage industry.

November 5, 2026

How To Sell Your Food Product

Part of the Foodpreneur Advantage Program: This free session is for you if you want to learn how to sell your food product at markets, online, or to retailers.

November 12, 2026

FoodCosting, Pricing & Unit Economics

Part of the Foodpreneur Advantage Program: This free session is for you if you want to know how to price your food or beverage product appropriately.

AI For Small Business: A Practical Bootcamp

Turn AI from a buzzword into your biggest business advantage. This fast, easy-to-follow course shows small business owners exactly how to use AI to save hours, cut costs, and grow revenue...all while keeping your unique human touch front and centre.

LEARN MORE

Bookkeeping Basics For Small Business

Learn the essentials of bookkeeping from Christine of White Pine Bookkeeping to confidently manage your small business accounting and bookkeeping practices.

LEARN MORE

Contact Us For Assistance

Holly Mortimer

Business Advisor

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

info@stratfordperthbusiness.ca519.305.5055

Janis Auster

Operations and Administrations Lead

investStratford

info@investstratford.com519.305.5055

All meetings will be virtual at this time.

Emails and messages will be returned within 2 - 4 business days.

All consults and phone calls are by appointment ONLY.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business
Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre
Ontario

OSBAC programs and services are delivered locally by Stratford Perth Centre for Business and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

Helping business succeed.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

Visit us

3rd floor, 82 Erie St.

Stratford, ON N5A 2M4

By appointment only

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The Stratford Perth Centre for Business operates as a department of investStratford.