BUSINESS ADVISORY CENTRE DURHAM
We are one of 54 Small Business Centres in Ontario who provide FREE (conditions apply) business support for individuals wanting to start a business, or grow their existing business.
Most of our services are free to you because we are funded by the governments of Ontario and the Region of Durham to encourage economic development and success in Durham Region.
We also do offer additional services that are paid services. (see list of services) Our ultimate goal is to guide you in gaining the skills, knowledge, tools and resources to run a successful business.
When your business is successful you make money and spend money supporting our local economy thereby creating a thriving community to live and work in.
You can participate in the programs and services that best meet your needs, and our Certified Business Advisors can work with you personally to develop the business plans and actions you need for your success.
What people are saying about BACD
Marnet Pathusha2024-02-15Patrice is a very good person and she answered me all my questions.Marilyn Opoku2024-02-09Good experience. I found them to be very kind and knowledgeable. They were also helpful in sharing resources with me that would help improve my business as a newer entrepreneur.Laurie Wager2024-02-03BACD is such an invaluable resource for new and growing businesses in Durham Region!! I highly recommend using all of their resources.omolara falusi2024-01-17It was a very productive session and I gained a lot of insights on handling contracts when buying an existing business.Alisia2024-01-10I had the amazing opportunity of being advised by Patrice Esper for the Start SMART program, and I LOVED the experience! When I met Patrice back in 2019 when I was starting my first business as a Naturopathic Doctor, I knew I wanted to work with her because of her vibe, but also because I knew she wanted me to succeed and was able to point me in the right direction of resources at BACD, and where to focus my energy and efforts. Since closing that first business and gathering the courage to start a new one late 2023, I reached out to Patrice for guidance again, and when she told me about the Start S.M.A.R.T program, I knew that was EXACTLY what I needed. During the sessions I gained focused, step-by-step guidance, relevant resources, along with help with creating my business profile, cash flow projection (LIFE CHANGING!), and templates for making key decisions. I feel blessed to have been able to participate in this program. I mourned the closure of my previous business for years and kept going in circles with what my next move would be. Although I may still spin my wheels from time to time, I have a clearer understanding of why my new business as speaker, educator, and life coach of "Abundant Vibez Only" is what I'm meant to continue to build, and am taking ACTION. Thank you Patrice for believing in me and making our sessions work. I LOVED working with you, you are amazing. Thank you BACD for your gem of Patrice, and the amazing, comprehensive Start S.M.A.R.T. program! I'm excited to participate in future programs for growing my business after getting through the first few years! AlisiaShaelene McInnis2023-10-20An excellent source of support for anyone in business for themselves. I have been referring BACD to new business owners for years. The people working here truly care about new business owners. A fantastic resource.Marlene Marco2023-10-18Teresa Shaver, CEO of BACD, recently spoke at our annual Reignite Conference for Heart of Networking Events. Her presentation was chock full of helpful information, relevant to our Community success. Teresa and her team are strong advocates for small business owners & entrepreneurs and I highly recommend you check out their services. If you are looking for a speaker in this area, Teresa may be just the perfect fit!Dayana Deschamps2023-09-28I'm in the beginning phase of starting my own business. So, I contacted the advisory centre for help. I was assigned to Patrice. I love her energy. She is vibrant and passionate about what she does, which is helping business owners like me. I combined all her advice with what I already knew. So far, it's going well. Thanks, Patrice!Megan Mantle2023-09-10BACD is a group of seasoned business owners interested in both your professional and personal success. My experience was very positive and I have since recommended my entrepreneur colleagues to their programs and services. Thank you BACD, specifically Patrice Espler.
