Doing Business
Moving or Starting a Business in The County?
Prince Edward County has a way of capturing hearts and imaginations with its combination of rural charm and artistic sophistication. Combining the traditional and the contemporary, The County is a hub for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, set against an extraordinary backdrop of unique natural heritage.
The County is fortunate to boast a mixture of prosperous agricultural lands, rural and environmentally-protected landscapes, varied and stunning shorelines, and an array of quaint towns and villages. It is these elements, taken together, that define The County’s desirable quality of life and quality of place. What is most valuable, and worth protecting, will always lead back to our roots, set deep into the physical elements that shape this island.
The County is growing, and seeking business operations that place sustainability in the foreground. The economy here is agriculturally-focused, with a renowned farm-to-table culinary scene, one of Ontario’s northern-most wine growing areas and a plethora of craft brewers and distillers. Residents champion the protection of rural habitats, unique cultural heritage and the natural environment.
Click here to view the digital map of County businesses listed under the Chamber of Commerce.
Business Resources
If you’re looking to relocate to work remotely here, start a new business or expand into this thriving environment, there are several services that can help, including:
Economic Development: Karen Palmer helps to create the conditions for business success in The County, and can connect new and expanding businesses to funding and other supports. Reach her via kpalmer@pecounty.on.ca or 613.242.6476.
Prince Edward County Planning & Development: Staff can help navigate zoning requirements when creating the physical elements of a new or expanding business. In order to connect with the most appropriate staff and receive a timely response, please fill in and submit a Development Inquiry Form.
Prince Edward County Building Department: Staff will receive building permit applications and inspect work on physical properties. Reach them via building@pecounty.on.ca or 613.476.2148. ext. 2040.
Confidential Small Business Counselling: The Small Business Centre can assist in a variety of ways:
- Clarify a new business idea
- Answer questions about registration, structure or taxes
- Help translate a vision into a business plan
- Share connections and resources
- Identify sources of funding and more.
Contact Luc Fornier, Program Coordinator, at luc@smallbusinessctr.com or reach him via 613.691.0590.
Canada Small Business Financing Program: The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Visit the program website to learn more.
EmployNext powered by Serco: To talk over a business idea, explore its feasibility, or get help navigating the business start-up processes, contact Sandy Abbott at Serco Canada at 613.476.4240 or sabbott.agency@gmail.com
Career Edge: Career Edge provides a variety of free Employment Ontario services for Youth & Adults, maintaining a job board and providing assistance in attracting and retaining employees. Reach them via 1.866.859.9222 or 613.476.6456.
Bloomfield & Area Business Association: Bloomfield & Area Business Association represents businesses operating in the village of Bloomfield and the surrounding areas. Contact them via their website or info@bloomfieldontario.ca.
Community Futures Prince Edward Lennox-Addington: Community Futures Prince Edward Lennox – Addington is a federally-funded social enterprise that encourages local economic development and diversification through non-traditional loans and impact investing. Also known as CFDC, Community Futures provides strategic advice and capital to innovators and high-impact projects. Learn more via their website or reach them at ed@communityfutures.co.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides guidance on meeting regulations around the preparation and handling of food, inspects premises, enforces public health measures and supports farming and other operations in meeting housing and living requirements for migrant workers. Learn more via their website or reach them at 1.800.267.2803.
PEC Chamber of Commerce: PEC Chamber of Commerce fosters an extensive network for entrepreneurial leaders to partner in representation, communication, and education, and most importantly offers a voice as a collective group. Visit them at their website or reach them via contactus@pecchamber.ca or 613.476.2421.
Picton Business Improvement Area (BIA): Picton Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents businesses operating in the town of Picton. Visit them at their website or reach them via info@experiencepicton.com or 613.922.4998.
Visit The County: Visit The County manages Prince Edward County as a visitor destination, encouraging responsible year-round visitorship and the creation of new and innovative visitor experiences. Reach them via their website or eleanor@visitthecounty.com.
Wellington & District Business Association: Wellington & District Business Association represents businesses operating in the town of Wellington. Learn more through their website.