Prince Edward County Municipal Services

Business

Find the info you need on relocating, starting or expanding your business in Prince Edward County.

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Starting a Business

Prince Edward County is growing - and we'd love you to be part of it!

Starting a business is a bold and courageous step – one that can turn passions, skills and interests into a profession and give entrepreneurs the freedom to create something truly meaningful. 

We’re thrilled you’re considering Prince Edward County as the base for your business. 

Economic Development staff are here to help you navigate municipal systems and connect you with people and opportunities. Email Karen Palmer at kpalmer@pecounty.on.ca or call 613-242-6476 to discuss your idea. 

For help clarify a new business idea, questions about registration, structure or taxes, or help translating a vision into a Business Plan, contact Luc Fournier at the Small Business Centre at luc@smallbusinessctr.com or 613-961-0590.

To talk over a business idea, research feasibility or help navigating business start-up processes, contact Sandy Abbottat Serco Canada at 613-476-4240 or sabbott.agency@gmail.com

Here some other things to think about as you move from idea to reality:

  1. If you’re buying property or constructing a new building or facility, please see our guide to the Planning process.
  2. If you’re considering adding a business to your farm – otherwise known as an “On Farm Diversified Use” or “ODFU,” please see the provincial guide, which includes information about size restrictions and types of uses.

  3. Before undertaking any renovations, additions or commissioning signs, contact the Building Department via building@pecounty.on.ca or 613.476.2148. ext. 2040. to confirm if any permits or inspections are required.

  4. If you’re eyeing a location in downtown Picton or Wellington, please read about the Heritage Conservation Districts. 
  5. If you’re intending to locate your business in your home, please familiarize yourself with size, signage and storage limitations, as well as requirements for parking and limits on the number of employees. It’s important to note that home-based businesses may include professional services, craft businesses, such as pottery or stained-glass production, or instructional services. Examples of home-based businesses include: sewing or alterations; home decorating; holistic, health or wellness services; hairstyling; trades such as plumbers or electricians; artists; private teaching; home day care; and pet grooming. Download our Guide to Home-Based Business here and find the Zoning By-law here
  6. If locating a business outside a town or hamlet, please ensure your business is compliant with your zoning by viewing the municipality’s interactive GIS Zoning map here. Rezoning can be a costly and lengthy process, so it’s worth doing the legwork to ensure the property truly matches your dream business.
  7. Businesses operating in Ontario must be registered with the province. Registration of your Business name is mandatory and may be done by visiting https://www.ontario.ca/page/business/start/register-your-business-online. Fees range from $60 to $300. You may also need:
    • Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit (RST)
    • Employer Health Tax (EHT)
    • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
  8. To confirm if your business is required to collect Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html 
  9. Search for permits or licenses you might need to start your business by visiting https://bizpal.ca/
  10. In Prince Edward County, licences are required for the following:
    Short Term Accommodations 
    Taxis
    Mobile Food Establishments (Food Trucks). Contact the By-Law Department at bylaw@pecounty.on.ca to obtain a copy of the application form. 
  11. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides guidance on food handling and preparations regulations, 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.
  12. Planning to serve or sell alcohol or retail cannabis as part of your business? Licensing from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is required. To learn more, visit https://www.agco.ca/application-process for cannabis or https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/licences-and-permits for alcohol. 
  13. Consider joining local business improvement groups to network and learn more about operating a business in Prince Edward County.