Business services for entrepreneurs and new business owners
Ottawa is filled with incredible local businesses that serve you – and that maybe even employ you!
We know that these businesses are what helps our community thrive, both economically, socially and culturally. So as Ottawa’s economy evolves, we’re taking steps towards a future where doing business in Ottawa is seamless and barrier-free.
Supporting residents and businesses
There are multiple services to help support entrepreneurs through the process of owning a business. Teams within By-law and Regulatory Services educate residents and businesses on the regulations. Programs and services like the Business Ambassador Program and Business Licensing Centre are examples of these supports in action.
Business Ambassador Program
The Business Ambassador Program (BAP) assists business owners when they are starting to plan for and open a new food establishment, such as a restaurant, bakery, café, butcher shop or food truck.
The BAP pairs business owners with a Business Information Officer (BIO), who acts as a dedicated “case manager” throughout the business licensing process. The BIO serves as the business owner’s single point of contact with the City, helping business owners better understand the process and successfully open their food establishment.
Specifically, the BIO helps business owners:
Apply for applicable licences and permits, with follow-ups as required.
Outline time and costs estimates.
Create a personalized roadmap for the new food establishment.
Provide supporting information, documentation and checklists.
Connect with the proper City departments throughout the process.
Help solve any issues that may come up during the process.
Visit the Business Ambassador page↗ on ottawa.ca for more information about this program. Or, business owners can book an appointment↗ with a Business Information Officer to further discuss their new food establishment.
The Business Licensing Centre
The in-person Business Licensing Centre↗ located at 735 Industrial Avenue is ready to help a variety of businesses navigate each step of the licensing processes. Here, customer service representatives familiar with the City’s by-laws will help business owners:
Learn more about the City’s Licensing By-law↗ and other by-laws that may relate to the business.
Receive information about the City’s business licensing processes, fees, timelines, renewals and other details.
Submit a completed application form and process the fees for a City of Ottawa business licence.
Coordinate any inspections and approvals, if required for that specific business licence, and advise you of the status.
Find out if an additional business licence from the provincial or federal government is required – you can also look this information up for free using BizPaL↗.
More information about how to apply for a business license, which businesses require a license, and more↗ is available on ottawa.ca. General business licensing services, such as submitting an application form, are also offered at several City of Ottawa Client Service Centres↗.
Keeping by-laws current
Implementing by-laws is also an important role of the team, however we know times change and the needs of both the business and the local community change with them.
To ensure our by-laws keep pace with our growing economy, the City regularly reviews and updates them to reflect this growth and address any changes in legislation, reflect emerging issues and community requirements, and encompass evolving technologies.
At the City of Ottawa, the Public Policy Development Team within the Emergency and Protective Services Department and by-law reviewers in the City’s other departments lead this enormous undertaking through the By-law Review Process. But they can’t do it alone – watch the video to learn how resident and business participation is a critical part of the process.
Connecting by-laws with the economy
These services help future business owners navigate municipal by-laws, which are important to establish standards and regulations that create a safe, clean and vibrant community for residents and businesses alike. The City’s by-laws contribute to our economy in various ways, including through:
Business licensing: The City’s Licensing By-law↗ is being updated to ensure public safety, consumer protection and protection of property, among other priorities. Implementing progressive policies and clear processes can encourage entrepreneurship and investment, leading to job creation and economic growth.
Infrastructure development: By-laws regulating the use and care of roads, sewers and other public infrastructure serve to protect the public’s investment and maintain the effective and reliable services that businesses depend on.
Community development: Zoning, property standards and property maintenance by-laws influence property values and the quality and character of communities. Good zoning practices can foster an active real estate market and increased property values, which contributes to economic growth.
Environmental conservation: Protecting the local environment, contributing to sustainability and mitigating the impacts of climate change will make Ottawa a more attractive place to live and invest in. This, in turn, supports long-term economic growth.
Public health and safety: Regulations addressing food safety, sanitation, smoking and vaping and other health concerns help to ensure a safe and healthy living environment. This helps maintain a productive workforce, again promoting economic health.
Your city, your ideas!
The Business Ambassador Program and by-law reviews are just a couple examples of how the City is working together with residents and the business community to enhance our programs and services. By providing residents and businesses alike a landscape in which they can thrive, with supporting services built-into the framework, we are setting the foundation for an innovative, collaborative and inclusive future.
Now is your chance to get involved and help shape the future of Ottawa’s economy. Visit the City’s By-law Reviews webpage↗ to stay up to date with projects like the Licensing By-law Review↗ and to learn about other ongoing by-law reviews.
You can also share your ideas on how these or other City services could contribute to a more diversified economy at engage.ottawa.ca/ProsperousEconomy↗.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca↗, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook↗, X (formerly Twitter)↗ and Instagram↗.