Whether you’re building steady growth or ready to take your business in a bold new direction, scaling brings new challenges—and even greater opportunities. Expansion requires focus, strategy, and resilience, but you don’t have to do it alone. From exploring new markets to streamlining operations, we’re here to help you strengthen what’s working and unlock what’s next.
Growing your business is an exciting phase, balancing opportunity with risk, requiring the right insights, planning and resources. Whether you’re exploring new markets, both internationally and locally, improving efficiency and cost-reduction plans, or adopting new technology like AI into your processes, each step requires clarity and coordination. A strong business plan and marketing strategy are key to scaling sustainably. At Kingston Economic Development, we’re here to support you through every stage of growth with advisory services, expert guidance, and access to research, training, and funding—so you can build confidently and grow with purpose.
Everything starts with a free and confidential consultation. Our experienced and multilingual team of business advisors is the key to accessing the resources, programs, services, and connections to help your business reach the next level.
The steps to sustained growth
Market & industry research
Effective market research reveals customer demand, trends, and industry opportunities—and is essential for business expansion. Kingston’s ecosystem supports growth through academic and municipal research hubs and data tools for logistics, workforce, and market insights. You can explore local programs via Kingston Economic Development’s research data to access research related to logistics, industry, workforce, the market, and more. Or access broader support through the federal Canada Business Network.
Business planning
A business plan serves as a roadmap to help you set priorities, guide your decision making, and secure funding. It is a great document to refer to once the business has been established to see how things have changed as you have grown. It should be considered a living document and is an important component in the growth process.
Identify new markets
Are your markets local? National? Overseas? Talking to your existing customers, analyzing trends or identifying new uses for your product or service are all ways to increase sales. We can help you sort out the scope of your operations and product offering to tap into this new potential.
Implement a marketing strategy
Your marketing strategy should identify ways to reach your target audience and make the most out of your marketing resources. Capitalize on your competitive advantages and build your brand image and your value proposition. Consult our digital marketing directory to identify marketers and digital services experts for more information.
Leveraging technology for efficiency maximization
With operating costs on the rise, maximizing productivity is essential. Streamlined systems reduce waste, enhance performance, and free up resources that can be reinvested in scaling your business. Many technologies—especially AI—can give your business a competitive edge through automation, insight, and scalability. Start with manageable pilots, then integrate tools that align with your growth trajectory. Generative AI can increase efficiency and many systems now integrate automation to increase productivity.
Evaluate Space Needs
Workspace planning affects both cost-efficiency and employee well-being. Whether adjusting your current layout or planning for expansion, having the right amount of functional space is a smart business move. If you’re looking for new space, see what space and properties are free in Kingston, and if you’re looking for a more collaborative environment, see what co-working spaces are in Kingston,
Educate & Recruit Talent
Your workforce fuels your growth. Investing in skill development and tapping into local talent pools—supported by Kingston’s training providers and education institutions—ensures you build the capacity you need.
Rob Tamblyn
Business Development Manager, Small & Medium Enterprises
Rob is part of the Small Business team, with a focus on supporting established small and medium-sized enterprises. With over 25 years of project management experience, he brings deep knowledge of Kingston’s business and development communities.
Much of his career has been devoted to economic development and fostering a sense of connection, especially in the downtown core. Rob is always happy to connect with local business owners to offer insight and support. He believes Kingston is a thriving place for business and is committed to helping it continue to grow.
Resources to scale
Grow your business through supports and mentorship
Operating a business is a challenging process, but Kingston has a very extensive community to help you succeed in your business goals. There are many organizations dedicated to help you get started, including Downtown Kingston, Launch Lab, and us at Kingston Economic Development Corporation. These organizations and many like them offer expert advice, funding programs, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs launch and grow with confidence.
We at Kingston Economic Development Corporation offers a range of programs and skill-building workshops to help entrepreneurs at every stage receive training, support and funding. We offer workshops every week on topics for starting a business, to skill training in financial literacy and marketing. Funding programs are a big part of what we do with the Summer Company, Starter Company Plus and Helix Funding programs dedicated to helping get your business to its next stage.
Futurpreneur
Futurpreneur supports entrepreneurs aged 18–39 with up to $25,000 in startup financing, plus up to $50,000 more through BDC. No collateral is required. The program includes two years of mentorship, business planning tools, and access to national networks. It’s open to startups, franchises, and part-time ventures with relevant experience or training. Repayment is flexible, with interest-only payments in year one.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC’s Small Business Loan offers up to $100,000 for growth, cash flow, marketing, or tech upgrades. Payments are interest-only for the first six months, followed by monthly payments over five years. Loans are available to Canadian businesses with at least two years of revenue and good credit. Additional 0% loans are available through the CDAP program for digital investments.
Frontenac Business Services
Frontenac Business Services offers local financing of up to $300,000, or up to $25,000 through its IDEA Loan. Both support startups and growing businesses in Frontenac County. Loans are flexible and include free coaching, with no application fees. Funding can support working capital, equipment, or expansion. Programs focus on local impact, innovation, and economic growth.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Training funds are available to support a business to train its workforce. Up to $10,000 in funding is available per trainee. Up to $15000 if the trainee is also a new hire.
Next Horizon Career
Career bridging support for international students & graduates. Assistance to match employers with this global talent pool. Placement incentives of $2,000 – $4,000 can be offered for international graduates.
Queen’s Career Apprenticeship: Kingston
The Queen’s Career Apprenticeship: Kingston connects new graduates from the arts, humanities and social science disciplines within the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University with a Kingston employer. Employers who find the right fit through the program and commit to a 12-month contract, are reimbursed for 4 months of the gross salary to a maximum of $4,000 per month.
Talent Opportunities Program
The Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) is an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce designed to help employers located anywhere in Canada hire college and university students on WIL placements. Employers hiring eligible students may receive a wage subsidy up to 50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each ‘net new’ placement or 70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each ‘net new’ placement for the following under-represented groups: Indigenous people, person with disabilities, newcomer to Canada, first year student, visible minority and/or women in STEM.
