Kingston Economic Development delivers a range of business programs that drive sustainable growth, helping entrepreneurs and companies adapt, thrive, and seize opportunities in a constantly evolving economic environment.
Kingston Economic Development Corporation delivers a wide range of business programs that advance sustainable growth and strengthen Kingston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. These initiatives help businesses launch, expand, and adapt by providing essential resources, connections, and expertise. Serving both early-stage start-ups and established SMEs, our programs are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the local economy. By offering tools, guidance, and strategic networking opportunities, Kingston Economic Development ensures businesses have the support they need to remain competitive, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to Kingston’s long-term economic vitality and resilience.
Our business support portfolio includes mentorship, training, funding, and targeted advisory services. Entrepreneurs gain access to weekly workshops, sector-specific expertise, and financial programs that encourage innovation, workforce development, and market readiness. Signature initiatives—such as Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, and the Helix Funding programs—are complemented by export readiness training, newcomer entrepreneur assistance, and digital adoption guidance. These programs work together to create an inclusive, dynamic business environment, enabling local entrepreneurs to build capacity, improve operations, and position their ventures for sustainable growth in Kingston’s diverse and competitive marketplace.
We measure program success by tangible outcomes in business growth, retention, and innovation. Kingston Economic Development collaborates with community partners, industry stakeholders, and all levels of government to keep programs responsive and relevant. This collaborative approach strengthens Kingston’s business ecosystem, fostering inclusivity, adaptability, and resilience. By aligning resources with emerging opportunities and challenges, we help entrepreneurs overcome barriers, scale operations, and embrace innovation. Our commitment ensures that Kingston remains a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, providing local businesses with the tools and support they need to thrive now and in the future.
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 you start a business.
Our Business Programs
Tariff Business Support
Business support
Tariff Business Support assists Canadian exporters facing challenges from U.S. tariffs by offering supply chain guidance, market diversification strategies, and connections to programs like the Ontario Together Trade Fund. Please see our page for a comprehensive list of tools and resources to navigate the current tariff rates and affected products via Global Affairs Canada and BDC.
Helix Funding
Matching grant, Business support, Life Sciences
The Helix Program supports life sciences companies in the region with matching grants of $10,000–$100,000, providing access to BSL‑2 wet-lab facilities, mentors, and the Build2Scale commercialization pathway.
We have over 20 validation network partners in the local ecosystem ready to support participating projects. This extensive network permits participating businesses access to matching grants, technical resources at Providence Care Hospital, and much more. This program accelerates innovation and supports transitions from lab to market.
Events and Workshops
Training
Kingston Economic Development hosts workshops every month, tackling a wide-range of topics for small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups on topics like sales tactics, AI adoption, networking, legal foundations, insurance, and business basics.
Most of our workshops are virtual webinars, providing high-grade content from local experts on a variety of topics. Participants gain practical skills through interactive learning formats, sessions like “Business Law 101” and “AI for Business.”
We also have in-person events and workshops to help with networking in our community through the Welcome Night and Kingston Young Professional programs.
Starter Company Plus
Grant, Business support, Mentorship, Training, Existing businesses
Starter Company Plus supports early-stage entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and up to $5,000 in non-repayable grant funding. Participants receive guidance in business planning, marketing, and financial management while developing a growth strategy tailored to their goals.
The program includes one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and pitch preparation to build confidence and strengthen decision-making. Entrepreneurs also gain access to local networks, helping them connect with other business owners and support organizations. It’s a powerful way to refine your business and position it for long-term success in the Kingston region.
Simon Denford
Business Programs Coordinator
Simon Denford brings a solid foundation in business support, administration, and operations management, backed by his studies in entrepreneurship and international policy. His experiences abroad have helped him understand the diverse operational and market dynamics across French, German, American, and Canadian contexts.
At Kingston Economic Development, Simon supports entrepreneurship through program coordination, community engagement, and advisory roles. Simon coordinates business programs like Starter Company Plus and Summer Company, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in their growth journeys.
Ask the Expert
Business support, Advice, Existing businesses
Ask The Expert connects small businesses with specialists in accounting, legal, HR, accessibility, and much more.
Eligible businesses must be registered as sole proprietors, partnerships, or corporations with 1–5 employees. Participants receive advice tailored to real-time challenges—enabling confident decisions in finance, operations, marketing, and compliance.
Summer Company
Grant, Business support, Mentorship, Training, Students, New businesses
Summer Company empowers students aged 15–29 to transform their ideas into summer ventures. Participants receive $3,000, giving them early financial support to get their business running. The program blends bootcamps, mentorship, and training to strengthen essential business skills.
Participants learn the basics of starting a business and develop their own passion project into a sustainable and growing business in a 3-month time span. As part of the program, the entrepreneurs get paired up with local entrepreneurs and business leaders for support and wisdom.
Futurpreneur Canada
Loans, Business support, Mentorship, Training, Young entrepreneurs
Futurpreneur Canada helps aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18–39 start and grow their businesses with flexible financing and long-term mentorship. Through its partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada, participants can access up to $75,000 in combined funding.
The program offers two years of one-on-one mentorship along with tailored streams for Black, Indigenous, and side-hustle entrepreneurs. These specialized tracks provide culturally relevant resources and inclusive guidance. Participants leave the program better prepared to launch confidently, navigate challenges, and build sustainable businesses in competitive markets.
Queen’s Career Apprenticeship: Kingston
Grant, Hiring, Business support, Existing businesses
The Queen’s Career Apprenticeship: Kingston (QCAK) program connects local employers with recent graduates from Queen’s University’s Arts, Humanities, and Social Science faculties. Employers offering a 12-month contract may receive up to $10,000 in salary reimbursement, helping offset onboarding and training costs while attracting skilled young talent to Kingston.
Since its launch in 2018, QCAK has supported over 50 career starts and contributed millions to the local economy. Employers gain motivated, degree-educated hires, while graduates receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and career-building experience—strengthening both business capacity and Kingston’s professional community.
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 you start a business.
Business Grant Writing Support
Grant, Business support
This program reduces the cost of preparing competitive funding applications by covering 50% of professional grant-writing consultant fees, up to $2,000. It’s designed for Kingston-based businesses applying for external funding of at least $50,000.
Participants gain access to expert grant-writing support that enhances clarity, strategy, and professionalism in their applications. Businesses must report their outcomes to Kingston Economic Development and cover any additional costs. This program increases the chances of securing essential funding for business expansion, innovation, or other strategic growth projects.
Global Skills Referral Program
Hiring, Business support
As a Global Skills Referral Partner, Kingston Economic Development connects employers to immigration and talent programs that help recruit skilled international workers. The service supports businesses facing labour shortages in specialized or high-demand roles.
By facilitating access to vetted programs and resources, the initiative reduces recruitment barriers and streamlines onboarding. Participating businesses benefit from enhanced access to diverse talent, new skill sets, and global perspectives—strengthening their ability to innovate, expand, and compete in an interconnected marketplace.
Municipal Services
Business support
Kingston Economic Development helps businesses navigate municipal processes efficiently. This includes guidance on licensing, permits, zoning, land-use planning, and city bidding opportunities, ensuring smoother interactions with local government.
Simon Denford
Business Programs Coordinator
Simon Denford brings a solid foundation in business support, administration, and operations management, backed by his studies in entrepreneurship and international policy. His experiences abroad have helped him understand the diverse operational and market dynamics across French, German, American, and Canadian contexts.
At Kingston Economic Development, Simon supports entrepreneurship through program coordination, community engagement, and advisory roles. Simon coordinates business programs like Starter Company Plus and Summer Company, supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in their growth journeys.
