Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Norfolk County have access to strong local support through three key organizations: Venture Norfolk , Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC), and Innovation Factory. Together, they play an important role in helping businesses start, grow, and succeed.
Entrepreneurs in Norfolk County benefit from a strong local support system, with Venture Norfolk playing a central role in helping businesses succeed. As a community-based, not-for-profit organization, Venture Norfolk provides access to financing, business consulting, and strategic planning support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Their services—from start-up loans to one-on-one advising and business planning—help entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable ventures while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
Complementing this support, the BRC offers additional resources available to Norfolk entrepreneurs, including free advisory services, workshops, and training opportunities focused on business planning, marketing, and growth. While the BRC provides valuable foundational tools, Venture Norfolk’s localized focus, funding programs, and hands-on guidance make it a key driver of business development within Norfolk County.
The Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) for Hamilton, Halton, Brant, and Norfolk is Innovation Factory, a not-for-profit business accelerator funded by the Government of Ontario that helps innovative startups and scaling companies commercialize ideas, attract investment, increase revenues, and create jobs. Since 2010, it has supported thousands of Ontario businesses through advisory services, mentorship, training, and strategic connections.
Key Resources available to Entrepreneurs include Business Advisory Services, Mentorship and Expert Network, Funding and Investment Support, Training and Workshops as well as Sector-Specific Support and Innovation Ecosystem Connections.
For entrepreneurs in Norfolk County, Innovation Factory effectively serves as a “front door” into Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. Whether a company is validating an idea, seeking funding, developing a prototype, or scaling internationally, Innovation Factory helps founders navigate resources, reduce commercialization risk, and accelerate growth.
Together, Venture Norfolk, the BRC, and Innovation Factory highlight the strength of local support available to entrepreneurs. By combining expert advice, practical training, and access to funding, these organizations empower individuals to turn ideas into sustainable businesses and contribute to a thriving regional economy. Whether someone is just starting out or looking to expand, the message is clear: entrepreneurs in Brantford-Brant and Norfolk County are not alone. With the right guidance, resources, and community backing, local business owners are well-positioned to innovate, grow, and shape the future of their communities.
These organizations create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can access the expertise and resources they need to move forward with confidence—businesses are encouraged to reach out.