Starting a Business

In Bracebridge, the Town licenses the following types of businesses:

• Refreshment vehicles
• Temporary Vendor

Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Also referred to as chip wagon, mobile barbecue, refrigerated bicycle cart, etc., and that serve food such as hot dogs, french fries, ice cream, and the like.

Please read our By-law on Refreshment Vehicle Licences and Regulations to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

Also, please read the public information brochure on refreshment vehicles. 

Review, fill out and submit the Refreshment Vehicle Licence Application Form to apply for your Refreshment Vehicle Licence.  For additional information contact the By-law Enforcement Branch or call 705-645-5264 ext. 3250.

Temporary Vendor Licence

Temporary Vendors are also known as temporary sales, hawkers, pedlars, etc., and may be operated from a fixed location or at various locations within Bracebridge.

Please read our Temporary Vendor Business Licence By-Law (By-Law 2018-031) to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

Review, fill out and submit the Business Licence Application Form to apply for your Temporary Vendor Licence.

Contact our By-Law Enforcement Staff at 705-645-6319 ext. 3250 for more information.

Sign Permits

To maintain an attractive appearance in the community and to ensure a safe environment, the Town regulates the use of signs in an effort to avoid visual clutter and for traffic and pedestrian safety. The following signs require a sign permit:

Follow the links below for more information on Sign Permits:

• Sign By-law
• Sign permit application
• Sign permit fees (Appendix "G")
• Sign by-law variance application
• Questions about signs? Contact the Building Services Branch at (705) 645-6319 ext. 3543.

The Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) provides support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey, whether starting out, maintaining operations, or planning to grow. The centre works with business owners to understand their vision, goals, and needs, and helps develop plans that align with their objectives. As a leading resource for small business support in Muskoka, MSBC offers guidance from initial idea through launch and expansion.

MSBC services include one-on-one consultations with experienced business consultants, assistance with business registration, and support in developing or strengthening business plans. Entrepreneurs can access interactive workshops and training sessions, connect with local business networks through regional events, and apply for programs such as the Summer Company program, offering grants up to $3,000 for students, and the Starter Company Plus program, offering grants up to $5,000 for entrepreneurs starting or growing a business.

The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses by providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to help entrepreneurs start and grow their ventures. Membership offers access to workshops, events, and connections with other business owners and community leaders, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The Chamber also represents the interests of businesses in local decision-making, helping members navigate regulations, access programs, and stay informed about opportunities to strengthen and expand their operations in Bracebridge.

Muskoka Futures

Muskoka's Community Futures Development Corporation is a not-for-profit community futures development corporation (CFDC) based in Bracebridge that supports entrepreneurs at every stage, whether you are just starting out, growing your business, or preparing to transition out. They provide tailored advice, coaching, and strategic guidance to help you make informed decisions, access opportunities, and build a sustainable business.

As a CFDC, they also offer flexible, mission-driven loans to suit a variety of needs, including purchasing equipment, renovating your workspace, training staff, or covering operating costs. If you are ever uncertain about your next step, the team at Muskoka Futures is ready to help you develop your ideas, connect with partners, and reach your business goals.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is a provincial agency dedicated to supporting economic growth and job creation in Northern Ontario. They provide financial assistance to businesses, Indigenous communities, and municipalities to help start, expand, or modernize operations.

NOHFC funding can cover eligible costs such as equipment, construction, technology upgrades, and workforce training. Their goal is to partner with entrepreneurs and communities to strengthen the local economy, support innovation, and build a more diverse and resilient northern business landscape.

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) is the Government of Canada’s regional development agency for Northern Ontario.

FedNor supports economic growth and job creation by providing funding and resources to businesses, communities, and organizations. They work with local partners, including Community Futures Development Corporations, to offer business counselling, loans, and planning support. FedNor’s programs help entrepreneurs launch new ventures, expand operations, invest in technology, and improve productivity, contributing to a stronger and more resilient northern economy.

National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

The National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) supports Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses that are developing technology-driven innovations. IRAP provides financial assistance, advisory services, and connections with R&D experts to help companies build their innovation capacity and bring ideas to market.

IRAP offers specialized support for projects such as clean technology development and the adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence. Through its national network of industrial technology advisors, IRAP works locally to connect businesses with the right technical and business expertise to develop and commercialize their innovations.

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION)

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) is a regional innovation centre that helps technology-oriented entrepreneurs and businesses in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka grow, scale, and commercialize.

IION provides a variety of services, including business advisory support, guidance on public and private funding, in-house grant programs, access to industry experts and resources, market intelligence, and business-to-business networking. They also assist companies in exploring and adopting artificial intelligence through programs that cover advisory costs and help develop AI adoption plans.

The Province of Ontario Business Portal provides a practical and structured guide to starting a business in Ontario. You’ll learn how to choose an appropriate business structure, register your business name, and obtain an Ontario Business Number. Through the built-in questionnaire, you can generate a custom, downloadable guide covering key steps such as HST registration, payroll setup, and securing permits, licences, and insurance.

This site also provides access to free legal advice through Pro Bono Ontario, tips on how to find a Small Business Enterprise Centre, information about grants and funding opportunities. The site also offers resources on labour laws, environmental and consumer regulations, tax obligations, and export-trade support.

The Ministry of Labour's mission is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario. Through the ministry's key areas of occupational health and safety, employment rights and responsibilities, and labour relations, the ministry's mandate is to set, communicate and enforce workplace standards while encouraging greater workplace self-reliance.

Small businesses represent 95% of all employers in Ontario, and they employ 28% of Ontario's workers. Business owners know that running a business involves risks and costs; the Ministry of Labour knows that a commitment to health, safety and fairness makes good business sense.

View the Ministry of Labour's Small Business Resources link to learn about workplace responsibilities and their free resources and tools.