Business Counselling, at no cost to you.
The CDC's Business Counselling service connects entrepreneurs and business owners with experienced advisors — free of charge — to help you start, stabilize, or grow your business in Sault Ste. Marie and Area.
Whether you have a business idea you're not sure how to get off the ground, or you're an established operation looking to expand, CDC staff are here to work through it with you. Sessions are one-on-one, confidential, and tailored to your specific situation.
A dedicated space to research and plan.
Alongside one-on-one counselling, the CDC maintains a small business resource center and computer station available to clients at no charge. Use it to:
- - Research your business idea or target market.
- - Work on your business plan or financial projections.
- - Access business reference materials and publications.
- - Prepare for your counselling session or follow up after one.
The resource centre is available during regular CDC office hours. No appointment is needed to use the resource center or computer station — just stop in.
What we can help with.
Business counselling is flexible by design — sessions are shaped around what you actually need. Common areas of assistance include:
Built for every stage of business.
CDC Business Counselling is available to anyone in Sault Ste. Marie and Area — no minimum revenue, no business registration required to have a first conversation.
- You have a business idea and aren't sure where to start
- You need a business plan to secure financing
- You want to understand the steps to launch legally and confidently
- You're weighing whether self-employment is right for you
- You want to grow but aren't sure of the right next step
- You're facing a financial challenge and need a second opinion
- You're looking to access financing and need a stronger application
- You want to review your operations and find efficiencies
How to get started.
Get in Touch
Call us at (705) 942-9000 or email cdc@ssmcdc.com to introduce yourself and briefly describe what you're working on. There's no formal intake form — just reach out.
Book a Session
CDC staff will schedule a one-on-one meeting at a time that works for you. Sessions are held at the CDC office at 672 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie.
Work Through It Together
Your session is tailored to where you are and what you need. Come with questions, a draft plan, your financials, or just an idea — there's no wrong place to start.
Follow Up as Needed
Counselling isn't a one-time visit. As your business evolves, you're welcome to return for additional sessions, use the resource centre, or connect with other CDC programs like Business Loans.
Common questions.
Is business counselling really free?
Yes — completely. There is no cost for business counselling or use of the Small Business Resource Centre. The CDC is a non-profit funded to support economic development in Sault Ste. Marie and Area.
Do I need to have a registered business to access counselling?
No. You can access counselling at any stage — including before you've registered or even fully committed to starting a business. Early conversations are often the most valuable.
Is what I share kept confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed during counselling sessions is confidential. CDC staff will not share your business information with third parties.
What should I bring to my first session?
Whatever you have — a rough idea, a draft business plan, recent financial statements, or a list of questions. If you're just starting out, simply showing up is enough. CDC staff will guide the conversation from there.
How many sessions can I have?
There's no hard limit. The CDC's goal is to support your business as it grows and changes, so you're welcome to return for follow-up sessions whenever you need them.
Can the CDC help me get a business loan?
Yes — the CDC offers Business Loans as a separate program. Counselling is often a natural first step toward a loan application, as it helps you build a stronger business plan and financial projections.
Is the resource centre open to the public?
The resource center and computer station are available to CDC clients during regular office hours. No appointment is needed — just come in during business hours and a staff member will get you set up.
