GROW | City of Belleville Economic Development

A City That Works for Business

Belleville's Strength is Collaboration

We believe that helping existing businesses succeed is just as important as welcoming new ones. Our dedicated economic development team works alongside entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes, from innovative startups to established firms, to understand your needs, remove barriers and create opportunities for sustainable growth.

Through tailored solutions, strategic partnerships, and proactive outreach, we're committed to fostering an environment where your business can overcome challenges, scale operations and succeed within our vibrant community.

Connect With Us

Find the right support at every stage of your business journey.

Start Your Business

Explore Start-up Resources

Grow Your Business

Discover Growth Supports

Sell Your Business

Tools for Business Transition

What We Do

We help businesses grow and stay in our community.

Business Consultations

We conduct regular site visits and check-ins to understand your challenges, future plans and how we can support your growth.

Municipal Navigation

We work with city departments to streamline the permits and approvals process and address regulatory questions you may have.

Expansion Assistance

Whether you're looking for land, buildings, funding or incentives, we're here to help you plan your next phase of growth.

Workforce Support

Connect with local colleges, training programs and recruitment initiatives that help you find and develop the talent you need.

Workforce Advantages

Resource Hub

Everything you need to launch with confidence.

The right support makes all the difference. Access local tools, funding programs, and step-by-step guidance to help you get up and running.

Start a Business

Starting a business can feel complex, but the right resources - from planning tools and financing programs to permits and local support services - can help you move forward with clarity and confidence

Access advisory services, business planning tools and start-up guidance:

- Small Business Centre - Provides free advisory services and programs for entrepreneurs across Belleville and the Quinte region.
- GoForthInstitute - Free self-paced training developed for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Access start-up funding:

- Trenval Community Futures Development Corporation - Financing and business support for start-up and scale-up businesses.
- Futurpreneur - Funding and Mentorship for entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-39.
- Business Development Bank of Canada - Helping entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their business through financing, advice and investment.

Grow Your Business

Strategic resources and local expertise to help businesses scale and invest. From expanding to improving productivity - these resources provide the funding, advice and intelligence to help you scale successfully.

Supporting Employers to find job-ready talent:

WorkinQuinte.ca - A regional job site that connects trusted employers with local job seekers.

Building a strong local workforce pipeline:

Loyalist College - Supporting business with in-demand training and workforce development solutions.
Elevate Plus - Preparing unemployed and underemployed people with skills they need to succeed.

Providing employers with the market intel needed to succeed:

The Centre for Workforce Development - Helping businesses, job seekers and the community to understand the labour market.|

Support for employers and newcomers:

Employer Newcomer Toolkit - Empowering employers and newcomers in the Quinte Region.
Immigration Portal - Here to help newcomers to Canada learn about life in our region. From geography and job opportunities to the local lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.

Sell Your Business

Plan your transition or acquisition with succession and exit resources. Whether you’re preparing for retirement or transitioning ownership, the right planning helps ensure your business’s legacy continues.

Preparing businesses for sale or acquisition:

Succession Planning Tools - Support available through Trenval for confidential transition planning & financing.
Succession Ontario - Provincial resources for long-term exit planning.

Navigating City of Belleville Resources

Funding support:

Community Improvement Plans (CIP) - Funding to private property owners to help offset project costs that achieve the City’s development goals.
Community Funding & Grants - Programs committed to assisting Belleville businesses and community organizations who support the growth and well-being of our community.

Business Licensing:

Business Licences - Licensing applications for new business owners, special events vendors and refreshment vehicle operators.

Special Events Process & Planning:

Special Events Application - Easy steps to planning and hosting your event.

Site Plan Approval:

Site Plan Applocation - Required for most development to establish design and technical aspects, including construction, additions or alterations to buildings and structures.

Building Permit Application:

Building Permits - Your formal permission to begin construction or demolition after the city has reviewed plans for any proposed structure, addition or renovation.

Explore a full list of partners and programs our department collaborates with to build a vibrant, thriving business community in the City of Belleville.

Business Program & Community Resources

Let's Grow Together

Whether you're scaling up or facing new challenges, our team is here to help your business succeed in Belleville's supportive community.

Connect with Our Business Team

FAQ's

How does Economic Development support business start-up, growth and retention?

Our team of economic developers offers expert guidance to support business start-up, growth and retention in the City of Belleville. We provide business advisory services, site selection assistance and navigation of municipal processes such as zoning, licensing and permitting. We conduct ongoing Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) projects and lead local initiatives that address real business needs. We also connect businesses to funding and community resources, and we maintain ongoing engagement to ensure companies succeed at every stage.

Can the City help my business access grants, funding or incentive programs?

Yes. We connect businesses to community, municipal, provincial and federal programs and services and provide guidance on grant and funding applications. Our team helps identify the right opportunities based on your project, introduce you to the right networks and support you through the application process.

What support does the city provide for navigating zoning, permitting or development requirements?

We work closely with municipal departments to help businesses navigate the entire development process. We can facilitate meetings, clarify requirements and assist in addressing challenges that arise during development or expansion projects.

Can Economic Development help with workforce challenges?

We partner with local employment service providers, training organizations, industry and business groups, and government organizations to support recruitment, upskilling and workforce development. Businesses can access career fairs, training programs, labour market insights and connections to hiring supports.

What is the City of Belleville’s Business Retention & Expansion Program (BR+E)?

Belleville’s BR+E program is an ongoing initiative that directly engages local businesses to understand their needs, challenges, and growth opportunities. Through surveys, interviews, and industry outreach, the City gathers data that informs municipal policies, workforce strategies, and targeted supports. This ensures Belleville’s Economic Development efforts remain responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with the priorities of the business community.

Success Stories

What People Say About Us

The expertise and guidance by Belleville's Economic Development team connected us to the right resources and programs, giving us the confidence to move forward. The team’s knowledge and hands-on support gave us the assurance we needed to succeed and turn our idea into a thriving business.

Mellisa Boulter - Mel's Perogies