STARTING a BUSINESS
Starting a Business icon
GROWING your BUSINESS

BUSINESS ADVISORY CENTRE DURHAM

Teresa Shaver Headshot

Teresa
CEO

TALK to US

You can CONTACT OUR OFFICE for general information or to book a ONE-ON-ONE SESSION (free if you are located in Durham Region) with one of our Certified Business Advisors to talk about your business.

0+
FREE Workshops per Year
0
Businesses Started
0+
FREE One-on-One Sessions

We are one of 54 Small Business Centres in Ontario who provide FREE (conditions apply) business support for individuals wanting to start a business, or grow their existing business.

Most of our services are free to you because we are funded by the govern­ments of Ontario and the Region of Durham to encourage economic development and success in Durham Region.

We also do offer additional services that are paid services. (see list of services) Our ultimate goal is to guide you in gaining the skills, knowledge, tools and resources to run a successful business.

When your business is successful you make money and spend money supporting our local economy thereby creating a thriving community to live and work in.

You can participate in the programs and services that best meet your needs, and our Certified Business Advisors can work with you personally to develop the business plans and actions you need for your success.

Stay connected through our event and news update

UPCOMING EVENTS

Show & Sell: How to Use Video & Photography to Promote Your Small Business

November 30 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

E-Commerce for Canadian Exports

December 4 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Getting started with IP: protecting the look

December 6 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

BACD Start Up Session

December 12 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

More Events »

What people are saying about BACD

Shaelene McInnis
Shaelene McInnis
2023-10-20
An excellent source of support for anyone in business for themselves. I have been referring BACD to new business owners for years. The people working here truly care about new business owners. A fantastic resource.
Marlene Marco
Marlene Marco
2023-10-18
Teresa Shaver, CEO of BACD, recently spoke at our annual Reignite Conference for Heart of Networking Events. Her presentation was chock full of helpful information, relevant to our Community success. Teresa and her team are strong advocates for small business owners & entrepreneurs and I highly recommend you check out their services. If you are looking for a speaker in this area, Teresa may be just the perfect fit!
Dayana Deschamps
Dayana Deschamps
2023-09-28
I'm in the beginning phase of starting my own business. So, I contacted the advisory centre for help. I was assigned to Patrice. I love her energy. She is vibrant and passionate about what she does, which is helping business owners like me. I combined all her advice with what I already knew. So far, it's going well. Thanks, Patrice!
Megan Mantle
Megan Mantle
2023-09-10
BACD is a group of seasoned business owners interested in both your professional and personal success. My experience was very positive and I have since recommended my entrepreneur colleagues to their programs and services. Thank you BACD, specifically Patrice Espler.
Marnet Pathusha
Marnet Pathusha
2023-06-08
Patrice is a very good person and she answered me all my questions.
Jay Foss
Jay Foss
2023-05-17
Great hands on assistance and welcoming staff. They offer step-by-step business building methodology.
lewis colli
lewis colli
2023-05-09
Very helpful, totally free advice!
Gabriel Quiroz
Gabriel Quiroz
2023-05-05
BACD is amazing to work with. They are a great resource for any entrepreneur and business.
Nabil Shenouda
Nabil Shenouda
2023-05-05
I had an outstanding experience in the Start Smart program! My Advisor, Patrice Esper, is incredibly knowledgeable, client oriented and easy to work with. The quality and care that goes into the entire program, from beginning to end, shows the passion that this group of people has for their work. I would recommend this program to anyone who is in the early stages of forming a business idea. They help you make sure that you are considering and tackling all of the foundational components that are common across all businesses. They also help to motivate you and keep you accountable, in a very positive and uplifting way.All the best to everyone involved in supporting and running this program! You are an awesome group!Nabil
Nicole Keane
Nicole Keane
2023-02-28
I would like to thank Patrice for all of her help. This was my first time going to Business Advisory Centre Durham and it was a great experience. I had a few gaps in my business plan and she was able to give me some advice. Days after our meeting Patrice met someone and was able to connect us. I was astonished and grateful because she did this on her own time. I feel like she genuinely wants my business to be successful which gave me the strength I needed to push through these obstacles. Thank you so much Patrice.
JOIN our COMMUNITY