The Prince Edward Island Small Business Guide:
A Comprehensive Resource to a Robust Entrepreneurial Venture in PEI
The CanadianSME Small Business Hub welcomes you to our all-inclusive guide for establishing, managing, and scaling a small business venture in Prince Edward Island. Our devoted team is at the helm to bringing you the most authentic and latest essential tools, resources, and insights that will not just help you navigate the challenges but anchor your business venture firmly to its foundation in terms of the regulatory framework and working capital. Our Prince Edward Island Small Business Guide offers holistic support and guidance to ensure your business thrives in Canada’s smallest province.
Prince Edward Island is known for its dynamic entrepreneurial environment and robust resources. It offers a welcoming locale for startups and small businesses looking to tap into the opportunities presented by its vibrant sectors.
Prince Edward Island’s economy is characterized by its diversity, encompassing several key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, aerospace, bioscience, information technology, and renewable energy. The presence of variety leads to a multitude of opportunities for businesses.
Due to its advantageous location on the east coast, Prince Edward Island (PEI) businesses have convenient access to markets in North America and Europe.
PEI boasts a highly skilled workforce that is backed by a robust education system. This includes renowned institutions like the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College, both of which offer industry-specific programs designed to cater to the province’s key sectors.
The government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) actively endeavours to cultivate a favourable business climate through the implementation of diverse incentives, grants, and funding initiatives aimed at fostering the expansion, innovation, and sustainability of businesses.
Prince Edward Island is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, vibrant cultural legacy, and welcoming community spirit, cumulatively forming the bedrock of an exceptional quality of life. It is an enviable destination that offers residents a desirable living experience.
Explore the Best Available Resources for
SMBs and StartUps in Prince Edward Island
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
The Maritime Board of Trade that was established in 1896 became the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce when Newfoundland and Labrador’s respective chamber joined it in 1974. The official website states that APCC “actively partners with members and other organizations to impact a strong, vibrant and growing Atlantic Canada. It is a catalyst to influence, educate and advocate on policy-related issues that support business, to deliver high-value services and opportunities to our members, and to support and promote initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.” APCC is an advocate for over 16,000 businesses of different scales and sizes and works tirelessly in representing them to the higher-ups in the province.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is another excellent option to turn to when you feel you need some help with your small-scale business in Prince Edward Island. Dedicated to helping small firms and entrepreneurs, CFIB is the largest non-profit organization with more than 95,000 members.
The CFIB plays a vital role in advocating for small-scale businesses, whether with the government or politicians. Additionally, they provide specific business tools and practical resources plus on-call counsellors if you still have a doubt.
Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce
Charlottetown is the capital and largest city of Prince Edward Island and is named after Charlotte who was Queen Consort to George III. Today, much of Charlotte’s economy runs on its tourist industry which has given inventive minds ideas to come with some great business models. The Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce ascertains that those ideas, if meaningful, find a place to grow and develop. Therefore, they are committed to helping the business community find its roots and scale great heights.
Sodexo Canada
Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 56 countries, Sodexo serves 100 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Food and Facilities Management Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
Indigenous Friends Association
The Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) is an Indigenous-led tech not-for-profit organization that ignites the Spirit of Indigenous communities to create, engage and renovate digital technologies through ethical and communal values.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, we are building a stronger economy.
Skills Canada PEI & Alumni Association
Skills Canada PEI is a registered charity created in partnership with government, industry, educational and labour institutions. It is part of a larger national organization whose mandate is to encourage youth to consider skills and technology-based career options, which help fuel economic growth for the province and the country, while creating interesting and challenging employment opportunities for young Canadians.
CBDC (Community Business Development Corporation)
As CBDCs, we assist in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs.
Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA)
The Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) is a dynamic network of women entrepreneurs and business professionals from across PEI. The organization’s membership represents women at all stages of their careers and businesses – from start-up entrepreneurs, established business owners, and mid-career business professionals, to dynamic rural entrepreneurs, newcomers launching their businesses, students, and more.
Rural Action Centres
Rural Action Centres are business and community development hubs in West Prince, Kings County, and the Evangeline Region. Business owners, future entrepreneurs, employers and community groups can find multiple federal, provincial and nongovernmental agencies under one roof at your local Rural Action Centre (RAC).
Startup Zone
The Startup Zone accelerates new startups or existing businesses by connecting them with the space, resources, and supports they need to grow.
Innovation PEI
Prince Edward Island’s Lead Economic Development Agency. Our goal is to build a vibrant, diverse and growing Prince Edward Island economy by providing funding and expertise to enable strategic sectors, accelerate entrepreneurship, and foster innovation.