You can envision the logo, your customers, and the dream of being your own boss.

But ask yourself these questions:

• Do you know the legal and tax implications of operating as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation?
• Do you know which permits you may need?
• Have you researched the market, its trends, and who your competitors may be?
• Do you know what cash flow is and how to manage it?
• Has someone, other than friends or family, said they will pay for your product or service?
• Are you ready for the entrepreneur life and the sacrifices that come with it?

When people learn the realities of starting a business it can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. That’s why Invest Ottawa is here to help.

Our orientation services cover the 101’s of structuring, building, and validating your business idea. If you have already laid some of the groundwork? Then our boot camps and workshops can help fine tune your business model.  And finally, our in-house experts have the “been there, done that” know-how, which can help turn the uncertainty into excitement.