About

The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) is your leading source for business information, strategy, resources, education and guidance in Northumberland County.

As one of 54 centres in the Small Business Centres Ontario network, the BECN exists through a partnership between the Province of Ontario and Northumberland County. Serving all of Northumberland County, the BECN provides the “Expertise to Build & Grow Your Business” offering a full scope of services that will facilitate business start-up and expansion.

If you are thinking about opening a business or growing a business the BECN can help you:

• Increase your chances of business survival
• Save money through planning 
• Become a smarter entrepreneur
• Save time by accessing business Advisors and Coaches
• Build a more successful business

The BECN can provide you with business assistance, guidance and resources to help determine the viability of your concept with the following:

• Free business consultations
• Business plan development and review
• Micro grants
• Business start-up and growth programs
• Marketing plan assistance
• Information and resources
• Business coaching and networking opportunities
• Business seminars and workshops
• Guidance on licenses, permits, registration and regulations required to start and build a business

On average (per year), the BECN assists with and delivers:

• 111 businesses we help start
• 135 jobs we help create
• 1,542 total inquiries
• $111,000 in micro-grants awarded
• 8,142 decisions & actions we helped business owners consider
• 7 number of formal business programs
• 15 number of individual educational seminars & events
• 332 educational seminars & conference attendees
• 90% retention rate for businesses in the Faster Forward Business Success Program (Canadian average 60% - 70%)
• 120 businesses the Faster Forward Business Success Program has served
• 15 community Partners

Meet our team

New for 2025:  Partner with Us to Support Local Entrepreneurship
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) invites organizations to join us as sponsors in fostering innovation, supporting local entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth in our community. Your sponsorship enables us to deliver impactful programs, workshops, and events that empower businesses to thrive. Contact us today to explore sponsorship opportunities and make a meaningful contribution to Northumberland County’s business community.

Core Partners provide essential resources to help deliver quality programs and services.

Community Partners regularly work with the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre on specific activities of mutual benefit.