If you're thinking of starting a home-based business in Laurentian Valley, here are some items to consider.

What type of business are you proposing?

There are two types of home-based businesses:

Man standing in front of a lifted car in a mechanic shop.
Home Industry:

This means a gainful occupation, service, or trade such as woodworking, welding, machine, or auto repair shop or storage, in whole or in part in a building or structure accessory to a dwelling.

Esthetician providing a service to a woman lying down on a service bed.
Home Occupation:

This means any occupation for gain or support which is carried on as an accessory use either within a dwelling or dwelling unit, and operated by the occupants residing therein. Such home occupation uses may include a service shop, the office or consulting room of a doctor, dentist, chiropractor, drug-less practitioner etc. Please note that under certain circumstances, your property may already qualify based on your property zoning. We recommend contacting us to inquire about your zoning.

When considering a home-based business in LV you should:

  1. Contact the Township at 613-735-6291 x208 and speak with the Community Development Officer. You will need to determine whether your specific property is able to accommodate the home-based business you have in mind.
  2. If you are making any interior changes or new construction, additional permits may be required.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the [Township Zoning By-Law].

What should you have prepared when speaking with the Township?

  • Be prepared with as much information as possible.
  • Know the location of the property you are interested in, or which you own or rent.
  • Have specific details about the business you are proposing.
  • Know or estimate how many employees you will have in addition to the occupants of the home.
  • Are client or customers coming to your home location?
  • How many off-street parking spaces do you propose or think you will need?
  • Are you proposing to operate the business inside the house or dwelling unit?
  • Will the business be in a separate accessory building or detached garage?
  • Are you proposing to build a new build to a new building, an addition, or will there be interior renovations?
  • How large of an area inside the home will the home-based business occupy?

Having this information, or as much of it as possible will help us to further determine the scope of the proposed home-business.

Additional resources

We can further connect you to other agencies and organizations that can assist you with a range of services such as business mentoring, training, and preparing your Business Plan.

Here is a list of resources. Click on their organization name to get redirected to their website.

Business owner holding a door open with an open sign hanging on the door.

Grants are a helpful tool to boost your business. 

Learn more about grants