Are you looking to start or expand your business in Severn? Our community is situated in Central Ontario near major provincial, national and international markets. Severn offers a combination of lifestyle and opportunity making it a great place to live and do business. Explore the resources available to help you start or expand your business.

Available land

Find a suitable location for your business and check out the available land and buildings in Severn.

Business resources

Check out the local business supports in Severn. These organizations can help you start and grow your business, offer funding and provide opportunities for networking and mentorship within the local business community.

Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce

Join the Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and get access to a variety of supports for local businesses and entrepreneurs, including:

  • networking opportunities and events
  • marketing and promotional advertising supports
  • group insurance plan

Orillia and Area Chamber of Commerce

The Orillia and Area Chamber of Commerce offers networking events, business resources and information for anyone looking to start or expand their business in Severn and the surrounding area.

Coldwater Business Improvement Area

The Coldwater Business Improvement Area hosts annual events and promotes the establishment of businesses in the community of Coldwater. They work with Severn to promote economic development within the district.

County of Simcoe Economic Development

Visit County of Simcoe Economic Development Office for information about business grants and funding opportunities, local educational and networking events, demographics and community profiles and a variety of resources for new and established businesses.

Small Business Enterprise Centre

The Small Business Centre Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia helps local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses and meet their goals. They offer support to new and existing businesses providing free one-on-one consultations, business plan reviews, seminars, networking opportunities and more.

Orillia and Area Community Development Corporation

The Orillia and Area Community Development Corporation offers a wide variety of programs and services supporting community economic development and small business growth. In particular, they provide:

  • loans for small businesses and social enterprises
  • business counselling services
  • access to community and business information
  • support for community-based projects
  • strategic community planning and socio-economic development

Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre

The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre is a resource for entrepreneurs at various stages, across all industry sectors. They help students and community based entrepreneurs validate their business ideas and grow existing businesses by connecting them with the tools they need to be successful. This includes:

  • mentorship
  • funding
  • training
  • networking

Severn Township Public Library

Severn Township Public Library is a great resource for business owners and entrepreneurs. You can find books, make connections and get access to space to help you get your business up and running.

Why Severn?

Located within Simcoe County, Severn is a growing marketplace. The County is home to more than 450,000 residents and is expected to grow by 40% by 2031. We also welcome over 9 million visitors a year, who contribute more than $1 billion annually to the Simcoe economy.

Key investment areas

Check out Orillia and Lake Country Tourism to learn more about key investment opportunities in the area. You can review demographic information and discover growth industries. Orillia and Lake Country Tourism has identified the following key investment areas in the tourism industry:

  • family entertainment
  • glamping and outdoor adventures
  • waterfront restaurants

This is a great resource if you're looking to start a new business in Severn.

Doing business during COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed the way we do business in Ontario. The Government of Ontario offers the following guidelines and resources to help businesses operate during these times:

Visit the Government of Ontario to find out how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office offers resources and supports to business owners to help navigate the pandemic. This includes:

  • virtual learning opportunities
  • government funding
  • resources for re-opening
  • protective equipment supplies