By Joel Bissett
April 8th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is a vibrant and growing city that offers an ideal environment for entrepreneurs. Its strategic location between Toronto and Hamilton, combined with a strong local economy, excellent infrastructure, and a supportive business community, makes it a great place to launch a new venture. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned businessperson looking for your next opportunity, there are several paths you can take to start a business in Burlington.
Starting from Scratch
The day you open a new business is something you never forget.
Creating a business from the ground up is one of the most common routes for entrepreneurs. This option allows for complete control over your brand, concept, and operations. You can tailor every aspect of your business to reflect your vision and values. Starting from scratch does, however, require careful planning, a deep understanding of your target market, and the ability to manage the financial and logistical challenges of launching something new. In Burlington, new entrepreneurs can access valuable resources through organizations like the Halton Region Small Business Centre and Burlington Economic Development, which offer mentoring, training, and planning tools to help bring ideas to life.
Investing in a Franchise
Franchise ownership is another popular and structured way to start a business in Burlington. Franchises come with the benefit of a recognized brand, established business model, and ongoing support from the franchisor. This can significantly reduce the risks associated with launching a new business. Burlington has numerous franchise opportunities across industries such as food and beverage, fitness, home services, education, and retail. For individuals who want to run their own business but prefer guidance and a proven formula, franchising offers a great balance between independence and support.
Buying an Existing Business
There are all kinds of existing businesses that come up for sale. Owners choose to retire; illness requires them to retire. New ownership often adds new life to an existing operation.
Another viable option is to purchase an existing business. This approach provides an immediate entry into the market with an established customer base, trained staff, and ongoing operations. It is often less risky than starting from scratch, particularly if the business has a strong track record. However, it is essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that the business is financially sound and has potential for future growth. Burlington’s business brokers and commercial real estate agents can help connect interested buyers with available opportunities across various industries.
Launching an Online Business
The digital economy continues to grow, and starting an online business can be an attractive and cost-effective way to enter the market. Entrepreneurs in Burlington can create e-commerce stores, offer digital services, or launch content-driven platforms to reach audiences locally and beyond. Online businesses offer flexibility and scalability, and can be run from home or in combination with a physical location. The city’s reliable infrastructure and access to tech-savvy talent make it an excellent environment for digital entrepreneurship. Whether offering handmade goods, online consulting, or digital marketing services, the online space allows for creativity and innovation without the need for a traditional storefront.
A City of Opportunity
Research a city you want to create a new business in or learn about how healthy the local economic climate is. Do your homework.
No matter which path you choose—starting from scratch, buying a business, going online, or investing in a franchise—Burlington offers the right mix of resources, market potential, and community support to help you succeed. With a proactive local government, business-friendly policies, and a diverse population, it is a place where entrepreneurial ideas can thrive and grow.
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