How Ontario businesses access advisors, mentors, and performance benchmarking tools

Running a business in Ontario can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you face tough choices about hiring, growth, or making your company more profitable. But you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Ontario and federal programs give businesses free access to experienced advisors, mentoring, and tools that help you compare your numbers with other companies.

These supports are not cash grants. Instead, they give you advice and real business data that can help you plan your next steps with more confidence.

Types of support for Ontario businesses

Ontario businesses can get help in three main ways: through government-appointed advisors, mentoring programs, and benchmarking tools that use real business numbers.

Ontario Senior Business Advisors (OSBA)

The Ontario Senior Business Advisors program connects small and medium-sized businesses with experienced government advisors at no cost.

What advisors can help with

Looking at your company’s strengths and weaknesses
Finding ways to grow or improve productivity
Explaining Ontario and federal rules
Helping you learn about government buying and compliance
Introducing you to people in government or local business groups
Referring you to other supports, like tech adoption or funding programs

Who is eligible

Ontario-based small and medium-sized businesses
Generally, businesses with 10 or more employees
Firms that sell goods or services outside their local area (not just local retail or services)

There is no direct funding with this program. The main benefit is private, one-on-one advice that fits your business.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check before you reach out.

Mentoring programs for business owners

Mentoring programs match you with a business owner or professional who shares advice based on real experience.

These programs usually offer:

Regular meetings (often monthly)
Help with making decisions and solving problems
Support for reaching your business goals

Mentoring is useful for new business owners or companies that are growing fast. Many programs are run by economic development groups or industry associations, not just through grants.

Most mentoring programs are free or low-cost, and they work well with advisory services like OSBA.

Benchmarking tools (Financial Performance Data)

The Financial Performance Data tool from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) gives you access to national business data.

How this tool helps

Compare your financial numbers to others in your industry
Look at profitability, costs, and financial health
Use up-to-date data in your business plan
See how your company changes over time

This tool does not give you money. Instead, it helps answer questions like:

Are your profits similar to other businesses like yours?
Are your costs higher than average?
Are you ready for growth or to apply for financing?

Ontario businesses often use benchmarking data with advisor support so decisions are based on facts, not guesses.

How these supports work together

Many Ontario businesses use all three supports:

Advisors help you understand your challenges and options
Mentors give you real-world advice and keep you on track
Benchmarking tools show how your business compares to others

Using them together helps you plan better, write stronger grant or loan applications, and make smarter choices for growth.

Tips for getting the most from these programs

Don’t wait for problems to get help
Advisors and mentors can help you avoid trouble, not just fix it.

These programs are not just for struggling businesses
Many growing companies use advisors and benchmarking tools to improve, not just to survive.

Know what to expect
Programs like OSBA do not give out money. Their value is in advice and connections.

Check the rules first
Some supports are only for businesses of a certain size or sector. Always look at the requirements before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Ontario business advisors free to use?
Yes. The Ontario Senior Business Advisors service is free for eligible businesses.

Q: Do I need to be incorporated to access advisory services?
Requirements depend on the program. OSBA usually helps established small and medium-sized businesses, not early startups.

Q: Can advisors help me find grants or loans?
They do not give out money, but they can refer you to funding programs that fit your business.

Q: What kind of data is in Financial Performance Data?
It includes industry averages and financial ratios you can use to see how your business compares.

Q: How long does working with an advisor take?
There is no set time. It depends on your needs and the complexity of your business.

How to find and apply for support

Finding the right program can take time. Many economic development offices and industry groups post about mentoring or advisory services on their websites. You can also search government sites for “Ontario Senior Business Advisors” or “Financial Performance Data.”

GrantHub tracks hundreds of business support programs, including advisory services and benchmarking tools, so you can see which ones fit your business and goals.

Next steps

Advisors, mentors, and benchmarking tools can help you make better decisions before you even apply for funding. Take time to check your eligibility and reach out to the programs that match your needs.

See also:

What Skills and Support Do Canadian Business Accelerator Programs Provide?
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained

How Ontario businesses access advisors, mentors, and performance benchmarking tools