Newfoundland and Labrador is building a dynamic, entrepreneur-friendly environment. The province is enjoying strong economic momentum, with real GDP growth of 3.5% in 2025, the highest in Canada, driven by key sectors such as oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and technology. This robust expansion is creating fertile ground for startups and small businesses to thrive.
A robust ecosystem of support programs is helping entrepreneurs at every stage.
Business Navigator Services
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Business Navigation Services offer a personalized, one-on-one support system for businesses at every stage. Launched in January 2025 with a team of three navigators located in St. John’s, Clarenville, and Corner Brook, the program serves as a single point of contact to help entrepreneurs navigate government regulations, identify required licenses and permits, and connect with financing and staffing resources. By streamlining processes and identifying unnecessary red tape, the service reduces bureaucratic burdens so businesses can focus on growth.
Inquiries can be submitted through an online portal, by email at businessnavigatornl@gov.nl.ca, or by phone at 1-833-404-2283
Check the details information about the services: https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/business-navigation-services/
Genesis
Genesis is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier innovation hub, empowering tech entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses since 1997. It has supported over 1,000 early-stage companies, creating nearly 3,000 jobs and generating more than $3.5 billion in economic impact. Through hands-on coaching, workshops, non-dilutive funding, and the AI Garage, Genesis guides founders from idea to growth. Its standout success, Verafin—a financial crime platform incubated from 2003 to 2006—was acquired by Nasdaq for US$2.75 billion, one of Canada’s largest tech exits. Located at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus, Genesis proves world-class companies can thrive in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Check the details information here: https://www.genesiscentre.ca
Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE)
The Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) is a pan-university hub based at Memorial University’s St. John’s campus. Since 2016, MCE‘s mission is to help every Memorial student find and grow their inner entrepreneur.
MCE offers educational programming, mentorship, co-working space, and funding support to inspire and accelerate entrepreneurs from all disciplines and campuses. Its programs include LearnLaunch, Illuminate, and the Student-in-Residence program. MCE startups have created over 200 jobs and raised more than $125 million in venture capital.
Check the details information here: https://www.mun.ca/mce/
Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC)
The Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) is a network of 41 community-based, not-for-profit organizations across rural Atlantic Canada. Their mission is to support the creation, expansion, and modernization of small and medium-sized businesses.
Check the details information here: https://cbdc.ca/
Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE)
The Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) is a provincial, not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to supporting women entrepreneurs. NLOWE’s mandate is to provide programs and services that connect and support women to start, grow, and advance their businesses.
NLOWE’s services include business advising, skills development, networking events, and mentoring. NLOWE also works to connect industry with qualified female suppliers. It provides advisory services to over 1,000 women business owners annually across the province and actively works to address systemic barriers and gender bias in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Check the details information here: https://www.nlowe.org/
Horizon TNL
Horizon TNL (formerly RDÉE TNL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the economic development of Francophones in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 25 years, it has leveraged French as a catalyst for economic progress. Its key priorities include employability, immigration, and entrepreneurship.
For entrepreneurs, Horizon TNL offers comprehensive support at every stage, from idea to growth. Services include business plan writing, navigating permits, and guidance on financing, including referrals to startup loans. It also provides specialized support for artist-entrepreneurs and helps connect Francophone entrepreneurs with resources.
Check the details information here: https://www.horizontnl.ca/en-ca/support-for-entrepreneurs