Supporting startups: entrepreneurs find their edge with BACD

Starting a business is thrilling, but it can also be daunting. Where do I begin? How do I find customers? What if I fail?

In Durham Region, aspiring entrepreneurs don’t have to do it alone. Since 1999, the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), has been guiding small businesses and entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, tools and resources to turn ideas into a livelihood.

Who and what is BACD?

BACD is one of 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario. It started as a not-for-profit-organization, funded through a partnership between the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the Region of Durham. In October 2024, BACD joined Invest Durham, the Region’s Economic and Development team to offer even more comprehensive services to entrepreneurs. BACD provides business training, advising and two grant programs. Most programs and services are free, and its team of certified business advisors are entrepreneurs themselves.

Real experience, real support

That includes BACD’s Manager Teresa Shaver, who joined in 2012 after her own journey through the highs and lows of running several small businesses. “Entrepreneurship has always been part of who I am,” Teresa shares. “I’ve lived through the same challenges our clients face today. I know what it feels like to wear every hat—sales, marketing, operations, and finance—and to balance ambition with limited time and resources.”

Her story reflects what BACD is all about—supporting entrepreneurs at every stage and helping them succeed. Teresa’s firsthand experience makes her a natural fit for BACD. “I understand how personal entrepreneurship is; it’s not just business strategy, it’s mindset. My experience helps me connect deeply with entrepreneurs, meet them where they are, and help them grow with confidence and clarity.” Teresa loves that no two days are the same. One morning she might coach someone testing a new idea, while the afternoon is helping a seasoned business owner refine their financial projections. In between, she’s developing workshops, brainstorming new programs, networking with local partners or connecting clients to community resources.

Collectively, the BACD team delivers over 150 free workshops each year, has helped over 2,300 businesses get started and has offered more than 21,000 free one-on-one sessions. “Our advisors, coaches and mentors are experienced, supportive and ready to meet entrepreneurs where they are.”

Programs that make a difference

Key initiatives include Summer Company which helps students aged 15 to 29 fund, launch and operate their own business, and She Means Business, a networking event for female entrepreneurs and business owners. BACD also hosts Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, a flagship event that celebrates entrepreneurship across the Durham Region. It features workshops, hands-on sessions and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs connect, grow and explore new ideas.

“Every successful entrepreneur once felt exactly how you do right now,” explains Teresa. “The difference is, they took that first step anyway.”

She recalls one client who faced innumerable challenges—limited funding, self-doubt, a steep learning curve and even a two-year shutdown during COVID. “They kept showing up, learning, and taking action. Over time, that idea became a thriving business that now employs five people in our community. What struck me most wasn’t just the success—it was watching their confidence grow as they built something real from scratch in the face of really hard challenges.”

Entrepreneurship in Durham Region

Small businesses are the backbone of the Durham Region economy. According to the 2024 Business Count, 71 per cent of businesses in the region are classified as small, employing between one and 10 people. But these businesses are more than statistics. They represent families and communities. Their success keeps money circulating locally and lays the foundation for Durham’s long-term economic growth.

BACD ensures these business owners and entrepreneurs have the guidance, tools and confidence to thrive.

“Whether it’s helping someone turn an idea into a viable business, guiding them through growth challenges, or celebrating their wins, it’s deeply fulfilling to know we’re strengthening Durham Region’s economy one entrepreneur at a time,” Teresa concludes. “Watching businesses thrive and knowing I played a small role in their success never gets old.”

If you’re ready to turn your idea into a business, or you want to find out what’s next for your business growth, connect with BACD today. Book a one-on-one session with a certified business advisor at bacd.ca and start building your future.

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