About Us.
BizLink is a regional business-transition program that helps business owners plan for succession and connects them with buyers ready to take the next step in entrepreneurship.
BizLink is more than a matchmaking service; it is a wraparound business coaching program designed to support entrepreneurs through every stage of buying or selling a business.
Whether you are searching for a buyer or looking to start a business our BizLink coaches are here to help. Not limited to matchmaking, our services include succession planning, business coaching including assembling your professional team and developing a sales package and selling readiness assessments.
Our goal is simple: to make business transitions easier, more successful, and more sustainable—keeping local businesses, jobs, and community wealth right here in Western Ontario.
Through BizLink, sellers receive support to prepare their business for sale, while buyers gain access to available opportunities and coaching to help them move forward with confidence.
BizLink was developed by the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. and is delivered regionally through participating Community Futures offices across Western Ontario. Each participating office brings local knowledge and trusted relationships to support buyers and sellers through the transition journey.
How It Works
BizLink is delivered through participating Community Futures offices. Trained BizLink Coaches help business owners and buyers navigate the transition process by facilitating introductions, guiding conversations, and connecting clients to relevant supports, including financing options, coaching, and professional advisory referrals where appropriate.
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Plan your next step—whether that’s selling your business, buying one, or exploring options for transition.
Why BizLink Matters
Thousands of small business owners across Ontario are planning to retire in the coming years, and a significant number do not yet have a succession plan. Without the right support, these transitions risk business closures, job losses, and the loss of essential services in local communities.
BizLink helps ensure businesses continue to thrive under new ownership by supporting smooth, well-planned transitions. By connecting buyers and sellers and providing structured guidance throughout the process, BizLink helps protect jobs, preserve community identity, and strengthen the long-term resilience of local economies.
Financing
Through participating Community Futures offices, BizLink clients may have access to business financing to support ownership transitions.
Financing options can help buyers purchase an existing business, support working capital needs during transition, or invest in early improvements under new ownership. Community Futures offices offer flexible lending solutions designed to support small businesses, often with repayment terms that differ from traditional lenders.
Access to financing is not automatic and is subject to eligibility, assessment, and local availability. BizLink Coaches work closely with clients to explore financing options, prepare for discussions with lenders, and connect buyers to the appropriate Community Futures supports as part of a broader transition plan.
By combining coaching, connections, and potential access to financing, BizLink helps make business transitions more achievable for buyers while supporting continuity for sellers and their communities.
Our Partners
BizLink is made possible through collaboration among participating Community Futures offices across Western Ontario. By working together, these organizations share resources, expertise, and opportunities to support entrepreneurs and strengthen regional economic development.
Contact
Interested in learning more? Find your nearest participating Community Futures office and register as a buyer or seller to get started today.
For questions about program administration or to explore potential partnership opportunities, please contact [email protected]
Legal notice and disclaimer
The BizLink program is delivered by participating Community Futures offices across Western Ontario. Any feedback or guidance you receive from Community Futures or BizLink staff is intended for general information purposes only. It is not legal, accounting, or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Community Futures organizations are not responsible for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Participants are encouraged to seek independent professional advice when needed. The personal information you provide will be used to deliver advisory and counselling services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organizations. We may also contact you about other Community Futures programs and services that may be of interest.