Guide To Government Programs

Startup Support Plus and Innovation Canada: Resources for Entrepreneurs

At Startup Support Plus and Innovation Canada, we understand the importance of connecting entrepreneurs with the right resources at the right time. As part of our commitment to helping small business owners succeed, Startup Support Plus proudly partners with Innovation Canada to ensure our community has direct access to government resources, programs, and funding opportunities.

Many of our community leaders have already benefited from Innovation Canada’s recent “Your Inside Guide to Government” webinar. We are thrilled to provide even more information about this valuable platform so you can share it with other members of your startup and small business network.

Explore Innovation Canada’s Platform

Visit innovation.canada.ca to explore their easy-to-use one-stop platform. Entrepreneurs can find federal, provincial, and territorial programs designed to help them grow their businesses. The platform also includes select non-profit programs. In less than two minutes, business owners can create a profile and receive a tailored list of available resources. Additionally, users can sign up for notifications to stay informed about new programs that match their goals.

Why This Matters to Startup Support Plus Clients

Through our business services, we consistently help our clients uncover new growth opportunities. Startup Support Plus and Innovation Canada work together to simplify this process for you. Whether you need grants, advisory services, tax credits, or expert connections, this platform helps ensure you don’t miss out on available support.

You can also visit our resources page for more tools designed to support entrepreneurs.

Need Assistance?

You can speak directly with Innovation Canada’s experts by calling 1-833-201-4358. They’ll connect you with the most relevant programs and advisors based on your business needs.

Outbound Links (Do follow):

How to Setup A Post With Divi


Adding New Blog Posts to Your Divi Website

If you’re using Divi and WordPress, adding new blog posts to your website is a simple process—but doing it correctly can improve both your site’s design and search engine visibility. At Startup Support Plus, we guide our clients through every step of content publishing, helping them get the most from their Divi websites.

Step-by-Step: How to Add a Blog Post in Divi

1. Log into your website
Start by going to your login page, typically at yourdomain.com/wp-admin. Enter your WordPress username and password.

2. Access the WordPress Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll land on your dashboard. From the left-hand menu, click on Posts, then select Add New.

3. Set up your post title and content
Give your blog post a clear title and add your content to the main editor. If you’re using the Divi Builder, you can switch to it by clicking “Use Divi Builder.” This allows you to add columns, images, buttons, and more.

4. Adjust the page layout
On the right-hand side under Divi Page Settings, set Page Layout to No Sidebar for a clean, full-width blog post.

5. Add a featured image
Scroll down to the Featured Image section and upload an engaging, branded image. This is the thumbnail that will display on your blog feed.

6. Optimize your post for SEO
Add focus keywords, a meta description, and internal links to other pages on your site (like your services or contact pages). Use a plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to guide you.

7. Preview and publish
Click Preview to see how your blog post will look. When everything is in place, click Publish.

🛠️ Need Help with Blog Management?

Startup Support Plus helps build websites and ongoing WordPress support for small businesses using Divi.

 

Filing a New Trademark Application

Debbie Collins

Debbie Collins

Website Designer

Debbie Collins

Debbie Hawkes

Website Designer

Filing a New Trademark Application

Startup Support Plus

We create websites utilizing the current top of the line website building tools, such as DIVI and WordPress.

Trademark Registration Fees in Canada

Filing Fees – Online vs. Paper

When filing online, the fee is $330 for the first class of goods or services. Additionally, there is a fee of $100 for each additional class.

If you choose to file by mail or other methods, the cost increases. In this case, the fee is $430 for the first class and still $100 for each additional class.

Renewal Fees – Online vs. Paper

To keep your trademark registration active, renewal fees apply. If you renew online, the cost is $400 for the first class and $125 for each additional class.

However, if you submit your renewal by mail or any other method, the fee rises to $500 for the first class and $125 for each additional class.

How to Pay for Your Trademark

CIPO offers several options for payment. Online, you may pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or through a deposit account. Alternatively, if paying by mail, you should issue a cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

Moreover, CIPO recommends using the Fee Payment Form for all payments submitted via mail, fax, or hand delivery.

Should You Hire a Trademark Agent?

Although it is not mandatory to hire a trademark agent, it is strongly recommended if you want to save time and avoid common mistakes. An experienced agent can help you prepare a complete application, conduct necessary research, and guide you through opposition or expungement proceedings.

For your convenience, CIPO maintains a list of registered agents, though it does not endorse any specific provider.

Trademark Processing Time in Canada

It is important to understand that processing times vary. Furthermore, the Office is currently experiencing delays beyond its typical service standards. To learn more about how your application will be handled, consult both the IP Roadmap and How Your Trademark Application Is Processed.

Protecting Your Trademark Internationally

Remember, registering your trademark in Canada protects your rights within Canada only. If you plan to expand internationally, you should register in each country where you conduct business. For international applications, you may want to explore the Madrid Protocol.

Alternatively, you can consult with a trademark agent or CIPO’s  website links to foreign intellectual property offices.

Contact Information for CIPO

If you have further questions, feel free to contact CIPO directly.

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Place du Portage 1
50 Victoria Street, C-229
Gatineau QC K1A 0C9
Phone: 1-866-997-1936
Email: ic.contact-contact.ic@canada.ca

Trademarks

We create websites utilizing the current top of the line website building tools, such as DIVI and WordPress.

Trademarks / Startup Support Plus

At Startup Support Plus, we understand the value of protecting your brand through trademarks. A trademark is more than just a name or a logo—it represents your business, your reputation, and your commitment to quality. Whether you’re a startup or a growing business, securing your trademark helps protect what you’ve built.

What Can Be a Trademark?

A trademark can be a word, design, letter, number, colour, figurative element, 3D shape, hologram, motion graphic, packaging style, sound, scent, taste, texture, position, or a combination of these elements. Trademarks help consumers recognize your business and build trust over time.

Because your trademark becomes a symbol of your reputation, it’s considered valuable intellectual property.

Why Search Before Filing?

Before filing your trademark application in Canada, conduct a thorough search of existing trademarks. This step reduces the risk of having your application refused later. You can search existing Canadian trademarks using the Canadian Trademarks Database.

Avoid choosing words, designs, or ideas that resemble existing trademarks. If your mark is confusingly similar to someone else’s, it may be rejected.

Examiners assess:

  • How trademarks look or sound

  • Whether they suggest similar ideas

  • Whether they apply to similar goods or services

How to File a Trademark Application in Canada

Once you’re confident your trademark is unique, you’re ready to file. At Startup Support Plus, we can help you through this process or direct you to trusted resources.

1️⃣ File Online

Use CIPO’s Online Application Portal. If this is your first time, you’ll need to create a secure account.

2️⃣ File by Mail or In-Person

Send your application to:
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
Place du Portage I, 50 Victoria Street, Room C-114
Gatineau, QC K1A 0C9

3️⃣ File by Fax

  • Black and white trademarks: 819-953-2476

  • Colour trademarks: 819-934-3833

Protecting Trademarks Beyond Canada

A Canadian trademark protects your brand within Canada only. If you plan to operate internationally, explore the Madrid Protocol or consult a trademark agent.

Startup

Startup Support Plus Resources and Tools for Entrepreneurs

At Startup Support Plus, we believe every entrepreneur deserves access to the right tools, support, and knowledge to succeed. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive directory of resources and tools designed to help startups and small businesses build smarter, grow faster, and stay competitive.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your operations, our curated collection of Startup Support Plus resources and tools connects you with the programs, services, and platforms that can make a difference.

💼 What You’ll Find in Our Resource Directory

Our growing list includes:

 

Business Name Searches (NUANS®)


Business Name Searches (NUANS®) – Startup Support Plus

Before you register or incorporate your business, it’s essential to conduct Business Name Searches (NUANS®) to verify that your proposed name is available. This step ensures that your business name does not conflict with an existing corporate name or a registered trademark.

At Startup Support Plus, we help entrepreneurs across Canada complete NUANS® name searches quickly and accurately. This is one of the most important early steps when starting a business, whether you’re incorporating federally or registering in a specific province.

A NUANS® (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report is a mandatory document for federal incorporation and for many provincial incorporations, such as in Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick. The report compares your proposed name against existing corporate names, trademarks, business registrations, and reserved names.

The goal is to confirm that your chosen name is not confusingly similar to other existing entities. This helps prevent legal disputes and rejection of your registration.

Startup Support Plus assists with conducting NUANS® name searches, preparing reports for federal or provincial use, advising on next steps for registration or incorporation, and supporting you through our full business registration services. If you need help selecting a strong, brandable business name, we’ll guide you through best practices to help you make an informed decision.

Call us at 506-381-5845 or contact us online to get started with your NUANS® name search today.

You can also explore helpful resources such as Innovation Canada’s Business Support Finder and Corporations Canada’s name search guidance. Visit our Services Page to learn more about how we can support your startup journey.

Startup Support Plus Services

Startup Support Plus Services