Business development consulting helps small and growing businesses build the plans, systems, and strategies they need to grow with confidence. For small businesses in rural and remote communities across Canada, having access to expert business support can be the difference between stagnating and scaling. KJCO works directly with entrepreneurs and business owners to provide the kind of guidance that larger businesses take for granted but small businesses rarely have in house, including business planning, marketing strategy, funding support, and one on one coaching. Based in Northern Ontario, we bring nearly two decades of experience supporting businesses in communities where outside expertise is hard to find and local context matters enormously.

KJCO works with small and medium sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in rural, remote, and Northern communities across Canada. Our clients span a wide range of sectors including tourism, hospitality, trades, retail, professional services, and the creative economy. Whether you are launching a new venture, trying to grow an existing business, or navigating a transition, KJCO provides tailored support that fits your stage of growth and the realities of operating outside major urban centres.

A business plan is a written document that outlines your business concept, target market, competitive landscape, operational structure, financial projections, and growth strategy. For entrepreneurs in rural and remote Canada, a strong business plan is often required to access funding through federal and provincial programs including FedNor, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), regional development agencies, and other federal supports. Beyond funding, a good business plan gives you a clear roadmap and helps you make better decisions as your business grows. KJCO can help you develop a plan that is realistic, compelling, and tailored to the market realities of your community.

Yes. KJCO is familiar with the range of funding programs available to small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural and remote Canada, including grants, loans, and contribution programs through federal regional development agencies, provincial funding streams, and other supports. We help you identify the programs that best fit your business and support you through the application process, making sure your project is framed in a way that aligns with funder priorities and reflects the real opportunity your business represents.

Venture by KJCO is a digital coaching program designed to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses with confidence. It is built for business owners in rural, remote, and Northern communities across Canada who want practical, actionable guidance but may not have the time or budget for ongoing one on one consulting. Venture covers the core areas of business growth including strategy, marketing, operations, and financial planning, delivered in a format you can work through at your own pace. It is especially well suited for early stage entrepreneurs and small business owners who are ready to move from idea to action, regardless of where they are located.

Yes. In addition to the Venture digital program, KJCO offers one on one coaching sessions with Karen Gibbons, CEO and Principal of Karen Jones Consulting. These sessions are designed for entrepreneurs and business owners who want focused, personalized support on a specific challenge or decision. Whether you are working through a growth strategy, preparing for a funding application, or figuring out your next step, a coaching session gives you direct access to nearly two decades of business development expertise built in the context of rural and remote Canadian communities.

A marketing strategy is a plan for how you will reach your target customers, communicate your value, and grow your business over time. For small businesses in rural Canada, a good marketing strategy accounts for the realities of smaller local markets, the importance of word of mouth and community relationships, and the growing role of digital channels in reaching customers well beyond your immediate geography. KJCO helps businesses develop marketing strategies that are practical and achievable, whether you are building your social media presence, refreshing your brand, or trying to reach new markets outside your community.

KJCO is based in North Bay, Ontario, and has spent nearly two decades working with entrepreneurs and businesses in rural, remote, and Northern communities. We understand the distinct challenges of building a business outside major urban centres including smaller customer bases, limited local talent pools, seasonal revenue cycles, and distance from major markets. We do not apply a one size fits all urban framework to rural business challenges. Our advice is grounded in what actually works for businesses operating in smaller communities across Canada, and we have the regional relationships and funding knowledge to back it up.