Torbay’s Business Advantage

Strategic Location – Booming Economy – Ready Labour.
Torbay is Optimally Situated for Business.

The Town of Torbay is the second-fastest growing municipality in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Growth is rapid and sustained. To accommodate it, many new developments are in the works, and plans are being implemented to successfully manage this growth well into the future.

Strategically located close to the St. John’s International Airport, the Harbour Port of St. John’s, and the Province’s largest retail shopping development, a rich infrastructure of business amenities facilitate this growth. Other major surrounding municipalities include Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South and Paradise.

A unique community of approximately 7,400 people, Torbay boasts a long and colourful history which dates back to the sixteenth century. With higher than average employment and education levels, the Town has a sound economic base. It is home to over one hundred and fifty businesses, two schools, and numerous clubs and organizations.

Top 10 Reasons to Start a Business in Torbay

  1. Torbay Road has over 10,000 vehicles using the road on a daily basis
  2. Business taxes are some of the lowest in the St. John’s metropolitan area and Torbay is the second fastest growing urban municipality in Newfoundland & Labrador with a population of approximately 8000.
  3. The business approval system in Torbay is low on red tape and high on efficiency. Apply to starting your business can be complete in a matter of weeks.Torbay is located directly adjacent to the St. John’s International Airport. It’s approximately 20 mins by road to the Port of St. John’s and is 5 mins by road to the Outer Ring Road/Trans-Canada Highway.
  4. The Town is promoting a new mixed use development in the core of Torbay – Amherst Landing, Torbay Town Centre. This development will add to the existing business hub in Torbay adding more commercial development and high density residential options.
  5. Studies suggest that Torbay residents have some of the highest income and disposable income in Newfoundland & Labrador.
  6. Registered businesses have access to economic development staff support and advice. These businesses can also take part in local business community events, mixers and learning sessions.
  7. Registered businesses have the opportunity to participate in annual Small Business Week events and our eligible to be nominated in the annual Torbay Business Awards.
  8. Registered businesses are also eligible to be listed on the Town’s online business directory. This tool is then shared by the Town to help promote its local businesses to residents
  9. The Town has dedicated staff in the Planning & Development Department to assist your application to operate a business and to assist your business grow and expand.
  10. Torbay already has a vibrant, connected business community.

Business Retention

The Town of Torbay is highly supportive of its businesses. Reinforced by numerous strategic amenities, the Town enjoys continuous business growth and expansion.

The Town of Torbay is highly supportive of its businesses. Reinforced by numerous strategic amenities, the Town enjoys continuous business growth and expansion. Torbay’s Planning & Development Department was created to assist businesses and business owners with economic incentives, guidance, and information.

In keeping with its ongoing commitment to encourage and support business, the Town of Torbay hosts Small Business Week, annually. This event offers free seminars to business owners in the Community on various topics (i.e. business creation and expansion, government funding, guidance and resources, and human resources and staffing). The Town also hosts the annual Torbay Small Business Awards, which recognize and reward local businesses.

Further support can also be obtained from Business Support Groups & Agencies.

  • The Northeast Avalon Regional Economic Development Board, which provides information for all businesses throughout Zone 19 of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre also offers assistance to businesses across the Province.
  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Business advice, resources and free tools for entrepreneurs
  • Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Small business counseling from the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
  • The Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) helps women entrepreneurs start, grow and advance successful, leading-edge businesses that capitalize on emerging economic opportunities.
  • Service Canada Centres offer business owners access to a library catalogue, and provide online information: Service Canada
  • The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
  • Canada Business Network is a cross-jurisdictional government organization that helps Canadian entrepreneurs get the information, advice and support they need.

Business Park

The Town of Torbay incorporates several Mixed Use zones, which readily accept industrial and commercial applications. As well, the Town is currently in the planning phase for a business park, continuation of the feasibility study examining the project will be on going throughout 2014. A Comprehensive Development (CDA) zone, located adjacent to the St. John’s International Airport, has been identified as a desirable development site for this project. Updates with regard to this proposal will be posted as they occur. For more information, please contact the Town office.

Initiatives

The Town of Torbay is committed to helping up build its business community through the Economic Development Department. This dedicated entity exists to support business start-ups and expansions, by helping to facilitate the processes as seamlessly as possible.

The Town of Torbay is committed to helping up build its business community through the Economic Development Department. This dedicated entity exists to support business start-ups and expansions, by helping to facilitate the processes as seamlessly as possible. The Town continually works towards enhancing initiatives that support local businesses, through:

  • Torbay Town Centre Concept Plan
  • Torbay Small Business Awards
  • Torbay Small Business Week
  • Development of a Business Park
  • Increased public awareness of funding opportunities
  • Business Professional Development Seminars
  • Enhancement of current commercial area
  • Business opportunity meetings

With a view to expediting and supporting these initiatives, the Town has commissioned several targeted strategies and plans. These can be found in our resources section.

Taxes

Timing is optimal right now for setting up a new business in the Town of Torbay. Taxes, rates and fees are amongst the lowest on the Northeast Avalon. See the tax fee structure.

Labour Pool

Businesses in the Town of Torbay have access to a well-educated, diverse workforce and skilled labour pool, from both within the Town itself and surrounding areas. Neighbouring St. John’s, with 100,000 people, is also a potential employee resource.

Memorial University and several trades colleges are nearby and the Region has an aggressive attraction strategy. Our unusually diverse labour force means a broad choice of engineers, technicians, trade workers and more to support businesses throughout the Region.

 

Community Events

Events