Starting a new business or trying to keep your head afloat financially is tough, especially given the turbulent economic times we've all heard about or experienced for the past year.

Not to fret, there are programs designed to help small businesses stay on their feet, and some that specifically give entrepreneurs a boost to get their idea from concept to conception.

Take for example Venture London, the region’s premier business competition for start-ups and companies in operation for less than two years. Applicants can send in their business plan for the chance to win prizes and cash totaling $45,000. To boot, if participants get their consent and application forms into the Small Business Centre (316 Rectory St. | London, ON | N5W 3V9) before December 3rd, they’re eligible to attend a free workshop focussing on the ins and outs of writing a successful business plan. Full competition details and key dates can be found at www.venturelondon.ca.

Another option to look into is government funding. Invest in Ontario has a comprehensive list of programs and incentives that are applicable to international and domestic firms. There are over 75 different credits listed, each falling into a different business category such as Digital Media, Energy, or Research and Development. As Invest in Ontario’s list is an aggregate, it’s best to check out the program that’s of interest to you and your business, and then contact the organization listed at the bottom of the description.

Entrepreneurship is a risky business, but the payoffs can be well worth the challenges that come with the new territory.

* Full disclosure: TechAlliance is one of the founding partners for Venture London.