Business Registration Services
Starting a new business is one of the most exciting and most complex decisions you will ever make. From choosing the right legal structure and registering your business name to obtaining the permits and licences required by federal, provincial, and municipal governments, the registration process involves dozens of moving parts. Getting it right from the start protects your personal assets, establishes your credibility, and sets you up for long-term success.
Our team of business services specialists guides entrepreneurs through every step of the business registration process in Canada. Whether you are launching a sole proprietorship, incorporating a corporation, or registering a partnership, we handle the paperwork, deadlines, and government requirements on your behalf so you can focus on building your business.
Step 1: Planning Your Business
Every successful business starts with a solid plan. Before you register anything, it is essential to take an honest look at your readiness as an entrepreneur, choose the right business structure for your goals, and understand the market you are entering. Our advisors work with you through each of these foundational decisions.
- Assessing your readiness: Evaluate your skills, experience, finances, and personal goals to determine if you're ready to launch.
- Business structure: Compare sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation based on liability, taxes, and growth plans.
- Market research: Identify target customers, analyze competitors, and validate demand for your product or service.
- Writing a business plan: Map out your strategy, financial projections, and operations — essential for securing financing and guiding growth.
Step 2: Choosing and Registering Your Business Name
Your business name is one of your most valuable assets. It is the first impression you make on customers, partners, and lenders. Choosing the right name and properly protecting it is a step many new entrepreneurs overlook, often with costly consequences down the road.
- Selecting a strong business name: Choose a name that's memorable, legally available, and suited to your brand and industry.
- Name availability search: Check provincial and federal databases to confirm your name isn't already in use or trademarked.
- Business name registration: File your Master Business Licence (Ontario) or equivalent provincial registration to legally establish your name.
- Name protection: Advice on trademarks and other ways to protect your business name and brand across Canada.
Step 3: Registering Your Business with the Government
Once you have chosen your structure and confirmed your business name, the next step is formal registration with the appropriate government authority. The requirements vary depending on whether you are registering provincially or federally, and whether you are incorporating or registering as a sole proprietor or partnership.
- Provincial business registration: Register your sole proprietorship or partnership and obtain your Master Business Licence.
- Company incorporation: File Articles of Incorporation provincially (OBCA) or federally (CBCA) to form a separate entity with limited liability.
- Business Number (BN) application: Register with the CRA for your 9-digit BN — required for GST/HST, payroll, and corporate tax accounts.
- Tax account registration: Open the right CRA accounts — HST/GST, payroll, and corporate tax — based on your activities.
Step 4: Applying for Business Permits and Licences
Depending on your industry, location, and business activities, you may require a combination of federal, provincial, and municipal permits and licences before you can legally operate. Failing to obtain the required licences can result in fines, business closure orders, or personal liability. Our team identifies every permit applicable to your business and manages the application process on your behalf.
- Municipal business licence: Required by most cities and municipalities before you can operate within their jurisdiction.
- Provincial licences and permits: Industry-specific registrations for food service, childcare, construction, health services, transportation, etc
- Federal permits: Required for federally regulated industries like banking, telecommunications, interprovincial transport, and import/export.
- WSIB registration: Register and ensure you understand your ongoing obligations. Most Ontario businesses with employees must register with the WSIB. We handle registration and explain your ongoing obligations.
Step 5: Getting Business Support and Financing
Canada offers a wide range of government-backed business support programs, grants, and financing options for new and growing businesses. Navigating these resources can be time-consuming, but the right funding can make a significant difference in your startup’s trajectory. We help you identify the programs you qualify for and guide you through the application process.
- Federal & provincial financing: BDC loans, Canada Small Business Financing Program, and IRAP grants for innovation-focused businesses.
- Immigrant entrepreneur support: Financing and programs for newcomers, including the Start-Up Visa and regional networks.
- Indigenous entrepreneur programs: Funding and advisory support for Indigenous entrepreneurs via NACCA and similar organizations.
- Regional development agencies: FedDev Ontario and similar agencies offer regional mentorship, incubators, and financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The right structure depends on your risk level, tax situation, and growth plans. Incorporation offers limited liability protection and potential tax advantages, but comes with higher administrative requirements. A sole proprietorship is simpler and less expensive to set up. We will review your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate structure for your goals.
A sole proprietorship or partnership can typically be registered within one to two business days. Provincial incorporation usually takes two to five business days, while federal incorporation can take up to two weeks. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee when timing is critical.
You are required to register for GST/HST once your business revenues exceed $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. However, voluntary registration is available from day one and can be beneficial if you have significant startup expenses and want to claim input tax credits.