How to Open a Business in Ontario, Canada

You can open a business in Ontario, Canada, with good preparation and planning. The government of Ontario, Canada, wants to grow business. They’ve created websites, with detailed business start up information, to make it easy to start a business. The Ministry of Small Business, Ontario, has experienced and professional staff; they’ll be happy to help you open your business.

Instructions

1. Create a plan if you want to open a business in Ontario Canada. Access the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services website for the nearest office. Know that the Ministry of Small Business has experienced people; they can help you come up with the best business plan.

2. Get expert help to open your business in Ontario, Canada. Get a lawyer to help you navigate the laws affecting your business. Retain an accountant to help you come up with a business and finance plan. Talk to an insurance agent to go over business related insurance. Get with a banker to work on financing your business. Access the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre website for information and links; one information you’ll find here is how to get tax and business numbers.

3. Look to finance sources when you open a business in Ontario Canada. Go to the Canadian Bankers Association for the address of your nearest Ontario bank. If you want government help, access The Canada Small Business Financing Program website. Their mailing address is as follows: Industry Canada Web Service Centre; Industry Canada; C.D. Howe Building; 235 Queen Street; Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5; Canada; Their toll free number is 1-800-328-6189. Check their website for contact information change.

4. Obtain a business license before you open a business in Ontario, Canada. Call the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre with this number: 1-800-567-2345. You can also access their website.

5. Register your business, or incorporate, to open a business in Ontario, Canada. Talk to a professional at the following phone number: 1-800-361-3223. Submit your incorporating, or registration, paperwork to the following address: Companies and Personal Property Security Branch Public Office, Toronto; 393 University Avenue, Suite 200; Toronto, ON M5G 2M2. Review their website for address and phone number updates.

Tips & Warnings

• The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre website has links that’ll guide you with starting your business. Access their main website, which is included as one of this article's resources. Select the “English” or “French” button, then click on “Starting.” You should see a link to their “Business Start-up Assistant,” click that link. Doing this will bring you to a menu of links related to starting a business. They have links to topics like starting a home based business, doing market research, preparing a business plan, and getting a taxation number. Make your choice, then click the Ontario links on your subject.

Resources

• Ontario Small Business Guide with steps, and links, to start and open a business in Ontario California.
• Access the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre, Ontario, website with link to Business Start-up Assistant.
• Canada Small Business Financing Program website.
• Ministry of Government Services Ontario.
• Canadian Bankers Association website, include links to banks in Ontario Canada.