Business Resources & Services
One-on-one Consultations
Book a free consultation to talk, brainstorm and plan! This is a confidential one-on-one consultation where you can ask all of your business related questions, like how to start up, business planning and program and funding options.
Email smallbusiness@nwbiz.ca to set up a time to chat!
Business Resources & Services
Resources
We have an extensive collection of online resources to share with you on a wide range of topics, such as business planning, market research, financing and business structures. Contact us today to learn more by emailing smallbusiness@nwbiz.ca.
Business Resources & Services
Business Start-up Steps
STEP 1: Determine the structure of your business
- Overview of the different business structures in Canada with advantages and disadvantages listed: www.canada.ca
- The type of business you choose will also have an impact on your personal or corporate tax return
STEP 2: Register your business
- The Business Name Act requires you to register your business and there is a fee associated with doing so, this is your Masters Business License
- Follow the steps on Service Ontario to register your business online
- Click on the Search, register or renew online now button
STEP 3: Apply for a Municipal Business Licence
Submit a completed application and pay the appropriate fee to your municipality. Simply visit your municipality’s website to search for information for businesses or contact us at the Northwest Business Centre to learn more.
STEP 4: Register at BizPal
Find out if your business requires additional permits or licenses at BizPal
STEP 5: Open other business administration accounts
Once you complete the registration process above, you will be able to open sales tax, bank and insurance accounts, as well as conduct most business activities. See below for some things to consider:
- Insurance & WSIB
- Set up commercial insurance – I suggest shopping around to find the best rate
- Ask for quotes and let the agent know the nature of your business
- Register for WSIB if applicable: take the WSIB self-assessment quiz to find out if you need to register
- Visit your bank and set up commercial account or separate bank account
- Optional, but highly recommended
- Set up a separate HST bank account (if applicable)
- Set up a CRA My Business Account
- My Business Account is a secure online portal that provides an opportunity to interact electronically with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on various business accounts. Business accounts include GST/HST, payroll, corporation income taxes, excise taxes, excise duties, and more
- Determine the structure of your business
- Overview of the different business structures in Canada with advantages and disadvantages listed: www.canada.ca/en/services/business/start/register-with-gov
- The type of business you choose will also have an impact on your personal or corporate tax return
- The Business Name Act requires you to register your business and there is a fee associated with doing so, this is your Masters Business License
- Register your business online through Service Ontario by clicking the following link and following the steps:
- www.ontario.ca/page/registering-your-business-name
- Click on the Search, register or renew online now button
- Register your business online through Service Ontario by clicking the following link and following the steps:
- Municipal Business Licence: Submit a completed application and pay the appropriate fee to your municipality. Simply visit your municipality’s website to search for information for businesses or contact us at the Northwest Business Centre to learn more.
- Find out if your business requires additional permits or licenses at BizPal
- Open other business administration accounts: Once you complete the registration process above, you will be able to open sales tax, bank and insurance accounts, as well as conduct most business activities. See below for some things to consider:
- Insurance & WSIB
- Set up commercial insurance – I suggest shopping around to find the best rate
- Ask for quotes and let the agent know the nature of your business
- Register for WSIB if applicable: take the WSIB self-assessment quiz to find out if you need to register: www.wsib.ca/en/businesses/registration-and-coverage/do-you-need-register-us
- Visit bank and set up commercial account or separate bank account (optional, but highly recommended), set up separate HST bank account (if applicable)
- Set up a CRA My Business Account: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-businesses/business-account/about-business-account
- My Business Account is a secure online portal that provides an opportunity to interact electronically with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on various business accounts. Business accounts include GST/HST, payroll, corporation income taxes, excise taxes, excise duties, and more
- Insurance & WSIB
Business Resources & Services
External Resources
Looking for guidance in overcoming today’s business challenges? As your Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network, we’re here for you.
Learn how to go digital with your business with resources and the ShopHERE program!
Business Resources & Services
Digital Marketing Management
Information coming soon.