Before Starting a Business

Before you begin making plans for your business, ensure you are legally eligible to do so. If you do not currently have a permit to live and work in Canada, you will need to acquire one via the Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self Employed Persons stream. For more information, click here.

The decisions you make while establishing your business are critical to the long term success of your venture. The process can be overwhelming, but fortunately there are resources to help you.

Take advantage of the tools offered in the following links to help determine whether or not you are ready to be open for business:

Business Guide for Newcomers to Canada – This online guide contains information on government services that are available to you when starting up a new business in Ontario.
Canada Business – The Canada Business Service Centres have developed a useful business start up information guide which walks you through the step-by-step process of creating a business. It contains a detailed section dedicated to the planning phases to teach you how to get started – from economic planning, to acquiring the right documentation and resources. The following information will explain some these requirements in more detail.
Your Guide to Small Business – This guide provides new businesses in Ontario the tools to succeed. It is an informational resource that will help identify the things you need to do before, during and after launching your own business.
Business Development Bank of Canada – This organization has compiled materials on their site to help determine whether you are prepared to embark in a new business initiative outside of urban areas. This site also has a self-assessment tool, and handy business plan tips and templates.

More Information: