{"id":8950,"date":"2023-10-03T03:52:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T03:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/?p=8950"},"modified":"2026-04-05T14:40:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T14:40:37","slug":"how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a business is equal parts momentum and reality. You\u2019re building something of your own, but you\u2019re also signing up for long hours, real competition, and financial responsibilities that stretch well beyond your initial startup costs. It&#8217;s a lot to take on, but with the right roadmap and support, it&#8217;s absolutely manageable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ontario has specific legal requirements every business owner must meet before opening their doors. From choosing a structure to the moment an entrepreneur <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">registers their business with the Ontario government<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there are important steps you can&#8217;t afford to skip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This 12-step checklist walks you through everything: from your first idea to launch day, including how to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create a comprehensive business plan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and stay compliant along the way. And when you&#8217;re ready to register, Ownr is here to make it simple.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a business in Ontario means meeting specific legal requirements (structure, registration, licences, and tax obligations) before you open your doors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A strong business needs more than a good idea; market research, a business plan, and secured funding are all part of the process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr offers a faster, more affordable alternative to navigating the Ontario Business Registry on your own.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Legal Requirements for Starting a Business in Ontario<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To start your business off right, there are a few legal requirements you\u2019ll need to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Registering your business<\/h3>\n<p><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/register-a-sole-proprietorship-ontario\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a business in Ontario<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means getting the legal foundation right from day one. Before you launch, you\u2019ll need to determine your business&#8217;s legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), as this affects your taxes, liability, and reporting obligations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once a business owner <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">determines the appropriate legal structure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, registration requirements follow. Sole proprietors operating under their own legal name aren&#8217;t required to register. But any other name, partnership, or corporation must register with the province.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">file Articles of Incorporation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your business name gains legal protection in every jurisdiction you incorporate. Incorporating federally extends that protection nationwide. Ownr can help you incorporate quickly, at a fraction of the cost of a lawyer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Applying for a GST\/HST number<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your business earns more than $30,000 in revenue over 12 months, you\u2019re required to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">register for HST collection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the CRA. Even if you\u2019re below the threshold, registering early has its advantages. You can claim input tax credits on business expenses before you even hit the limit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To do this, you\u2019ll first need to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obtain a federal Business Number<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which acts as your business ID for tax purposes. How much you remit depends on your reporting method (quick method vs. long method), so it&#8217;s worth discussing with an accountant to find the most cost-effective approach for your business.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read:<\/b> <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/find-canadian-business-incorporation-number\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Find Your Canadian Business Incorporation Number: 2026 Guide<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Obtaining licenses or permits<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may need specific licences or permits to operate your business. You can quickly and easily get a detailed list of all the licences and permits you may need for your type of business with <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/services.bizpal-perle.ca\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BizPal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an online tool jointly managed by all levels of government.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we\u2019ve covered the basic legal requirements of starting a small business in Ontario, let\u2019s dive into our 12-step checklist for getting your business off the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>12 Steps to Starting a Business in Ontario<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you&#8217;ve covered the legal basics, it&#8217;s time to get into the actual building blocks of your business. Here&#8217;s a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to do to go from idea to fully operational in Ontario.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. Come up with a business idea<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every business starts with a clear idea, but the strongest ones solve a real problem for a specific audience. At this stage, focus on what you\u2019re offering, who it\u2019s for, and why it matters. Look at your skills, experience, and the market gaps you can realistically fill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider how and where you want to work, too. If you&#8217;re not a people person, an e-commerce store makes more sense than a brick-and-mortar shop. If your idea requires significant resources, you&#8217;ll need to think early about how to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">secure startup capital.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every business needs a big budget to launch. But every business needs a clear, compelling idea to build on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Research the market<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Market research helps you validate your idea before you invest serious time or money. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct an Ontario market analysis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to understand local demand, competitors, and pricing expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your research should answer the key questions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who is your target customer?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there enough demand?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are competitors doing and where are they falling short?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much will people pay?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tap into resources like <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.statcan.gc.ca\/en\/start\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statistics Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ic.gc.ca\/app\/scr\/app\/cis\/search-recherche?lang=eng\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian Industry Statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> database, and your local <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/small-business-enterprise-centre-locations\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small Business Enterprise Centre<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Online tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey make it easy to poll potential customers directly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3. Choose a business name<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your business name is often the first impression you make. So choose something unique, memorable, and (legally) available. Start by Googling potential names and checking domain availability. Ideally, your domain and social media handles match your business name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, every entrepreneur who incorporates must <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">complete a NUANS name search<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure the name isn&#8217;t already taken or trademarked. You can search the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.nuans.com\/app\/scr\/corp\/nuans\/public\/PreSearch.html?reportType=6&amp;lang=eng\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NUANS database<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ic.gc.ca\/app\/opic-cipo\/trdmrks\/srch\/home\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian trademark database<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before committing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Ownr, you can pre-search up to 30 names, saving on search fees. Incorporating also protects your business name in Ontario. No other business can legally use it within your jurisdiction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Important:<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> All incorporated businesses must include a legal element at the end of their name: Limited, Incorporated, or Corporation (Ltd., Inc., or Corp.).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4. Choose a business structure and register or incorporate<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your name is set, you\u2019ll need to formalize how your business operates in Ontario. Your business structure affects everything. Your taxes, liabilities, and how you raise funding. Here&#8217;s a quick breakdown:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sole proprietorship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Simple to set up, but you&#8217;re personally liable for all debts and taxed at personal income rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Partnership:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Shared ownership and responsibilities, but personal liability still applies to all partners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corporation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A separate legal entity that protects your personal assets and opens doors to better funding options and tax advantages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every incorporated business must <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">establish a registered office in Ontario<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meet provincial requirements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for ongoing compliance and reporting. It&#8217;s more paperwork upfront, but Ownr simplifies the entire process so nothing falls through the cracks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>5. Write a business plan<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of your business plan as your blueprint. It maps out where you&#8217;re going and how you&#8217;ll get there. It&#8217;s also your most powerful tool for securing funding from banks or investors, since most will want to see one before committing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writing it forces you to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prepare operational infrastructure early<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from staffing and tools to day-to-day workflows. A <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/business-plan-guide\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solid business plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should cover your target market, competitive landscape, revenue model, financial projections, and operational approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not sure where to start? <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/best-small-business-plan-template-for-2022-in-canada\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr offers a free business plan<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">generator to help guide you through the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>6. Purchase a domain name and set up social media accounts<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your business name is locked in, secure your digital real estate before someone else does. Purchase your domain name, ideally a .ca or .com that matches your business name exactly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, claim your handles across all major social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest. Even if you don&#8217;t plan to use every platform right away, securing them protects your brand identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This step supports early visibility but also helps you <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">protect your business name in Ontario<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by reducing the risk of others using it online. As you set things up, make sure your contact details and branding are consistent so your business appears credible and easy to find.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>7. Open a business bank account<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every business owner should <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">open a business banking account<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> early, and for corporations, it&#8217;s a legal requirement. Without one, neither vendors nor customers can make payments to the corporation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even for sole proprietors and partnerships, keeping your personal and business finances separate is one of the simplest ways to stay organized from the start. Setting this up early makes bookkeeping cleaner, tax season less stressful, and any potential audits far more manageable. Account fees are also tax-deductible, so it&#8217;s a practical win on multiple fronts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening an RBC business account is quick. Apply online in under 15 minutes and receive your account number right away. Ownr clients get money back when they open an RBC business account within 60 days: up to $49 for sole proprietorships and $300 for corporations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/resources\/offer-details\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See full offer details here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>8. Secure funding for your business<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every business needs outside funding, but if yours does, here&#8217;s where to look:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Federal grants &amp; financing: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/business\/grants.html\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government of Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers grants, tax credits, wage subsidies, and financing programs specifically for small businesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ontario provincial grants:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The<\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/small-business-access#funding\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> province funds programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supporting Indigenous businesses, Northern Ontario startups, and employee training initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Angel investors: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide capital and sometimes mentorship in exchange for equity in your company.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Crowdfunding:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe let you raise smaller amounts from a wider audience.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter which route you pursue, any business that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">satisfies municipal bylaws<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and operates within its approved scope will have a stronger case when approaching lenders or investors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>9. Obtain business licences and permits<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most businesses in Ontario need at least one licence or permit to legally operate. The easiest way to find out exactly what applies to you is through <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/services.bizpal-perle.ca\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BizPal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It&#8217;s a free government tool that generates a tailored list based on your location, industry, and business activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A business that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obtains industry-specific permits<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ensures zoning compliance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from day one avoids costly delays and legal headaches down the road. Keep in mind that some permits, such as location permits for photographers or event permits, may be required on an ongoing basis. Not just at startup.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>10. Protect your company with business insurance<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right business insurance protects you and your corporation from liability and financial losses that could otherwise shut you down. The coverage you need depends on how your business operates. A solo consultant working from home has very different risks than a business offering public-facing services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key is matching your coverage to your actual operations, not just grabbing the cheapest policy available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some options to consider when choosing <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/small-business-insurance\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what kind of business insurance your small business needs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General liability insurance\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial property insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business income insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workers\u2019 compensation insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional liability insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data breach insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial auto insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend contanting an experienced commercial insurance broker to advise you on the appropriate coverage for your business operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>11. Build your brand presence<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your business is essentially ready to launch at this point\u2014so it\u2019s time to get the word out and build your customer base. Your marketing strategy will depend on your type of business and <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-determine-your-marketing-budget\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marketing budget<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but there are several effective ways to connect with customers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build your social media following with engaging content<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reach customers directly with email marketing to build brand loyalty and drive sales (consider email marketing services like HubSpot or MailChimp if you\u2019d like to outsource this)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use paid social media to build your following and reach your market more efficiently<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advertise with local publications or radio stations to reach specific markets or demographics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participate in events to increase brand awareness (and keep an eye out for in-kind sponsorship opportunities)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Network within your industry among local business groups and marketing and events professionals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>12. Hire employees and scale your business<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growth is the goal, and at some point, you won&#8217;t be able to do it all alone. Whether that means hiring your first employee or outsourcing to freelancers, adding the right people at the right time is what takes a business to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Ontario, you\u2019ll need to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">establish WSIB coverage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ensure you\u2019re meeting employment standards before bringing anyone on board.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But growth doesn&#8217;t always mean hiring more. Sometimes it means working smarter. Automation is equally powerful for scaling. Scheduling tools, invoicing apps, and email workflows free up your time for higher-value work.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Mistakes to Avoid when Starting a Business in Ontario<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the most motivated entrepreneurs make avoidable mistakes early on. Here are four of the most common, along with how to sidestep them.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Skipping the business plan<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treating a business plan as optional is a costly mistake. Even a simple plan helps you pressure-test your idea before committing time and money.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mixing personal and business finances<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blending your personal and business bank accounts creates a bookkeeping nightmare and complicates your filings with the CRA come tax season.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Underestimating startup costs<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business name registration, municipal business licenses, WSIB premiums, insurance, and early operating expenses add up fast. Budget for all of it upfront.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Missing registration or licence requirements<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operating without the proper registrations or permits puts your business at risk of fines, penalties, and legal liability that could have been easily avoided.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr makes sure your registration is done correctly from day one, so you can focus on building your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Recommended Read: <\/b><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/start-business-alberta\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Start a Business in Alberta: a Complete Checklist<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">How Ownr Can Help You Register Your Business in Ontario<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You now have a clear picture of what it takes to start a business in Ontario, but that&#8217;s half the battle. The other half is making sure the registration piece is done right, without the stress or the steep legal fees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr offers a faster, more affordable alternative to navigating the Ontario Business Registry on your own. Registering a sole proprietorship starts at $49, and an Ontario corporation from $499. That\u2019s significantly less than going through a lawyer. The process is straightforward, and Ownr walks you through every step so nothing gets missed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond business name registration, Ownr provides ongoing support that matters as your business grows. Secure document storage, corporation management plans, and an RBC cashback offer of up to $300 when you open a business bank account within 60 days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For entrepreneurs who want to start strong and stay organized, Ownr is the smart place to begin. Register your business with Ownr today.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about starting a business in Ontario<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do I need to start a business in Ontario?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To start a business in Ontario, you first and foremost need an idea for a service or product that you would like to bring to market. Beyond that, following the 12-step process above will set you up for success with your business in Ontario. <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/product\/new-businesses\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registering your small business with Ownr<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will help make the process simple, and provide you the peace of mind that your business is fully compliant with all legal requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does it cost to register a small business in Ontario?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost to register your small business in Ontario depends on the type of business structure you choose. The cheapest and most simple option is to register your business as a sole proprietorship or partnership which costs $60 online, by mail or email when registering yourself. Incorporation in Ontario can range from $300 to $360.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you choose to register your business with Ownr, the cost for a sole proprietorship is $49 and ranges from $499 to $599 for Ontario corporation, depending on if you incorporate federally or provincially. Learn more about <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/pricing\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pricing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the advantages of registering as a <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/use-ownr-to-register-your-sole-proprietorship-in-ontario\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sole proprietorship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or<\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/why-ownr-to-incorporate-your-business\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> incorporating your business with Ownr<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like a year of free online Minute Book management.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you need a license to operate a business in Ontario?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on your exact location, business structure, and the types of business activities you conduct, but in most cases, you will require a <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/canada-business-licenses\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">business licence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to operate. The easiest way to find out what business licences (and any additional permits) that your business requires is by using <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/services.bizpal-perle.ca\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BizPal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a free service that lets you search for required permits and licences in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can I start a business with no money?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some businesses can be started with little to no upfront cost, especially service-based work you can do from home using tools you already have, like freelance or virtual services. In these cases, your main expenses may be limited to basic registration fees. Product-based businesses typically require more funding for inventory, packaging, and marketing, so costs vary depending on what you\u2019re launching.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the best businesses to start in Ontario?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best businesses solve a problem or fill a gap in the market, and the same is true of any small business in Ontario. It\u2019s also important that you as a business owner are interested and invested in your business idea. Get inspired with home business ideas for <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/best-business-to-start-on-instagram\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the best businesses to start on Instagram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or check out <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/best-business-to-start-toronto\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the best small businesses to start in Toronto<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.If you already have an amazing business idea in mind, here\u2019s <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-validate-a-business-idea\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to validate it<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/6-ways-to-test-if-your-business-idea-has-potential\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">put its potential to the test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before you proceed with starting up your small business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does it take to register a business in Ontario?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on your structure and method. A sole proprietorship registered online (through Ownr or Service Ontario) is typically processed the same day or within a few business days. Incorporation takes longer due to document preparation and government processing, usually 1\u20135 business days online and longer by mail. Registering through Ownr is generally faster than navigating Service Ontario directly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s the difference between registering provincially vs. federally?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provincial registration allows your business to operate legally within Ontario, but name protection applies only within the province. Federal incorporation registers your business name across Canada, protecting it in every province and territory from day one. Keep in mind that federally incorporated businesses operating in Ontario still need to register extra-provincially. If you plan to expand nationally, federal incorporation is worth considering from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I need a separate business address?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on your structure. As a sole proprietorship, you can legally use your home address as your registered business address in Ontario. But keep in mind that the address becomes publicly visible on business name registration records. An Ontario corporation must have a registered office address in Ontario, which can be a home address, a lawyer&#8217;s office, or a virtual office service if privacy is a concern.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">More resources to help you start a business in Ontario<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some additional resources to set you on the path to entrepreneurial success. Local small business centres are also a great resource as they will provide tools, workshops and free local resources to help get you started on your entrepreneurial journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/managed-corporate-plan-support\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr\u2019s managed corporation plan<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/small-business-grants-canada-list\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small business grants for Canadian businesses<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/canadian-resources-for-indigenous-entrepreneurs\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/resources-for-black-owned-businesses-in-canada\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources for Black-owned businesses<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-startup-costs\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything you need to know about startup costs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a business in Ontario is a lot of hard work and takes careful planning, but with this step-by-step guide, you now know some of the basics to make it happen. Go for it!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":8951,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[991],"tags":[346,374,509,510,511,672,681],"class_list":["post-8950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ontario","tag-gst-hst","tag-incorporation-in-ontario","tag-ontario","tag-ontario-business-number","tag-ontario-entrepreneurs","tag-sole-proprietorship","tag-starting-a-business"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist | Ownr Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist | Ownr Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Ownr Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OwnrCo\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-10-03T03:52:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-05T14:40:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1125\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ownr Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@OwnrCo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@OwnrCo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ownr Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ownr Team\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/2d3a90f4777763d5abc49866c1f4f694\"},\"headline\":\"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-03T03:52:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-05T14:40:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3164,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr-blog.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"GST\\\/HST\",\"incorporation in ontario\",\"ontario\",\"ontario business number\",\"ontario entrepreneurs\",\"sole proprietorship\",\"Starting a Business\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Ontario\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist | Ownr Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr-blog.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-03T03:52:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-05T14:40:37+00:00\",\"description\":\"If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr-blog.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr-blog.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1125,\"caption\":\"A photo of the toronto, ontario skyline, with many business buildings in the background and trees of the island in the foreground\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Ownr Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Ownrship 101\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/ownrship-101\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Province\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/ownrship-101\\\/province\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Ontario\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/ownrship-101\\\/province\\\/ontario\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Ownr Blog\",\"description\":\"Helping Canadians Register &amp; Incorporate Their Business\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Ownr Co\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ownr-blog.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ownr-logo.svg?w=1024\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ownr-blog.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ownr-logo.svg?w=1024\",\"width\":\"1024\",\"height\":\"1024\",\"caption\":\"Ownr Co\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/OwnrCo\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/OwnrCo\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/ownr.co\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/ca.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/ownrco\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ownr.co\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/2d3a90f4777763d5abc49866c1f4f694\",\"name\":\"Ownr Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f25abadb65e3656ea6142f6d5a3d046d505765d0b46c9cf3f28063ba053f4bcc?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f25abadb65e3656ea6142f6d5a3d046d505765d0b46c9cf3f28063ba053f4bcc?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f25abadb65e3656ea6142f6d5a3d046d505765d0b46c9cf3f28063ba053f4bcc?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Ownr Team\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist | Ownr Blog","description":"If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist | Ownr Blog","og_description":"If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/","og_site_name":"Ownr Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OwnrCo\/","article_published_time":"2023-10-03T03:52:34+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-04-05T14:40:37+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2000,"height":1125,"url":"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Ownr Team","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@OwnrCo","twitter_site":"@OwnrCo","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ownr Team","Est. reading time":"14 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/"},"author":{"name":"Ownr Team","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/2d3a90f4777763d5abc49866c1f4f694"},"headline":"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist","datePublished":"2023-10-03T03:52:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-05T14:40:37+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/"},"wordCount":3164,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg","keywords":["GST\/HST","incorporation in ontario","ontario","ontario business number","ontario entrepreneurs","sole proprietorship","Starting a Business"],"articleSection":["Ontario"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/","url":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/","name":"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist | Ownr Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg","datePublished":"2023-10-03T03:52:34+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-05T14:40:37+00:00","description":"If you\u2019re a would-be entrepreneur wondering how to to start a business in Ontario, we\u2019re here to help you take the plunge.\u00a0","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg","width":2000,"height":1125,"caption":"A photo of the toronto, ontario skyline, with many business buildings in the background and trees of the island in the foreground"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-start-a-business-in-ontario\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Ownr Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Ownrship 101","item":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/category\/ownrship-101\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Province","item":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/category\/ownrship-101\/province\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Ontario","item":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/category\/ownrship-101\/province\/ontario\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"How to Start a Business in Ontario: The 12-Step Checklist"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/","name":"Ownr Blog","description":"Helping Canadians Register &amp; Incorporate Their Business","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#organization","name":"Ownr Co","url":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ownr-logo.svg?w=1024","contentUrl":"https:\/\/ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ownr-logo.svg?w=1024","width":"1024","height":"1024","caption":"Ownr Co"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OwnrCo\/","https:\/\/x.com\/OwnrCo","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ownr.co\/","https:\/\/ca.linkedin.com\/company\/ownrco"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/2d3a90f4777763d5abc49866c1f4f694","name":"Ownr Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f25abadb65e3656ea6142f6d5a3d046d505765d0b46c9cf3f28063ba053f4bcc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f25abadb65e3656ea6142f6d5a3d046d505765d0b46c9cf3f28063ba053f4bcc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f25abadb65e3656ea6142f6d5a3d046d505765d0b46c9cf3f28063ba053f4bcc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ownr Team"}}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_1421224169-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8950"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8950\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15384,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8950\/revisions\/15384"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}