How to start a business in Ontario is one of the first questions aspiring entrepreneurs ask when they’re ready to bring their ideas to life.
Ontario is a major part of Canada’s economy, with over 14 million people and a strong market for small and medium-sized businesses.
If you want to start a tech company in Toronto, a store in Ottawa, or a family business in a smaller town, Ontario has many chances for you.
However, starting a business takes more than just a good idea.
You need to handle legal registrations, HR management, payroll, and keeping employees.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to successfully start your business in Ontario and explain how TROIS Collective can help you along the way.
If you’re a want-to-be entrepreneur looking to learn how to start a small business in Ontario or even how to start a cleaning business in Ontario, you're in the right place.
At TROIS we are a business partner that supports entrepreneurs who need HR solutions.
We’ve created a complete step-by-step guide full of important information to help you begin your journey.
To start a business in Ontario, the first step is to choose a legal structure.
Each option affects taxes, liability, and ownership differently.
If you are a sole proprietor using your legal name, you do not need to register your business.
(Many people start as sole proprietors but choose to incorporate as they grow)
If you want to use a different name, or if your business is a partnership or corporation, you must register it with the province.
When you register your business in Ontario, it is also registered federally.
In Ontario, you need to register your business name if it is different from your legal name.
You can register online at the Ontario Business Registry.
This registration makes sure your name is unique and officially recognized.
If you are incorporating your business, registration is part of that process.
You might also want to register a trademark to protect your brand.
When looking at how to open a business in Ontario, you probably immediately think about licenses and permits.
Depending on your industry, you may need special ones. For example:
Not getting the right permits can lead to fines or even business shutdowns.
Our advice? Make sure to prioritize compliance from the start.
For more information on HR compliance, read our article, what is an HR Audit, or ask about our HR Compliance services.
Think about whether you need to get a GST/HST number.
If your business makes less than $30,000 a year, you're a small supplier according to the CRA, which means you don’t need to collect GST/HST.
But if your total revenue hits $30,000 in one calendar quarter or over four quarters in a row, you’ll have to register for a GST/HST number and start charging sales tax on everything you sell.
Also, you might need to set up accounts for things like payroll deductions (CPP, EI, and income tax) and import/export if you plan to trade internationally.
If you're running a business, it’s a good idea to open a separate account to keep your business money separate from your personal expenses.
For corporations, it’s actually required by law.
Even if you’re just a sole proprietor or in a partnership, having a separate account makes it way easier to manage your finances, tackle tax season, and handle audits.
Plus, you can deduct those account fees as business expenses.
Most banks in Ontario have great small business packages that include perks like online banking, credit cards, and lines of credit.
Starting a business in Ontario requires careful planning for your human resources strategy.
Setting up your HR foundations early can prevent issues down the road, even if you're starting small:
1. Hiring Practices
Decide how you will find new employees. Will you use referrals, job boards, or agencies?
2. Onboarding and Orientation
A strong start helps new employees succeed.
3. Employer Brand
A strong employer brand saves you time and money while helping you attract the right staff.
4. Compliance
Ontario’s employment standards include rules about pay, vacation, termination, and workplace safety.
This applies to anyone looking for how to start a cleaning business in Ontario or founding a startup.
At TROIS Collective, we offer fractional and outsourced HR solutions. Start here.
Even great ideas need money. In Ontario, you have a few ways to get financing:
This is especially important when looking at how to start a small business in Ontario.
Your marketing game will change depending on what kind of business you run and your budget, but here are some chill ways to connect with your customers:
Starting your business is just the first step.
You need to regularly check your operations, finances, and HR practices to stay compliant and efficient.
For example, managing employee performance is often ignored but is crucial for growth.
Also, remember to prioritize employee well-being.
Learning how to start a business in Ontario involves more than just registering your company.
You need to build a strong foundation for following rules, managing employees, and encouraging growth.
By following the steps above, you will be on your way to creating a successful business in Canada’s largest province.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
TROIS Collective is here to help you every step of the way.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
