Starting
We are providing this general list of instructions as a basic guideline intended to help you get started with your small business. If you require any clarification on the information contained herein, or for information on the rules and regulations which apply to your specific business, please contact the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre.
A print version of this information is contained in our free Start Up Package which is available at either of our locations.
- Step #1: Business Name Registration
- Step #2: Canada Revenue Agency Registrations/Business Number
- Step #3: Municipal License/Business Tax
- Step #4: Other Employee Registrations
- Step #5: Special Regulations/Licenses
- Step #6: Finding Suppliers
- Step #7: Food Service Contacts
- Step #8: Packaging and Labelling
- Step #9: Additional Exporting Info
NOTE:
This is a general guide. Should you have any questions regarding the regulations and licensing requirements for your specific business, please contact the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre in Windsor at 519.253.6900 or Kingsville at 519.733.3737.
Step #1: Business Name Registration
Registration of your business name (Master Business License) is mandatory under the Business Names Act. This registration is also required by your bank to open a business name account. The registration fee is $60, and will expire in 5 years. You can also have a name search done (this is optional) conducted on the spot for $8/name search. You may choose to use your legal name, except if you are in a partnership, (i.e. John Smith) with nothing else attached to it as your business name. If you choose this option no business name registration is needed.
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Register on-line at the ServiceOntario Gateway for business website: www.serviceontario.ca.
If registration is done on-line during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Mon - Fri), you will immediately receive a Master Business License in Adobe Acrobat format.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard - ServiceOntario Ontario Business Connects Workstation
400 City Hall Square, Suite 205, Windsor, Tel: 519-973-7954
Business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Monday - Friday
Payment methods: Credit, Debit, Cash
Step #2: Canada Revenue Agency Registrations/Business Number
- HST Registration: If your business will be collecting $30,000 or more in gross revenues (goods and services) each year, you are required to register, collect and remit HST. If your sales are less than $30,000 registration is not mandatory. If you register you can claim back the HST paid on items purchased for the business against the HST remittance collected from your customers. There is no fee for this registration.
- Payroll Deductions For Employers: If you have employees you are responsible for calculating, deducting and remittance of income tax, employment insurance and Canada Pension Plan contributions. A free employer's kit can be obtained from CRA.
- Import/Export: If your business will be importing commercial shipments from a foreign country, or exporting commercial goods to other countries, you should register for an import/export account. This number will be used to process customs documents.
Registration for a Corporate Income Tax, HST Account, Payroll Deductions Account, or an Import/Export Account can be done:
- On-line: Business Registration On-Line.
- By telephone: 1-800-959-5525
- By mail: Windsor Tax Services Office, Canada Revenue Agency, 185 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON, N9A 5S8
- By fax: 519-257-6558
NOTE:
Canadian businesses that register for one or more of the following accounts: Corporate Income Tax, Import/Export, Payroll and HST require a Business Number (BN). The BN is a 9-digit registration number that simplifies & streamlines the way businesses deal with the federal government.
Additional services:
- Business inquiries: 1-800-959-5525
- Business inquiries by non-Canadians: 519-252-4705
- Requests for CRA forms and publications: 1-800-959-2221
- CRA Customs Info Service: Tel: 1-800-461-9999
Business and Professional Income Guide.
Step #3: Municipal License/Business Tax
Many but not all types of businesses require a municipal business license. In addition, your business may have to comply with zoning and by-law regulations. Remember to inquire if your business location will be charged business tax. If you are running a home-based business, ask your municipality to advise you on their home occupation rules.
Contact the municipality your business will be located in at:
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Step #4: Other Employee Registrations
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Employer Health Tax |
Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) |
Step #5: Special Regulations/Licenses
Many businesses have special licenses and/or provincial/federal regulations to follow (i.e. travel agents, mechanics, motor vehicle dealers, etc.). To inquire about your specific business contact:
WindsorEssex Small Business Centre
Windsor Office: 519-253-6900
Kingsville Office: 519-733-3137
info@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com
Step #6: Finding Suppliers
WindsorEssex Small Business Centre
Windsor Office: 519-253-6900
Kingsville Office: 519-733-3137
info@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com
Step #7: Food Service Contacts
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Windsor-Essex Health Unit |
Canada Food Inspection Agency |
Step #8: Packaging and Labelling
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Packaging Consumer Products (Non-Food) |
Food Labeling |
Step #9: Additional Exporting Info
Canada Border Services Agency
2500 Ouellette Ave.
1-800-461-9999
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
