Step #1 - Visit the Small Business Enterprise Centre
The Small Business Enterprise Centre counsels entrepreneurs about starting a small business in Windsor-Essex. To book an appointment for a consultation or to use our business resource library call/visit:
City Centre & Radisson Hotel,
Suite 217
333 Riverside Drive West, Windsor
Tel: 519-253-6900
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Email
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Step #2 - 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. You can register your business name in person at 2 workstations located at:
Ministry of Finance, Employer Health Tax Branch
215 Eugenie Street West, Windsor
Tel: 519-250-0066 or 1-800-465-4021
Service Ontario
400 City Hall Square, Suite 103, Windsor
Tel: 519-973-7954
Or
Register on the Internet at the Ontario Business Connects (OBC) Website
Registration costs $60 (payable by Master Card or Visa). Once you have completed your online business name registration you will immediately receive a Master Business License in Adobe Acrobat format.
Business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Monday - Friday
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Step #3 - Retail Sales Tax Registration/Vendor's Permit
Businesses that sell taxable goods and some services are required to charge provincial sales tax on their sales. A vendor's permit will be issued with this registration that will include your provincial sales tax exemption number. There is no fee for this registration. To inquire if your business needs this registration contact:
Ministry of Finance, Retail Sales Tax Office
215 Eugenie Street West, Windsor
Tel: 519-250-0066 or 1-800-465-4021
Website
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Step #4 - 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.
In Windsor contact:
Clerk's Office, City of Windsor
2nd Floor, City Hall Square, Windsor
Tel: 519-255-6200
Website
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Step #5 - Canada
Revenue Agency Registrations
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G.S.T. Registration: If your business will be collecting $30,000 or more in gross revenues (products and services) each year, you are required to register, collect and remit G.S.T. If your sales are less than $30,000 registration is not mandatory. If you register you can claim G.S.T. paid on items for the business against the G.S.T. collected from your customers. There is no fee for this registration.
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Business Income Tax Inquires: For information on business expenses and deductions read the "Business and Professional Income Guide" included in our start- up package. You can also view this publication online.
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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 the Canada
Revenue Agency.
For further information contact:
Windsor Tax Services Office, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
2nd Floor, 185 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor
• G.S.T. and Business Inquiries - 1-800-959-5525
• Income Tax - 1-800-959-5525
• Payroll Deductions/Import or Export Accounts - Tel: 519-252-4705
• CCRA forms and publications - Tel: 1-800-959-2221
• CCRA Customs Info Service - Tel: 1-800-461-9999
Note: Canadian businesses that register for one or more of the following accounts: Corporate Income Tax, Import/Export, Payroll and GST/HST require a Business Number (BN). The BN is a nine-digit registration number that simplifies and streamlines the way businesses deal with the federal government.
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Step #6 - Other Employee Registrations
Don't forget to inquire and register for:
Employer Health Tax
215 Eugenie St. W., Windsor
Tel: 519-250-0066 or 1-800-465-4021
Website
Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)
2485 Ouellette, Ave.
Tel: 519-966-0660
Website
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Step #7 - Special Regulations/Licenses
Many businesses have special licenses and/or provincial and federal regulations to follow (i.e. travel agents, mechanics, motor vehicle dealers, etc.). To inquire about your specific business contact:
Windsor-Essex Small Business Enterprise Centre
Tel: 519-253-6900.
Email
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Step #8 - Finding Suppliers
Windsor-Essex Small Business Enterprise Centre
Tel: 519-253-6900
Email
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Step #9 - Food Service Contacts
Windsor-Essex Health Unit
1005 Ouellette Ave., Windsor
Tel: 519-258-2146
Website
Canada Food Inspection Agency
Tel: 1-800-442-2342
Website
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Step #10 - Packaging and Labelling
Packaging Consumer Products (Non-Food)
Tel: 1-800-348-5358
Website
Food Labeling
Tel: 1-800-442-2342
Website
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Step #11 - Additional Exporting Info
Canada Border Services Agency
2500 Ouellette Ave.
1-800-461-9999
Website
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What Business Structure to Choose?
Another critical decision for you to make is what business structure you should choose. You need this information to comply with any government regulation and license, as well as for the bank to open a business bank account. From a legal point of view; there are four basic structures to choose from.
Click here for more information.
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Do you have a business plan?
Even if you believe your business does not require a formal plan, most business experts highly recommend that you conduct at least some preliminary research prior to committing yourself legally or financially to your business. Click here for a brief outline.
There is plenty of help available including the Interactive Business Planner.
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Need Financing?
An integral part of the business planning process is ensuring you have enough capital to start and operate your business. It is important to study different avenues of financing. Click here to learn about government and commercial financing programs that may be available to help you start your business.
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It's all in the name
Another important consideration is choosing the right name for your business. This is an important decision. A good name will draw potential customers, help clients identify your company and builds your business image. Click here for a list of some points to consider when naming your business.
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