Starting a Business

Checklists for Franchisees
There are many opportunities available regarding franchised businesses. To add further complexity, there are many variations in the franchising methods offered. The following checklist of questions assists in making a decision about acquiring a franchise.
Glossary of Key Business Terms
A list of common business terms defined by the Ministry of Government Services.
ServiceOntario - Register a Business
Register or renew a business name in Ontario and complete applications for a Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit, Employer Health Tax, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. You can also search a business name registered with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services.
Start-up Resources from the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Resources that will help you when starting a new business, including general start-up information, online tools and "How to" guides about starting a specific type of business.
Your Guide to Small Business
Your Guide to Small Business is designed to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed. It’s not a “how to” book; it’s an information resource that will help identify the things one needs to do before, during and after launching a business. Provided by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Financing

Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide
This document is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government programs available to individuals starting a business in Ontario.
Sources of Financing
Find out how Industry Canada can help you locate traditional or alternative sources of financing for your small business.

Employing People
The Employment Regulations Info-Guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government regulations on employment. The Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government programs and services available to businesses in Ontario that are seeking assistance to hire employees.
How Privacy Legislation Affects Your Business
Since January 1, 2004, businesses have been subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada offers the following useful information to help businesses learn how they can comply with the Act.
Technology and Innovation Info-Guide
The Technology and Innovation Info guide has been prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a single point of access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations.

Municipal Requirements to Start a Business
This document is an overview of some of the municipal requirements that may apply to starting a business in Ontario.
Ontario Occupational Licensing Gateway
The Ontario Occupational Licensing Gateway provides one-window, online access to information and forms related to occupational/business licences.
Regulations and Licences
An overview of the regulations and licensing information and requirements for businesses in Ontario.
Regulatory Registry
The Regulatory Registry is a one-stop website that makes it easier for businesses to find out about the Government of Ontario's regulatory proposals that may affect them and learn about regulations recently approved by the Lieutenant-Governor-In-Council.
SerivceOntario - BizPaL, the Online Business Permits and Licences Service
Provides businesses with one-stop access to permit and licence information, often for all levels of government.