Women in Business Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction
Regulations
Financing
Taxation
Training and Mentorship
Associations
Next Steps

Introduction

As an entrepreneur, your ideas help shape the business landscape in Ontario. From small independently run businesses to hi-tech corporations, women entrepreneurs are making their mark on the economy. This guide will provide you with links and resources for your business.

You can also read our Business Start-Up Guide for information on the requirements for starting a new business in Ontario.

If you would like to learn how the federal government promotes the participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada, contact Status of Women Canada (SWC).

Contact SWC:
1-866-969-9922  
Status of Women Canada

Regulations

Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.

In addition to the information you will find in this guide, you can use BizPaL—an online search tool—to find licences and regulations that may affect your business. You can also contact the Business Info Line to speak to someone about starting your business.

Use online:
Permits and Licences Wizard

Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888

Financing

Canada Business can help you find government financing options for your business. There are programs that apply to businesses across Canada, and others that apply only to businesses in Ontario. Use the Canada Business financing search tool or browse by type of financing.

You can also access Canada Business information through the ONe-Source online financing wizard. The wizard guides you through 3 easy steps to create a personalized list of results for Ontario business financing programs.

Search online:
Canada Business: Government Grants and Financing
ONe-Source Ontario Business Financing Guide

Contact the Business Info Line:
1-888-745-8888

The following organizations offer financial support programs that apply specifically to women:

Taxation

Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

Read online:
Taxation Guide

If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to collect and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Most businesses that make less than $30,000 in any 12 month period are not required to charge HST; however, you can register voluntarily and claim input tax credits. Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.

Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency – Business

Training and Mentorship

Skills, knowledge, and networking are keys to running a successful business. Training and mentorship programs can give you hands-on experience in the field and put you in contact with other women entrepreneurs. The following resources provide information on mentorship and training programs for women in business.

Investing in Women's Futures

Contact the Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD) to find out about programs and centres where you can access entrepreneurial training and other community services. Consult their website to find a program near you.

Contact OWD: 
1-866-510-5902 
Investing in Women's Futures

Associations

There are many associations that may be of interest to you. It is not necessary to join an association, but some of the advantages include:

• Promoting and exchanging marketing and promotional ideas among members
• Establishing and encouraging high standards of quality and professionalism

Examples of associations for women entrepreneurs include:

Next Steps

For other information that relates to starting your business, you can read the following guides:

• Business Planning
• Market Research and Statistics
• Starting Your Business
• Grants and Financing
• Taxation Guide
• Employment Regulations Guide: Hiring

Additional resources that may be of interest to you include:

• Canadian Women's Business Network
• Influential Women of Northern Ontario
• Rotman Initiative for Women in Business
• Womenspages.ca
• Women in Leadership
• Women in Capital Markets

You can also find books, magazines and other relevant print material at business service organizations in your community. To locate a Canada Business Ontario (CBO) community partner, contact us through the Business Info Line at 1-888-745-8888.

Need more information?

Click: Canada Business
Call: The Business Info Line, a collaboration between ServiceOntario and Industry Canada, at 1-888-745-8888
Visit: Find a Community Partner Location near you

Disclaimers

Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.