TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Business Planning
3. Organizational Structure
4. Business Taxes
5. Business Regulations
6. Operating Your Business
7. Employing People
8. Other Resources

1. Introduction

Owning Your Own Business: New, Existing and Franchise Opportunities

There are three common ways to get into business. You may wish to start the business as a new enterprise, you could buy an existing business, or you may decide to purchase a franchise. Regardless of which type of ownership you are thinking about, there are some basic questions you should ask yourself to assess whether you are ready.

For further information:
visit the website: Starting a Business

Information on Buying a Franchise

A franchise is a contractual agreement between an individual or company, the franchiser, and another individual or company, the franchisee. This agreement is the right to sell, in a specified manner and within a specified territory, the goods or services developed by the franchiser.

For further information:
visit the website: Canadian Franchise Association 

For regulatory or legal questions, it may be useful to contact a lawyer that deals with business regulations through the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service.

For further information:
call 1-800-268-8326
visit the website: Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service

2. Business Planning

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a recognized management tool used by successful and/or prospective businesses of all sizes to document business objectives and to propose how these objectives will be attained within a specific period of time. It is a written document which describes who you are, what you plan to achieve, where your business will be located, when you expect to get under way, and how you will overcome the risks involved and provide the returns anticipated.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

A business plan will provide information of your proposed venture to lenders, investors, and suppliers to demonstrate how you plan to use their money, and to establish a basis for credibility of your project.

Business Plan Guide

This Business Plan Guide is intended to assist an entrepreneur in writing a business plan for the establishment, the purchase or the expansion of an existing business.

For further information:
see the document Writing your Business Plan 

Small Business Program for Regent Park Communities

Open to the residents of Regent Park, Toronto and neighbouring communities, this free program provides to the successful applicant help with:

• writing your business plan
• accessing expert business advice
• developing and sharpening your business skills
• developing a local network of businesses contacts
• finding resources for your business

For further information:
visit the website: Small Business Program for Regent Park Communities

Business Plans - Templates and Samples

There are many organizations and business websites that provide free templates, writing guides and sample plans. You can also find companies that sell business plan software to assist you in preparing your plan.

For further information:
see the document: Business Plans - Templates and Samples 

Community Profiles

Another useful source of information on the demographic characteristics of the Canadian community in which you are considering marketing your product or service is Community Profiles. This site provides useful information on age, income, education and housing.

For further information:
visit the website: 2006 Community Profiles    

3. Organizational Structure

In Ontario there are several ways to start a business, with each structure having advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide which business form is best, you should consider such aspects as personal liability, business name protection, tax advantages and registration or filing costs.

Forms of Business Organization

The Forms of Business Organization document provides a brief description of the four types of business structures and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

For further information:
see the document Choosing a business structure

Registering a Business Name or Partnership

Under the Business Names Act of Ontario, all businesses must register their name. Individuals using their own name (e.g. John Smith) to carry on business do not have to register until any word is added to their own name (e.g. John Smith Crafts).

For further information:call 1-800-361-3223
visit the website: Business Name Registration
see the document Business name and registration

Ontario Business Incorporation

This document presents an overview of Ontario's Business Corporations Act, including the forms required, fees and methods of filing.

For further information:
call 1-800-361-3223
visit the website: Articles of Incorporation (Incorporating a Business Corporation)
see the document Ontario Business Incorporation

Federal Business Incorporation - Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA)

The Act and Regulations specify the conditions that must be met in order to form, operate and dissolve a legal federal corporation. All persons wishing to incorporate their business at the federal level must make an initial filing.

For further information:call 1-866-333-5556
visit the website: Guide to Federal Incorporation
see the document Federal Business Incorporation

4. Business Taxes

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service. Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Other Resources:
Ontario Ministry of Revenue: 1-866-668-8297
Small Business Tax Help (MOR)

Canada Revenue Agency: 1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

5. Business Regulations

Business Regulations Info-Guide

This document will assist you in navigating federal, provincial and municipal regulations that apply to a number of industries and businesses in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document Business Regulations Info-Guide

Business Licences

The Business Licences document is designed to provide general business licencing information for a number of specific industries and is best used as a starting point when researching regulations.

For further information:
see the document Regulations, Licences and Permits

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Find out how accessibility standards, under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, will affect business in Ontario. Businesses and organizations who provide goods and services to people in Ontario will have to meet certain accessibility standards in five important areas of our lives. Customer service, transportation, information and communications, built environment and employment.

For further information:
visit the website: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities

6. Operating Your Business

Intellectual Property Info-Guide

This document is intended to provide intellectual property information to businesses in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document Intellectual Property Info-Guide

A number of resources have been developed to assist you in the daily operations of your business:

• Management and Operations

Linking In to Global Value Chains: A Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The Trade Commissioner Service of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has written a guide on the possibilities that global value chains offer to Canadian small and medium sized enterprises. It sets out how this strategy could greatly improve their competitiveness, profitability and long term sustainability.

For further information: 
visit the website: Linking In to Global Value Chains 

7. Employing People

Employment Regulations Info-Guide

The Employment Regulations Info-Guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government regulations on employment. Although many of your questions will be answered here, the list of regulations given in this document is not exhaustive.

For further information:
see the document Employment Regulations Info-Guide

Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide

This Info-Guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government regulations on employment. Although many of your questions will be answered here, the list of regulations given in this document is not exhaustive.

For further information:
see the document Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide

8. Other Resources

Small Business Enterprise Centres

Small Business Enterprise Centres can be found in communities across Ontario. At each one, there is a knowledgeable general business consultant and business publications. Seminars are also provided.

For further information:
visit the website: Small Business Enterprise Centres

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade offers a wealth of information for Ontario's small business community, from a new start-up to an established high performing firm, by providing connections to the people and resources that contribute to improved competitiveness and profitability.

For further information:
visit the website: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)

The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) has publications for individuals thinking about starting a business, as well as information on financing for new and existing businesses.

For further information:
visit the website: Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides a wide range of business counselling and training programs, including workshops, seminars and business management courses. Costs for the BDC's programs vary.

For further information:call 1-877-232-2269
visit the website: Business Development Bank of Canada

Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC)

Canadian Company Capabilities (CCC) is an online database which profiles approximately 40 000 Canadian companies. This database contains vital company information that can be searched to locate Canadian suppliers and distribution channels, to determine competition, to form partnerships and to uncover export ventures.

For further information:
visit the website: Canadian Company Capabilities

Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada is required to collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic and general activities and conditions of the people of Canada.

For further information:call 1-800-263-1136
visit the website: Statistics Canada 

Ministry of Government Services (MGS)

The Ontario Ministry of Government Services (MGS) provides basic information on operating a business in Ontario.

For further information:call 1-800-268-1142
visit the website: Ministry of Government Services (MGS)

Related Reading

• Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide
• Business Guides

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.