Start Your Business

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a written document that describes your business objectives and strategies, your financial forecasts, and the market you are targeting. It will help you set realistic and timely goals, secure external funding, measure your success, clarify operational requirements, and establish reasonable financial forecasts. Preparing your plan will help you focus on how to operate your new business and give it the best chance for success.

Securing financial assistance to start your new business is directly related to the strength of your business plan. To be considered for funding from financial institutions or investors, you must demonstrate that you understand every aspect of your business, and its ability to generate profit.

A business plan is more than just a document that you present to lenders and investors; it also helps you plan for the growth and progress of your business. Proper planning can help your business succeed.

For writing tips and templates, visit these resources:

• Government of Canada Business Plan Guide
• Futurpreneur Business Plan Writer

Securing financing

Choosing a business structure

When starting your business, choose the business structure that best suits your needs. The three most common business structures are:

• Sole proprietorship
• General partnership
• Incorporation

To learn more about different forms of business organization, read this article from the Government of Canada.

Choosing a business name

Before registering your business, you should decide what you want your business name to be. The right name can be an effective advertising tool that can help your customers understand what your business does and which market you are targeting.

Some points to consider when naming your business:

• Short names are easier to remember
• Descriptive names can help people understand what your company sells
• Professional names can fit the image you want to project
• Unique names ensure that the name is not already in use

Your business name is an important part of your business identity. Choose a name that will fit your needs and suit your business image.

Choosing a location

For most businesses, choosing an appropriate location is critical, and the address is often needed for registrations, licences, and permits. Your ideal location will depend on your business needs, zoning restrictions, and where your customers and competitors are. Taxes, noise, and the local business environment are also important factors to consider when reviewing your options.

If you are considering setting up your business in your home, make sure you know what regulations and restrictions will apply to your home-based business before you start.

How to register your business name

Business name registration applies to entrepreneurs who want to register a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or an operating name (trade name) for a corporation. The name of a new business must be registered if it is different than the business owner’s legal name. For information on how to set up a corporation, see the Incorporating your business section below.

You can complete an optional name search and register your business in the following ways:

• Through ServiceOntario's website
• In person at a ServiceOntario centre
• By mailing an application to the address indicated on the form

The cost to register your business ranges from $60 to $80. Your registration is valid for five years, at which time it must be renewed.

Incorporating your business

A corporation is a legal entity that separates the business from its owner/operator. You can choose to incorporate federally or provincially. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Provincial incorporation

Incorporating your business provincially allows you to do business under a corporate name in Ontario. Corporate name protection applies in Ontario, and you can open offices/stores within the province.

Contact the Companies and Personal Property Security Branch:

1-800-361-3223

Ontario business incorporation

Federal incorporation

If you incorporate your business federally, you can open locations within Ontario and/or in other provinces and territories across Canada. If you open offices/stores in different provinces, you will be required to register your business in those locations. Federal incorporation also provides corporate name protection across the country.

Contact Corporations Canada:

1-866-333-5556

Steps to incorporating

Professional corporations

If you are a regulated professional (e.g. healthcare professionals, social workers, accountants) you may be able to provincially incorporate your practice as a professional corporation.

Some key features of professional corporations are:

• Limited liability protection
• Access to external investment funding
• Advantages of corporate tax rules
• Corporate status

Regulated professions can contact the relevant regulatory body and the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services:

1-800-361-3223

Professional corporations

Personal Real Estate Corporations (PREC)

If you are a broker or salesperson registered in Ontario to deal in real estate you may wish to explore the option offered by a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) (not a professional corporation).

Contact the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO):

1-800-245-6910

Regulations, licences and permits

Your business may need licences and permits from the federal and provincial levels of government. In the City of Pembroke, you do not need a licence to operate, but you do need to register your business, which is free and can be done online.

To find licences and regulations that may affect your business, use the BizPaL tool.

Legal questions

You can contact Pro Bono Ontario’s free legal advice hotline to enquire about getting help with your everyday civil legal needs (no family law or criminal law). The service is generally aimed at those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Note that service is not guaranteed and you will be asked questions as part of the qualifying process, such as the amount of personal income earned by your household, your name, postal code and age range.

Contact Pro Bono Ontario’s Free Legal Advice Hotline:

1-855-255-7256

You can also contact the Law Society of Ontario's Law Society Referral Service if you have legal questions of a business nature. The service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer or paralegal, based on your needs.

Business number registration

Your Business number is your single account number for dealing with the federal government regarding taxes, payroll, import/export, and other activities. If you plan to hire employees, or if you will be importing and/or exporting products or services, you will need to get a business number.

If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to charge and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information at 1-800-959-5525.

Taxation

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

• Taxation guide
• E-business and selling to customers outside of Ontario

Hiring employees

It is important that you know your obligations and opportunities when it comes to hiring employees and familiarize yourself with current labour market conditions.

Some of the things you will want to consider when hiring staff are:

• Recruitment practices
• Payroll
• Tax returns
• Employment standards

Do I need to register my business with the City?

Do I need a City of Pembroke Business Licence to operate in Pembroke?

Is my property zoned for my businesses use?

If you know the zoning of your property, you can check our permitted uses for that particular zone to see if your type of business is listed.

If you are unsure what the zoning of your property is or what type of businesses are permitted for your property, refer to our Zoning page or contact the City’s Planning Department at 613-735-6821 ext. 1304 or by visiting City Hall.

How do I know if the changes I am making to my building require a building permit?

How do I apply for a liquor licence?

In Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario handles liquor licence applications. Information on the process can be the AGCO website.

You will need to have approval from the City of Pembroke’s Clerk, Chief Building Official, and Fire Chief. Contact us for assistance with this.

You will also need approval from the Renfrew County District Health Unit which can be contacted separately at 613-732-3629.