Find out what you should know about doing business in Canada!

Starting a business in Canada is quick, easy and cost effective. The World Bank also seems to agree has they ranked Canada 2nd globally in ease of starting a business (Doing Business, 2010). The links below provide detailed procedures for starting a business in the nation's capital. 

General information

Canada Business Service Centre
Canada Business reduces the complexity and burden of dealing with various levels of government by serving as a single point of access for federal and provincial/territorial government services, programs and regulatory requirements for business. 

Service Ontario
Service Ontario’s Integrated Business Services Application allows you to: search for business names that have been registered, register or renew your business name, get a Master Business Licence and, if eligible, apply for additional accounts with different government bodies

Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a financial institution wholly owned by the government of Canada. BDC plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small businesses, with a particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy.

Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, is your first stop for free access to business information.

Industry Canada
The Department's mission is to foster a growing, competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. The Department works with Canadians throughout the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, improve Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.

Intellectual Property

Canadian Intellectual Property Office
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), a Special Operating Agency (SOA) associated with Industry Canada, is responsible for the administration and processing of the greater part of intellectual property in Canada.

Employment

Workers Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)
The WSIB administers Ontario’s no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers. As part of this system, they provide disability benefits, monitor the quality of health care and assist in early, safe return to work for workers injured on the job or who contract an occupational disease.

Immigration

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
When starting a business, many options are available for temporary and permanent immigration. These possibilities are overseen by the federal government in consultation with the provinces. Information can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Centre
The OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre is dedicated to helping Ottawa entrepreneurs make educated decisions about starting and growing their businesses. The Centre has a staff of dedicated business professionals, who provide advice and counsel to entrepreneurs on a variety of levels.

Incentives

Click here and you will find a comprehensive list of Government incentive programs that may be of interest to ICT companies, ranging from grants, subsides and tax incentives. Programs and incentives for more specific industries are also available, such as: the IT Industry, the Life Sciences Industry and the Renewable Energy Industry.