Starting a Business
in Canada

Registration, banking, taxes, and what nobody tells you on day one. Everything an immigrant woman founder needs to launch legally and confidently.

📚 6 In-Depth Guides
✅ Launch Checklist
🔄 Updated 2026
🆓 Free for Members

Your Roadmap

6 steps to launch your Canadian business

01
Choose Your Business Structure
Sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation — each has different tax, liability, and cost implications. As an immigrant founder, your PR/work permit status may affect which is available to you. Most new founders start as sole proprietors and incorporate later.
Sole Prop Corporation Partnership Permit Check
02
Register Your Business Name
Register through the Ontario Business Registry or Corporations Canada. A NUANS name search confirms your name is unique. Federal registration protects your name across Canada.
Ontario Business Registry NUANS Search Federal vs Provincial
03
Get Your CRA Business Number
Your CRA Business Number is your tax identity. Use it for GST/HST, payroll, and corporate tax. Registration is free and typically instant online.
CRA Portal Business Number GST/HST Registration
04
Open a Business Bank Account
Open a dedicated business account with banks like TD, RBC, BMO, or newcomer-friendly services like Relay and Wealthsimple Business.
Business Banking Newcomer Accounts Relay Wealthsimple
05
Set Up Your Accounting System
Use QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks to manage expenses and income. Track CRA-eligible deductions like home office, software, and vehicle expenses.
QuickBooks Wave (Free) FreshBooks Bookkeeper
06
Understand Ongoing Obligations
File annual T1 or T2 taxes, remit GST/HST, and maintain payroll if you hire employees. Keep all business records for at least 6 years.
T2 Filing CRA Deadlines GST Remittance Record Keeping
Free Downloads

Get the templates

📋

Business Launch Checklist PDF

The complete 60-point checklist for launching in Canada

PDF · Free
📊

Business Structure Comparison Guide

Sole prop vs partnership vs corporation — what's right for you

PDF · Free
💼

CRA Registration Walkthrough

Step-by-step screenshots of the CRA business registration

Guide · Free
🏦

Newcomer Business Banking Comparison

Fees, requirements, and perks for 8 Canadian business accounts

Guide · Free
Launch Checklist

Your first 30-day action list

Click each item to mark it done. Screenshot and save it — this is your roadmap.

  • Research business structure (sole prop vs corp) — consult accountant if unsure
  • Confirm work permit / PR status allows business ownership
  • Run NUANS name search and register business name
  • Apply for CRA Business Number (BN) online
  • Register for GST/HST if applicable (or voluntarily)
  • Open a dedicated business bank account
  • Set up accounting software (Wave, QuickBooks, FreshBooks)
  • Get business liability insurance quote
  • Join IWEC and book free strategy session
Deep Dive Guides

Go deeper on every topic

🏛️
Incorporating in Ontario: The Complete Guide
When to incorporate, how to do it, what it costs, and what changes after you do.
Read Guide →
💳
Building Business Credit from Zero as a Newcomer
No Canadian credit history? Here's how to build a business credit profile that opens doors.
Read Guide →
🏠
Running a Home-Based Business Legally in Canada
Zoning laws, CRA home office deductions, and what your landlord needs to know.
Read Guide →
📝
Contracts 101 for Solopreneurs
The 5 contracts every service business needs before signing their first client.
Read Guide →
🌐
Setting Up Your Online Business Presence
Domain, website, Google Business Profile, and social — the minimum viable setup.
Read Guide →
👩‍💼
Hiring Your First Employee in Canada
Payroll, ROE, T4s, and what the Labour Standards say about your first hire.
Read Guide →