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What are the first things I should know about starting my own business?
Starting your own business in a new country can be a lot of work, especially when you do not know the rules and regulations to open a business. There are many resources available from the various organizations in Peterborough to help you through the process.
The following steps are for those who are hoping to start a sole-proprietorship business, which is owned and operated by one person:
- If in Peterborough, contact one of the local business agencies
- Check with the municipality to see if your business will be permitted
- Start a business plan (local resource / federal resource)
- Choose a business name
- Search to see if there are other businesses with the same name
- Register your business name
- Apply for and obtain the licences, certifications, or registrations that you need to operate your business
- Renew your business-name registration when it is required
Business names can be searched and registered through ServiceOntario via the following channels:
- ServiceOntario's website
- Self-help workstations located at ServiceOntario service locations across the province
- Business Registration Online (BRO)
- Mail: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 1028 STN B, Toronto ON M5T 3H3
The Peterborough Public Library has many resources available on starting your own business, as well as developing business plans.
The Business Advisory Centre at the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation has put together some very useful Business Start-Up Information documents. Included are a guide to help you prepare your business plan, information on financing programmes available, as well as a very helpful “First Steps” list for the Peterborough area in the FAQ Guide.
The Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) provides support for small-business development. It offers services such as financing and counselling to eligible businesses.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade supports business immigrants through the Business Immigration Programme. Trained consultants are available to provide advice about the immigration process and doing business in Ontario. Consult a Business Immigration Guide for more information.
Additional Resources
Templates and samples of business plans provided by Canada Business
Information on business registration in Ontario
Information on starting a business in Ontario provided by Ontario Immigration
Ontario Business Programme Guide, Ontario’s free online directory of tax incentives, tax credits and government support programmes for businesses.
Programmes and resources provided by the Business Advisory Centre at the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation
Resource Guide for Business Immigrants to Ontario provided by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Services for Businesses provided by ServiceOntario
Small Business Development Guide for New Canadians developed by the Community Opportunity & Innovation Network (COIN) and the New Canadians Centre Peterborough
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