Ontario Business Central

What Ontario Business Central Does

Canada's top-rated business registration and corporate filing service

Ontario Business Central is a Registry Consultant that helps entrepreneurs register, incorporate, change, search, and close businesses across Canada through fast, secure online filings. Since 1992, we have served over 350,000 customers as a Registry Consultant and an authorized agent for Corporations Canada, with active accounts in five additional provinces.

Find The Right Service For Your Business

Five pathways covering every stage of business ownership

Start a Business

Incorporate or register a new business in Ontario or federally.

NUANS Search

Check name availability with a preliminary or official NUANS report.

Change a Business

Update directors, addresses, name, or file Annual Returns.

Corporate Search

Profile reports, Certificates of Status, PPSA searches.

Close a Business

Cancel a business name or file Articles of Dissolution.

The OBC Advantage

Five Reasons Canadian Entrepreneurs Trust Us For Over Three Decades

Government-Linked

Registry Consultant and authorized agent for Corporations Canada.

Human in-the-Loop

Our staff are available to review documentation or to answer any questions Monday Through Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.

Data Sovereignty

Closed-loop data policy. Your information is never shared with or used to train external AI models.

High-Volume Trust

Over 350,000 startups successfully launched and managed since our inception in 1992.

Award-Winning

Voted Best Business Registration Services via the Consumer Choice Award, 2025-2026.

Our Story

From a University Avenue Storefront to Canada's Leading Online Registration Platform

1992

Ontario Business Central opens its doors on University Avenue in Toronto, with signage on the street offering incorporation and registration services to entrepreneurs heading to the government office next door. Originally focused on supporting law firms and accounting firms with corporate due diligence and civil litigation requirements as a corporate search house.

2002

As more individuals walk in seeking DIY startup help, the idea takes shape: an online experience where people could spend a few minutes at home or work providing their details to incorporate or register a business. Development begins on the first website at a time when most Canadians still had dial-up internet and the Sears Catalog was a household staple.

2004

The website launches after a year and a half of late nights and effort. The first online order comes in. A monumental moment for the team, comparable in their minds to the introduction of the Big Mac to McDonald's or the moon landing to the world.

2019

YouTube channel launches in February 2019, dedicated to providing helpful, easy-to-understand videos on registration, incorporation, business naming, taxes, and compliance. The "Taking the Leap" series begins, featuring real conversations with clients about their entrepreneurial journeys

2021

Selected by the Province of Ontario to participate in beta testing for the Ontario Business Registry intermediary system prior to its public launch in October 2021. OBC continues to operate as a Registry Consultant, submitting filings directly through the Province's registry infrastructure.

2025

Made in Canada podcast launches, exploring the entrepreneurial landscape through candid conversations and expert tips. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major streaming platforms.

Government Partnerships

Trusted partner with multiple government agencies across Canada

Ontario Business Registry

REGISTRY CONSULTANT

Selected by the Province of Ontario to participate in beta testing for the OBR intermediary system prior to its public launch. We submit filings and corporate transactions directly through the Province's registry infrastructure on behalf of our clients.

Corporations Canada

AUTHORIZED AGENT 30+ YEARS

For more than three decades, we have been an authorized agent with Corporations Canada. We support clients with federal incorporations, NUANS name searches, and related filings through our direct connection with the federal registry.

Provincial Access

5 ADDITIONAL PROVINCES

Active accounts and long-standing relationships with corporate registries in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Direct access ensures accurate and timely support for clients across Canada.

Sharing Knowledge Through Video & Audio

Educational platforms supporting entrepreneurs beyond registrations and incorporations

YouTube Channel

Helping Entrepreneurs Since 2019

Hundreds of helpful videos covering registration, incorporation, business naming, taxes, and compliance. Our most popular series, "Taking the Leap," features real client conversations about the challenges, wins, and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Visit YouTube Channel

Made in Canada Podcast

Launched 2025

Candid conversations and expert tips covering side hustles, e-commerce, taxes, marketing, and everything in between. Designed to educate and inspire Canadian business owners at all stages.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and More

Accreditations & Awards

Recognized for excellence in business registration services

Consumer Choice Award

Best Business Registration Services, Toronto Central Region

BBB A+ Rating

Better Business Bureau accredited business

CIRA Member

Canadian Internet Registration Authority

Chamber of Commerce

Member, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1987, the Consumer Choice Award has recognized business excellence across North America through a comprehensive and impartial selection process.

Free Compliance Reminders For The Life Of Your Business

When you file with Ontario Business Central, we automatically track your upcoming compliance deadlines and send free email reminders before anything is due. No subscription, no upsell, no marketing list. Just a quiet email when something needs your attention.

Annual Return Reminders

For both Ontario and federal corporations, sent before the deadline.

5-year Renewal Reminders

For Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships, and Trade Names.

Notice of Change Prompts

When changes to directors, officers, or addresses need to be reported.

Compliance Event Alerts

Important regulatory updates affecting your corporation or registration.

Automatic for every OBC customer. No opt-in needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

Registration vs. Incorporation

Choose the right business structure for your needs

COMPARE	REGISTER	INCORPORATE
Use of a Business Name	✔	✔
Ability to Hire Employees	✔	✔
HST/Payroll Set Up	✔	✔
Import/Export Licence	✔	✔
Business Bank Account Setup	✔	✔
Sole Foreign Ownership	✔	✔
Continual Existence	✖	✔
Business Name Security	✖	✔
Business Tax Incentives and Reductions	✖	✔
Limited Liability For Owners	✖	✔
Venture Capital/Raise Capital	✖	✔
Structural Changes to Business	✖	✔
Purchase Real Estate/Stock Investments	✖	✔
Flexibility to Alter Business	✖	✔
Extending Business Into Other Jurisdictions	✖	✔
	REGISTER	INCORPORATE

The table shows a few key differences between Registration and Incorporation to help you determine which is best suited to your needs.

Laura Harvey

PRESIDENT, ONTARIO BUSINESS CENTRAL INC.

With over three decades of experience as a corporate specialist coupled with over 25 years of entrepreneurial ventures, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role. Her expertise is built on real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating the business world, positioning her as a relatable and trusted guide for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond her role at OBC, Laura hosts the YouTube series "Taking the Leap," giving new business owners a stage to share their stories and insights. She also writes in-depth blogs covering topics essential for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, manage, and grow their ventures.

Featured Media Appearances

Year	Outlet	Topic	Date
2024	Authority Magazine	Women Of The C-Suite: Laura Harvey of Ontario Business Central On The Five Things You Need To Succeed As A Senior Executive	November 14
2024	Canadian Immigrant	Web Conference for starting your own business	November 21
2024	HR.com	Empowering Business Owners: Flexible Retirement Planning Options For Small Businesses	November 29
2024	Canadian Money Saver	Understanding Taxation When You Are Newly Self-Employed	January 1
2025	FSR Magazine	From Dream to Doors Open: A Guide to Starting a Restaurant in Canada	January 17
2025	RestoBiz	Why Choosing the Right Business Structure Matters For Restaurants	February 10
2025	Business.com	12 Ways to Use Slack to Be More Productive	March 28
2025	Auto Service World	Commentary: Scaling for the Future	May 1
2025	Canadian Money Saver	Incorporation: A Path To Investment Growth And Tax Efficiency	June 2
2025	Canadian SME	Empowering Entrepreneurial Dreams	June 30
2025	Toronto Star	No Change to Buy a Remembrance Day Poppy? Here's How Going Cashless is Affecting City Life	May 12
2025	Best Startup Canada	Is Business Insurance Tax-Deductible? What Entrepreneurs Need to Know Ahead of 2026	November 27
2026	AI Journal	Responsible AI Adoption for New Entrepreneurs: What Founders Need to Know Before They Register a Business	December 23
2026	Newswire	Ontario Business Central Inc. is Recognized for Delivering Streamlined, Compliant Business Registration Solutions With 2026 Consumer Choice Award	May 19, 2026
2026	Talent Canada	Founder-led Brands and Employer Identity: The Hidden Cost of Weak Succession	May 25, 2026
2026	She & Success Business Awards	She & Success Business Awards Podcast	June 8, 2026

Follow Laura on LinkedIn

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Ontario Business Central and our services

What Does Ontario Business Central Do?

Ontario Business Central is a Registry Consultant that helps entrepreneurs register, incorporate, change, search, and close businesses across Canada through fast, secure online filings. We are a Registry Consultant and an authorized agent for Corporations Canada, with active accounts in five additional provinces.

Is Ontario Business Central Legitimate?

Yes. Ontario Business Central has operated since 1992 and is a Registry Consultant and agent for Corporations Canada. We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a 4.9-star rating on Google from over 1,000 reviews, and have been honoured with the Consumer Choice Award for Best Business Registration Services in Canada.

How Fast Are Business Filings Processed?

Most filings are completed quickly with documents delivered electronically. Rush options are available on most services for same-day or 2-hour processing during business hours. Business name registrations typically take 3 to 7 business days standard, while incorporations and Notice of Change filings are often processed the same business day.

What Services Does Ontario Business Central Offer?

We offer five categories of service: starting a business (incorporation and business name registration), NUANS name searches and preliminary searches, changes to existing businesses (directors, addresses, name changes, Annual Returns), corporate searches (profile reports, Certificates of Status, PPSA), and closing a business (cancellation, dissolution, revival). We file in Ontario, federally with Corporations Canada, and across five additional provinces.

How Much Does it Cost to Register or Incorporate a Business?

Business name registrations start from $66 plus government disbursements. Ontario incorporations start from $54.99 plus government disbursements. Final costs depend on the type of filing, add-ons like NUANS reports or rush processing, and applicable tax accounts. Each service page shows full transparent pricing before checkout.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Register or Incorporate?

No. A lawyer is not required to register or incorporate a business in Canada. Ontario Business Central provides a streamlined alternative to using a law firm, with full agent review of every filing to ensure accuracy and compliance. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. For complex shareholder agreements or specialized legal matters, you may still wish to consult a lawyer.

Does Ontario Business Central Offer Support Before and After Filing?

Yes. Our knowledgeable Canadian team is available by phone, email, and live chat to help before, during, and after your filing. We also send free compliance reminders for the life of your business, covering Annual Returns, 5-year renewals, and regulatory updates. There is no subscription required for ongoing support.

Can Ontario Business Central Help With Filings Outside of Ontario?

Yes. While our headquarters and Registry Consultant status are in Ontario, we maintain active accounts with corporate registries in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. We also support federal filings with Corporations Canada. Our team is experienced with the requirements of each jurisdiction we serve.

Not Sure Where To Begin?

Our friendly Canadian Agents Are Ready To Help

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30+ Years of Business Registration & Start-Up Support in Canada