Where to Change A Business Name

ByLaura Harvey
Legally Change A Business Name

If you are a business owner in Ontario and want to legally change the name of your business, it is a fairly simple process.

Read on and learn about the process.

Reasons to change your business’s name

There are many potential reasons for opting to change the name of a business. Maybe you need to change the minimum or maximum number of directors. Perhaps, the products or services your business provides have changed and you feel you need a new name to reflect that. Or maybe you want to convert your business from a general partnership to an incorporated company (in which case, use the link below).

Change Business Name or Structure

Whatever the reasons, Articles of Amendment are filed for three reasons in Ontario and they are:

    1. To change the name of the corporation to a new name or to its original numbered corporation. For Example:

      2. From Smith’s Holdings Inc. to Bobby’s Restaurant Ltd. From Smith’s Holdings Inc. to 1234567 Ontario Inc. From 123456 Canada Ltd. to Bobby’s Restaurant Ltd.

  1. To change the structure of the corporation. For example:

    2. From 1 Class of Common shares to Classes A, B, and, C Common Shares

  • To change the minimum and maximum number of directors. For example:

From Minimum 1, Maximum 1 to Minimum 2, Maximum 2 or to Minimum 1, Maximum 10

The filing procedure

A manual filing of Articles of Amendment are required in Ontario, along with the original signature of the director.

Companies like Ontario Business Central make the procedure very easy. You can use our online ordering process which should take only two to five minutes. All you do is provide the specific details of what you are amending. We prepare the Articles and send them to you for review and acceptance. When you have approved the Articles of Amendment, sign and mail or courier the Articles to us for same day filing.

If you are changing the corporate name, a Nuans report is mandatory and available as an option within your ordering process. After filing the Articles, we scan and email the filed Articles of Amendment and mail or courier the original documents to you.

Required Information

In order to file, the following information is required:

  1. The name of your corporation
  2. Your Corporation Number (if you do not know it, we can look it up)
  3. The name of a current director authorizing changes to the corporation
  4. The changes you are looking to make (name, structure, or the minimum or maximum number of directors)
  5. The address for delivery

Change Business Name or Structure

Upon Completion

When the Articles of Amendment have been completed and you have changed your business’s name, you should notify your bank and Revenue Canada of the change. Additionally, keep in mind the non-legal changes you’ll have to make, like getting new cheques and business cards.

Laura Harvey
Laura Harvey

Laura Harvey stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial support and expertise, embodying the spirit and drive of the community she serves. As the proud owner of Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura's journey is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.

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 not just theoretical; it's built on the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating the business world. This unique blend of professional and personal experience positions Laura as a relatable and trusted guide for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond her role at Ontario Business Central, Laura has extended her outreach through the innovative YouTube series "Taking the Leap." This platform allows her to connect with new business owners, offering them a stage to share their stories and insights. "Taking the Leap" is more than just a series; it's a community where aspiring entrepreneurs can find inspiration, learn from the experiences of others, and gain practical advice on crucial corporate tasks like registering a business, updating business information, understanding tax account intricacies, and much more.

Laura's contributions extend into the digital world through her in-depth blogs for Ontario Business Central. Here, she delves into topics essential for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, manage, and grow their ventures. Her writing is a reflection of her passion for supporting entrepreneurial advancement and a testament to her deep understanding of the corporate sphere.

Laura Harvey is not just an entrepreneur; she's a mentor, guide, and fellow traveler on the path of business ownership. She embodies the ethos of "walking the walk," providing both the tools and the encouragement for others to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through her written words, her YouTube series, or her hands-on approach at Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura is dedicated to uplifting and assisting new and established business owners alike.

You can find Laura on Linkedin and Twitter and Youtube.

https://twitter.com/ONTBUSCEN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-harvey-362b2740/
Taking The Leap YouTube Series