Non Residents who want to start a business in Ontario

ByLaura Harvey
Starting a Business in Ontario

Can I start a business in Ontario when I don’t have status in Canada?

Yes, you can operate a business in Ontario. The Province of Ontario offers the ability to operate a small business in Ontario without being required to be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

The small business can be registered as either a Sole Proprietorship (1 person) or a General Partnership (2 or more people) under the umbrella of the Master Business Licence.

What does the Master Business offer to me?

The Master Business Licence as either the Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership allows you as an individual or individuals to operate a business within Ontario for a period of five years. The registrations are very simple to set up and to cancel and are inexpensive to establish. If you have a business idea or a business you operating in your home country and want to try the business here in Canada, the Master Business Licence may be the perfect opportunity for you to use your entrepreneurial ideas.

What are the benefits to registering a Master Business Licence?

  1. Operate a business in Ontario for 5 years (renew at 5-year mark)
  2. Ability to promote or advertise your business to the world
  3. Discounts or wholesale pricing as a business owner
  4. Networking with other business owners within community
  5. Ability to open business account at bank, obtain payments
  6. Obtain municipal licensing if required to operate your business

What is required for me to open a Master Business Licence?

  • Business name you would like to register
  • Brief description of business activity
  • Ontario address for business
  • Legal names of individual or individual registering business
  • The individuals’ addresses and they can be foreign
  • Email address to provide you with the completed licence

Things to keep in mind when registering a Master Business Licence

Thousands of Master Business Licences are registered every month in the Province of Ontario. This is a tool that allows individuals to start a business cheaply and easily. There are some factors to be aware of regarding the structure of the registrations that may determine whether this is a viable option for you and your business. The Master Business Licences do not have name protection for the business names. If another individual decides to operate a same or similar named business within Ontario, there is nothing stopping individuals from doing this. The licence falls under your personal income tax and is not taxed as a separate entity from you personally. The Master Business Licences do not provide liability protection for the business owner or owners. This means that if the business has a personal or property loss or damage, the individual business owner may be held financially responsible. It is always recommended to obtain business insurance to alleviate your individual risk to the business operation.

Do I have to open an HST as soon as I start my business?

Applying for HST is voluntary until the business earns $30,000.00 or more in sales per year. If you are starting a new business and are starting with zero sales, this may be an opportunity for you to pass on those savings to your customers. Often individuals will apply for HST as soon as they start the business because of things like big expenses to get the business operational. Others will wait and take advantage of the $30,000.00 in sale requirements before opting for the HST tax.

Do I have to apply for WSIB if I have employees?

The best thing to do is to contact the WSIB office and explain to them your business activity and whether it warrants you obtaining WSIB for employees. In some cases, you as the business owner may opt into WSIB for yourself.

Do I have to open a payroll account?

Setting up a payroll account is only necessary when you have hired your first employee. If you or you and partners are operating the business but do not have employees the payroll is not required.

Hopefully this blog has assisted you in understanding one great option in Ontario to register and begin operating a business.

If you would like to register a Master Business Licence with us, here is the link to do so:

Register a Master Business Licence

We hope you find this blog informative. At Ontario Business Central we work hard to offer articles to support you as an entrepreneur and business owner. Our staff are available if you would like to reach out and ask any question related to this article and establishing your business.

inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.

Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.

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