What is a Business Search?

ByLaura Harvey
woman doing a corporate business search

A business search is a common wording used by people looking for a few different options related to NUANS, Incorporation and registration, and financial information related to both individuals and corporations.

To help you identify the specific item you need for this term, let me clarify the various options available when searching for “business search.” Common terms associated with NUANS or name searches include business name search, Canadian business search, NUANS name search, and business name registry.

Business Starts & Searches

NUANS – A Nuans search or report is requested when you are looking to complete a search for the availability of a business name for a new registered business or incorporated business within a number of different provinces in Canada including the following jurisdictions:

  • Ontario
  • Canada
  • Alberta
  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia
  • North West Territories
  • Prince Edward Island

When registering a business, a NUANS report is not mandatory but when completing an Incorporation or Trademark, a NUANS report is mandatory. The NUANS report is required for the jurisdiction you wish to incorporate within and there is only one selection available for Trademark. The NUANS report itself is valid for 90 days and if you don’t use the report prior to the expiry date, a new NUANS report will be required.

Corporate Search – A corporate search is available when you want to know the details of an existing registered or incorporated company in Canada or the United States. The corporate search, also known as the profile report, entity report, corporate registry search, company search, company registry search, registered business lookup to name a few provides the following details for the existing business:

  • Correct legal name of business
  • Business Address
  • Business Activity
  • Owner/Director/s of Company/Corporation
  • Personal addresses of owner/s/director
  • Whether business is active

This is the most comprehensive corporate report on the details of the business and when updates occur whether there is an address update, business owner or director update or change, change of business activity and for corporations solely a name change, the corporate search will provide all of the most up-to-date details provided by the individual owners or those who represent them.

order a corporate search

Financial Information on an Existing Business

Business Search has also been identified as a search to find public information in both public and private databases to determine other details related to a business such as financial information. There are a few common search tools in finding financial information on a business.

PPSA Search – Personal Property Search Act is available when individuals or corporations have taken a loan for either personal items such as a vehicle or corporate items such as inventory, vehicles or consumer debt. This search request is not available for registered businesses that are not incorporating; however if there are any loans, they would appear under the registered owner or owners of the registered business. When searching an individual, when possible, try to provide the date of birth for the person to limit the results as when searching an individual without the DOB, you will get results for anyone with that name within the system. 

The results of the PPSA will show the following details

  • When the loan/debt was incurred
  • For how much money
  • A description of the purchased asset when available
  • When the debt will be completed

Dun & Bradstreet – Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is an international company that provides business analytics and intelligence. Their private database consists of information available publicly on business financial details that the business itself has provided to D&B along with research and insights on international business issues. The database is commonly used for

  • Research for International Business Insights
  • Credit risk evaluation related to any business entity
  • Assist businesses to improve revenues, marketing and risk

NAICS Code – The NAICS code stands for the North American Industry Classification System and has been available in Canada, US and Mexico for a number of years. The NAICS code is a new request for Canadian businesses. It simply allows the government to understand the industry for any new business whether registered or Incorporated for statistical purposes.

Ontario Business Central has been supporting entrepreneurs, business owners, accountants and law firms for over 30 years. If there is a term that you are familiar with but you aren’t sure if you have the correct wording for what you would like to do, please feel free to reach out to us by phone or chat to gain clarity.

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 follow her on social media channels and professional profiles:

Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Records
Ontario Business Registry
Follow OBC on Twitter/X
Follow Laura on LinkedIn
Taking The Leap YouTube Series