Here’s What You Need to Know Before Naming Your Business in Ontario

Business Name Creation

When you decide to file your Ontario business registration, you’ll need to have a business name selected. Your business name is the name you are operating under, what will appear on any signage and marketing materials and what you’ll use for banking purposes. There are a few things you will need to keep in mind when creating your business name.

The Province of Ontario has some restrictions around what you can and cannot name your business. Although it may seem obvious, obscenities cannot be used within your business name. As well, you cannot use the words College, University or Institute, as this denotes an educational facility.

There are also restrictions on what can be used within the names of both a Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership. A Sole Proprietorship, for instance, cannot be made to sound as though it’s owned by more than one person.

When using symbols in your business name, it is permitted, as long as the symbols are not the first word of a business name.

Ontario Business Central has helped thousands of individuals every year set up their businesses, whether it’s a Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership or Tradename under an existing Corporation. When you complete your online order with us, we prescreen the details of your registration to avoid any issues with the Ontario Provincial Government prior to registration.

We have provided a simple form to complete your registration with us. We will notify you by email of any potential issues with the Province and work with you to remedy any problem before the registration is completed.

Let Ontario Business Central be your trusted partner in setting up your registration.

If we can be of assistance, or if you have any questions about this service, please feel free to reach out to our staff for any clarification or assistance you may require.

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.

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