How to Start Your New Business in Ontario in 2025 with Online Business Registry
Starting a new business in 2025 can be daunting, but with the advancements in technology and streamlined processes like the Ontario Online Incorporation system, it’s easier than ever. To help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the process, we sat down with Sarah a successful Ontario business owner, to discuss how to incorporate in Ontario using the Online Business Registry.
Here we discuss how to incorporate your business in Ontario with our fast and reliable incorporation agency, Online Business Registry. As a trusted service and a proud member of Corporations Canada, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re looking to start your business in as little as two hours or complete a simple registration in minutes, our streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience. With our expertise, you can incorporate in Ontario today and focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of the registration process.
How to Start Your New Business in 2025 People Also Ask Questions:
Interviewer: What is required to incorporate in Ontario?
Sarah, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the basics.
Sarah: Incorporating in Ontario requires a few key elements:
- A unique business name (unless you’re incorporating as a numbered company).
- Articles of incorporation, which outline the structure of your corporation.
- A registered office address in Ontario.
- At least one director who meets the eligibility criteria.
With the Online Business Registry, all of this can be done online, making the process much faster and more convenient.
What are the advantages of incorporating in Ontario?
Well, there are a couple of advantages, among them being that incorporation can limit your personal liability. The debts and obligations of your business remain separate from your personal finances. Secondly, there are tax benefits that come along with incorporation, such as lower corporate tax rates and the ability to split income. Thirdly, incorporation lends credibility to both customers and investors. Lastly, an Ontario incorporation provides for perpetual existence; this means that your business is able to outlive its founders.
What is the difference between federal and provincial incorporation?
The key difference lies in the scope and flexibility of your business operations. Federal incorporation allows you to operate under the same name across all provinces and territories in Canada, which is ideal if you plan to expand nationwide. Provincial incorporation, on the other hand, is specific to Ontario and often has fewer compliance requirements, making it a good option for businesses operating within the province. With provincial incorporation, you’ll need to register extra-provincially if you decide to expand to other provinces later.
Some people worry that incorporating costs more and involves more paperwork. What's your take on this?
While it’s true that incorporating can be costly, often the benefits outweigh the costs in the long run. The Ontario Business Registry makes the paperwork easier since it’s all online. There are some filing fees, but it saves time and, for many, reduces the need for a lawyer, making it more accessible and affordable.
Can I incorporate online?
Absolutely! You can incorporate in Ontario online through the Ontario Online Business Registry. You can fill out and submit your application, pay the required fees, and get your incorporation documents from the comfort of your home. It’s a game-changer for entrepreneurs.
Who may serve as director of the Corporation?
Directors must meet certain criteria. They must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not have been declared bankrupt.
What are the steps to incorporate in Ontario?
The steps are simple, as follows:
- Identify a name unique to your corporation and do a NUANS name search.
- Prepare and file articles of incorporation.
- Provide a registered office address and appoint directors.
- Pay the incorporation fee using the Online Business Registry.
- Get your certificate of incorporation and you are ready to go.
What types of articles of incorporation are there?
There are a few types of articles of incorporation to choose from, depending on your business needs. The most common types include:
- Basic: unlimited common shares with no specific class. Commonly used when a corporation is owned by a single owner. It does not specify any voting class and voting rights.
- Standard: allow you to issue class A common voting and class B common non-voting shares.
- Custom: allows you to make a custom share class of your own (with/without preferred shares). Set your own articles that will be drafted by a lawyer.
Who can be a shareholder?
Shareholders can be individuals or other corporations. They don’t need to be residents in Ontario or even Canada, and this is good for those businesses with international investors. Shareholders are the owners of the corporation through their shares and vote in direct proportion to the number of their shareholdings.
What happens after incorporation?
After Incorporation, you have to:
- Register for a business number and applicable tax accounts with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Set up all corporate records, minute books, and share certificates.
- Open a business bank account.
- Ensure that the compliance requirements on a continuous basis, such as the filing of annual returns and taxation, are fulfilled.
Finally, do you have any last word of advice to young entrepreneurs planning to set up their own businesses in Ontario?
My advice is to utilize the Online Business Registry fully, as it is really fast, easy, and tailored towards helping you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to get professional help, whether that comes in the form of an accountant or legal advice. Incorporation of a business is a pretty big step, but with the right tools, you can take it in stride and continue to reach for your dreams.
Starting a business in Ontario in 2025 has never been smoother, thanks to the streamlined Ontario business registration process. Whether this is just an idea or the point at which you will finally incorporate your business in Ontario online, now is just a great time to be an entrepreneur with the tools and resources available.
