Register a business

Learn what type of business registration you need to operate and how to register your business.

Which business structure is right for you?

Before registering a business, you may like to learn more about the different types of business structures available and which one is right for your business model. Please review the Canadian Federal Government's guide on the pros and cons of each structure.

Registering your business

A business license applies to entrepreneurs who want to register a sole proprietorship, a partnership or an operating name (trade name) for a corporation. The name of a new business must be registered if it is different than the business owner's legal name. (i.e. John Doe would not need to register a name, but John Doe's Landscaping Service would need to register). A sole proprietorship or general partnership registration does not guarantee exclusivity of a business name. This registration does not stop anyone from registering the same name but allows you to operate this named business in the province of Ontario.

A more advanced named search option is available here.

This name search is not required for sole proprietorships, partnerships, or operating names for corporations, but is required for named corporations (i.e. The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound Inc.). A business license can be used as proof of a business name registration at financial institutions and to facilitate any other business-related registration with the Ontario government. A business license is valid for a five-year period and must be renewed once it has expired.

*Please note that we do not process business registrations at The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound as we are not agents of Service Ontario. You may also require a municipal license to operate a specific type of business in your area. Contact your local municipality to learn more.