Entrepreneur & Small Business Resources

From business structuring to taxes, market research, and more, small business owners need the right tools and knowledge to succeed. Use the resources below to find helpful links that will help you get started on your entrepreneurship journey.

General Startup Guides & Resources

The resources below provide information on the basics of setting up a business, including online learning sessions and more.

Small Business Checklist | A handy chart to help you keep track of various business-related activities prior to launching.

Small Business Centres Ontario – Online Learning Sessions

Business Basics | This series of 10 free online learning sessions will help you decide if starting your own business is the right path for you, then guide you through the steps involved in getting started.
Startup Sessions | Every business needs a solid foundation. This series of 10 free online learning sessions will set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch your new business.
Growth Sessions | Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your small business to the next level? These 10 free online learning sessions will equip you with skills and knowledge to successfully position your business for growth.

Legal, Licensing & Insurance

From choosing a legal structure for your business to finding the right insurance, every small business owner needs to ensure they have met their legal obligations to succeed.

Ontario Business Registry | The new Ontario Business Registry allows businesses and not-for-profit corporations to complete over 90 transactions online, including registering, incorporating, and updating their information.
Registering Your Business | Find links to helpful resources for registering with the government before you start operating your business.
Incorporating a Business | Incorporating your company federally is a four-step process. This resource outlines helpful tips to get you started.
Choosing a Business Structure | Learn about sole proprietorship, partnerships and corporations and how each structure would impact your business.
Choosing a Business Name | Pick the right name for your business, find out if its taken and learn how to register your name.
Registering a CRA Business Number | Learn how to register a new CRA Business Number.
Permits and Licensing Finder | Use this self-serve tool to find out what permits or licenses your business may need to operate. Note: We recommend reaching out to your local municipality directly for the latest information on what permits or licenses may be required for your business.
Income-Based Legal Advice | Pro Bono Ontario provides free legal advice to small business owners over the phone. Call 1-855-255-7256.

Marketing & Market Research

To succeed, you need to know where your target customer lives, what media channels they use and their overall demographic information. Use the resources below as a starting point to start your market research.

Guide to Research and Business Intelligence | Learn how to conduct market research and find industry sector data, financial benchmarks, labour trends and business statistics.
York Small Business Enterprise Centre Market Research | The York Small Business Enterprise Centre provides select clients with access to ENVISION, a powerful platform that gives you access to meaningful data about your target customer.
Designing Customer Surveys | Learn how to design an effective customer survey to gather valuable insights from your database.

Finance & Funding Programs

Each business owner needs to confidently manage and understand their finances to ensure success. Use the below resources to learn about your tax obligations, payroll information and more.

Record Keeping, Income and Expenses Guide | This free online learning session helps you learn the basics of financial tracking and record keeping for your business.
Managing Your Business Finances | Learn about financial planning, budgeting and forecasting through these free resources from the Government of Canada
Payroll Guide | Learn the basics of setting up a payroll account and how to calculate deductions and contributions.
Federal Grants and Tax Credits for Businesses | Find grants and other incentives to help boost your business.
Canada Small Business Financing Program | CSBFP makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders

Business Taxes

Depending on your business’ size and structure, your tax obligations may vary, but all business activities must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency. Use the tools below to learn about income taxes and how you can get free help from a tax advisor.

Business Tax Overview | Learn about income taxes, GST/HST, calculating business income and more.
Free Tax Help for Your Business | Meet with a Canada Revenue Agency Liaison Officer to answer your tax-related questions.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) | This resource provides an overview of the GST/HST, whether your business needs to charge it and how to collect the tax.
Employers’ Guide for Payroll Deductions and Remittances | Learn about your responsibilities as an employer for deducting CPP, EI and more.
Payroll Deductions Tables | This guide uses plain language to explain the most common tax situations and CPP, EI and income tax deductions.

Import / Export Information

Some businesses may need to import or export goods as part of their operations. Use the links below to learn how the process works and what you need to consider before getting started.

Importing Commercial Goods in Canada | This guide outlines the steps you need to take to import goods into Canada for commercial use, including duties, taxes and more.
Import/Export Program Account | If you import goods into Canada or export goods to other countries, you need to register for an import-export program account.
About Exporting | Whether your business is big or small, you can find new customers beyond our borders. Use this guide to learn about the steps you need to take to get started.

Indigenous Business Resources

York Region is home to diverse communities, and its land is located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples such as the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Métis peoples, the treaty territories of the Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Williams Treaties First Nations including the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. Use the links below to access tailored resources for Indigenous business owners.

Indigenous Economic Development Fund | The fund provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
Indigenous Business Development | The Government of Canada’s list of programs that support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
Wabutek Business Development Corporation | Waubetek delivers business financing and economic support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and First Nation communities.
Ogemawahj Tribal Council | Provide direction, guidance and support to member First Nations Chiefs, Councils, staff and community members in community based business projects.
Georgina Island Economic Development | The Georgina Island Economic Department is working to create local economic opportunities and a high quality of life for our community through training, business development, funding and more.
Georgina Island Training Employment and Development Fund | This fund provides financial support to help overcome skill-based barriers for businesses based on Georgina Island.
Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario | IAPO offers financing and business support to help First Nations farmer flourish
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business | CCAB builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise | PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) provides a myriad of business supports including access to funding for women entrepreneurs living in Ontario.
Native Women’s Association of Canada | The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization that supports women arosss Canada, including Indigenous Skills and Employment Training.

Food Safety, Infection Control, YorkSafe Inspections, & Safe Water

York Region Public Health wants to ensure your health and safety by providing you with information on current inspection and investigation reports as well as educational resources on emerging public health concerns. Use the resources below to help keep your business safe and compliant.

Any questions or concerns around health-related business matters should be dealt with through York Region Public Health.

Food Safety

A Guide to Opening a Food Premises in York Region | This resource outlines the requirements with which food premises owners and operators are required to comply under the Health Protection and Promotion Act
(HPPA) and the Ontario Food Premises Regulation (FPR).
A Guide to Starting a Home-based Food Business | This is a step-by-step guide from the provincial government to starting a home-based food business.
Food Handler Certification Manual | This guide provides an overview of food safety best practices and applicable certification requirements. ENGLISH | CHINESE | TAMIL
Special Events, Farmers’ Markets and Wild Game Dinners | Learn which community events require a notice to York Region Public Health or special event permits from your local municipality.
Bulk Food Products | This fact sheet helps food premises operators protect bulk food and reduce food-borne illnesses.
Food Safety for Operators during a Power Outage | If your food business experiences power outage, this guide will help you safely handle food to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17 | This regulation sets the guidelines for safe food handing in Ontario.

Workplace Signage and Posters

Infection Control

Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings, 3rd Edition | This document provides information on best practices for operators to prevent and reduce the risk of transmission of infections.
A Public Health Guide for Child Care Providers | The Public Health Guide For Child Care Providers offers up-to-date information and resources on how to deliver high quality child care.

Safe Water

Small Drinking Water System Operators Guidelines | If your business provides drinking water that does not come directly from a municipal source, you could be operating a small drinking water system (SDWS).
Pool and Hot Tub Safety | York Region Public Health inspects all public pools, hot tubs (spas), and spray or splash pads; visit this guide for information on safe practices.
Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565/90 | This provincial government regulation sets the rules for public pool safety guidelines in Ontario.

YorkSafe Inspection Reports

YorkSafe Program | YorkSafe is York Region’s enhanced public health inspection reporting program that discloses the results of routine inspections, complaint inspections and re-inspections.

DISCLAIMER: These resources are provided for informational purposes only. York Region Economic Strategy does not endorse, recommend, or approve the suitability of any third-party resources unless stated otherwise, and users should make their own inquiries and conduct due diligence as necessary. The Regional Municipality of York shall not be liable or responsible for any matter arising from use of this information calendar. Dates and details of events may change without notice.

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