The idea of business sounds brave and thoughtful in general, but starting a business in Canada appears even more lucrative. However, while Canada has become a hub of several new business start-ups, it is essential to remain grounded while you actually proceed toward your Canadian business journey. The reason behind this is that growing as an entrepreneur demands you to meet certain financial regulations as well as other legal requirements. Also, don’t forget to explore various Canadian immigration options before you plan to start your business there.
Here’s a complete guide for all business starters seeking to tread on their path of Canadian business.
Beginning of a Canadian business set-up
Make sure you fulfill specific business guidelines and obligations before you get started with your business goals in a foreign country like Canada. This will not only save you time and energy but also keep you at a distance from unprecedented obstacles.
Starting a business in Canada requires your attention toward the following key points:
Navigating through the right business idea and structure
Just before you plan to invest in monetary terms for your Canadian business, ensure that your business idea isn’t an outdated one and gets you the much-desired success. To do this, the foremost thing would be to simply conduct intense research regarding the idea in your mind. Do you think it will turn out to be a feasible one? Here’s how you need to question yourself concerning the specific idea.
- Will your company appear innovative compared to the rest of the companies?
- Are you well aware of the target customers for your company?
- The amount of money required and the process and medium through which you’ll obtain that amount.
Selecting an appropriate structure is crucial for a business start-up in Canada. For this, you will need to perceive whether you’ll begin your business all alone or within a partnership.
Let’s get more details on the three business structures from which you will require to select one that suits your needs.
- Sole Proprietorship
Although this could be the most convenient business structure, to begin with, it will be often less costly. This type of business structure is an unincorporated one and usually begins with a solo business endeavor, freelance, or an entirely new business set-up. Conversely, being in a business partnership will snatch away this type of business structure option. Also, according to the law and tax authorities, the business and the owner are one. Furthermore, this indicates that the owner will be subject to all the debts and operations within the business.
- Partnership
This business structure is most suited to individuals seeking partners to get on with their business. You could choose a well-known acquaintance or even multiple people to collaborate with. Usually, in this type of business structure, there might be some contractual agreement based on which there will be decisions on sharing revenues, expenditures, and other essential tasks to be completed.
A partnership is also two types: general and limited partnership. In a General Partnership, partners unite in executing a business together, while in a limited partnership, there might be specific limitations on the contributions and other liabilities. Also, when a contract discontinues, you will require to clear off the financial liabilities.
- Co-operative
When choosing a business entity, this one is the last option for people. A cooperative is mostly an expensive business option. However, it doesn’t make you responsible for all the personal liabilities that might come your way.
Selecting a business name
A business name selection is not an effortless task, and one must not underestimate its significance. While selecting the business name, ensure that it’s easy to comprehend, accurate and available. A business name must be impactful to a great extent because it will build an everlasting impression on the client or consumer.
You must wonder about these questions while you single out one name:
- Will the selected business name reflect your business and your products/services?
- Is it something that people might easily understand?
- Does it appear innovative from the rest of your competitors’ names?
Legally, you might have to ensure that your business name isn’t identical to any other business name, trademark, etc. Research well before you select one and be careful to avoid any such error. Generally, businesses need to be registered with the government, but as a sole proprietor, you won’t require this, specifically if the business is run with your legal name and personal bank account.
You might need the following permits and licenses for your business in Canada:
- Environmental and health permits
- General Business License
- Zoning and Sales Tax Permits
- DBA License
While you move to operate your own business, ensure that you possess business licenses and permits to do so. Carefully examine whether you will require protection concerning your innovations or business ideas.
Mastering a business plan
It is one of the most essential steps when you begin your Canadian business. A business plan will directly reflect your business vision, so it is crucial.
Inculcate the following elements while you write the business plan:
- Ensure to have an overview of the entire business plan.
- State your company’s profile and summarize the industry trends relevant to your business, target customers, and the products and services catering to the market.
- Give a brief of your marketing strategy. This indicates the process of selling your products and services to your target audience. Further, simply give details concerning your pricing and distribution.
- Provide details of your plan of action. For instance, the standard timeline for meeting your business objectives.
- An estimated financial plan should also be a part of this. Discuss the estimated expenditure related to goods, revenues, and the budget for the upcoming years (around two years). Emphasize the first year of your business.
Conclusion
Most businesses tend to end abruptly in the first year itself because they aren’t able to meet the legal requirements and combat the challenges in their way. As a business starter, you must remember that your tasks will not be restricted to routine activities but also to future plans and a company’s overall growth.
