How to Set Up a Business

Anyone can start a business or work for themselves in Northwestern Ontario. People from all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and with varying levels of experience have opened successful businesses across the region.

Starting your own business or buying an existing business is a big decision and especially in a new country. What you need is a great idea, a desire to do it and a plan to make it happen. This section will provide information about how to set up your own business.

The simple steps to starting your own business are:

Create a good business idea
Market research and feasibility analysis
Write a business plan
Choose a memorable name for your business
Choose a type of business ownership
Register your business name
Get business financing
Apply for necessary business licenses and meet legal requirements
Register for GST/PST
Purchase business insurance
Implement a sales and marketing strategy

The Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre offers free and confidential small business counselling services to new entrepreneurs and small businesses. Download a copy of their Starting a Business Guide which provides comprehensive information about starting a business in Northwestern Ontario.