Halton Region’s Guide to Starting A Business The information contained in this booklet is intended only as a general guide. It is recommended that you seek professional advice or contact the governing body regarding specific issues as they relate to your business.

For an electronic version of this guide, visit our website: www.halton.ca

Table of Contents

1.

Planning Your Business

Page 3

2.

Business Structure (forms of ownership)

Page 4

3.

Registering a Business Name

Page 5

4.

Registering a Corporation

Page 6

5.

Canada Custom & Revenue Agency

Page 7

(Obligations for G.S.T., Payroll Source Deductions, Import/Export and Corporate Income Tax)

6.

Retail Sales Tax

Page 8

(also known as Provincial Sales Tax ; Vendor’s Permit)

7.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

Page 11

8.

Employment Standards/Labour Regulations

Page 12

9.

Halton Business Taxes, Licensing & Zoning By-Laws

Page 13

10.

Halton Utilities & Other Services

Page 14

11.

Special Regulations & Licenses

Page 16

12.

Financing Resources & Options

Page 20

13.

Privacy Policy

Page 23

14.

Checklist for Starting a business

Page 24

Planning Your Business A business plan is an essential tool to succeed in Business. Some entrepreneurs believe that their business is too small to need a business plan. However, businesses that fail to plan, plan to fail. A business plan will help you to start your business, make day-to-day operating decisions, net financing and help keep yourself and your business on track. A business plan should be considered a “living document”, which can be changed and updated to reflect real life changes and solutions as issues arise. The main components of a business plan are as follows: Executive Summary – This is a broad overview of the business plan, which emphasizes the major goal of the organization. It will summarize the company objectives, identify products and services, explain the competitive advantage, review the market, forecast revenue, expenses and profitability and the financing needs of the business. Business Profile – This describes the long-range objectives of the organization, what it does, who its customers are and its position in the market. It will describe the business operation and its major areas of expertise. Organizational Structure – This provides details of the business ownership, management functions and key personnel. Market Study – This describes who your customer is, identifies the competition, explains pricing strategy and any barriers to your business. Financial Information – Information obtained during your market study will assist you in developing an opening balance sheet and cash flow forecast for your first year.

Templates and Samples The Online Small Business Workshop (OSBW) is a Web-based workshop designed to provide you with techniques for developing your business idea, starting a new venture and improving your existing small business. http://www.canadabusiness.ca The Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) has some excellent resources. One, known as the Interactive Business Planner will guide and assist you. http://www.cbsc.org/ibp/home_en.cfm Sample plans can be found on http://www.canadabusiness.ca and on http://bplans.com Note: If you don’t have access to the Internet, call the COBSC at 1-800-567-2345 and they will send the documents to you. The Halton Business Development Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville has reference material including a complete 11 volume “Business Plan Handbook” which contains samples of over 150 business plans. More samples are obtainable from Business Plan Pro available on our public access computers. This program also contains a Business Plan Wizard to help you organize your information for a more polished presentation. You may also want to visit the reference section in the main branch of your local library.

Business Structure A major decision you will have to make as you start your new business is the form of ownership it will take. Self-employed individuals are responsible for their own social benefits such as insurance, pension and income tax payments. There are three basic types of business ownership. The following is a general guide as to the advantages and disadvantages of these three forms of ownership. If after reviewing this information you still are not sure of the structure that is right for your business we recommend you make an appointment to meet one our consultants at 905-825-6000 ext. 7900. (This is a free service)

Sole Proprietorship Unincorporated business owned by one person, called a proprietor. The owner does not have separate legal status from the business (although the business name itself may have to be registered) and pays personal income tax on the net taxable income generated by the business. • • •

Advantages Simplest and least expensive to set up, minimal registration requirements Inexpensive to maintain Possible tax benefits: e.g. losses may be applied against other income of proprietor

• • • •

Disadvantages You assume all the risk of the business You are responsible for payments of all business debts Creditors can seize your personal assets Possible tax disadvantages e.g. profits must be added to personal income

General Partnership An association or relationship between two or more individuals or corporations that join together to operate a trade or business for profit. Partners include their share of income or losses on personal or corporate tax returns. • • •

Advantages Easy to set up and very flexible Partners provide additional capital and skills Same tax issues as sole proprietorship

• •

Disadvantages If disagreements arise, business can suffer Partners assume personal liability for debts of the business

Incorporation A separate legal entity, which can enter into contracts and own property, separately and distinctly from its owners who are the shareholders. A corporation has to pay tax on its net taxable income and files its own income tax return. A corporation can be federally or provincially incorporated. Disadvantages Advantages • Paperwork required to meet regulations • Limited liability of the owner(s) – can be onerous liabilities generally limited to individual’s personal investment in business • Tax rules can be complex • Money for the business can be raised by • More expensive and complicated to set selling shares (equity) or by issuing debt up and maintain (a promise to pay)

Registering a Business Name Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership Provincial legislation requires you to register your company name if it is different than your own legal name with the Ministry of Consumer & Business Services, Companies Branch before you start using it. There are a number of options available to you to complete this process.

1. On line registration and name search are available between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (except holidays) at http://www.serviceontario.ca/ . The fee for name search varies per the type of search requested and the fee for registration is $60.00 payable by credit card only. Follow all instructions carefully and when given the option, print your Master Business License. Should you miss this step in the registration process you must call 1-800-565-1921 to request a copy mailed to you. 2. Halton Region does have a dedicated computer located in our offices at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville. This is a user-friendly system that will allow you to do an immediate name search ($8.00 fee per name) and business name registration ($60.00 fee), which is valid for five years. You can also do a renewal ($60.00 fee) or cancellation (free). The only method of payment is by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. This service is available weekdays between the hours of 8:30 – 4:00 p.m. 3. If you prefer, you can complete the registration form and deliver it in person (or regular mail) to the Companies and Personal Property Security Branch, Ministry of Consumer & Business Services, 393 University Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto. The cost however for this service is $80.00 for the registration and $12.00 for the name search. Counter service is first-come, first-serve and mail service may take 4-6 weeks.

Registering a Corporation Private Sector, for-profit businesses planning to incorporate in Ontario, have two main options. You can choose to incorporate Federally or Provincially. You cannot incorporate a Business at the Region of Halton. The following lists five methods of incorporating a business. Visit www.canadabusiness.ca for detailed information on incorporating. Provincial Online

In Person

www.cyberbahn.com www.oncorp.com www.eservicedd.ca ►Business registrations for corporations are available by visiting an Enterprise Toronto location. These locations house a computer station dedicated to incorporating through Cyberbahn. Halton Region recommends you call these locations prior to travelling to Toronto to confirm availability: 100 Yonge Street Tel: (416) 395-7434 100 Queen Street West Tel: (416) 392-6646 399 The West Mall Tel: (416) 394-8948 ►You may obtain the necessary forms online and then file them in person at the land registry office in Hamilton at 119 King Street West 4th Floor Tel: (905) 521-7561 or at the Ministry of Government services, 393 University Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto 1800-361-3223. For further information call the Ministry of Government Services at 1-800-361-3223. Articles of Incorporation can be found at: http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/5HTTCP.htm

By Email

By Mail

Accountant or Lawyer

N/A

Federal www.cyberbahn.com www.oncorp.com www.eservicedd.ca ►You may apply in person and file a maximum of four applications for incorporation, from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., at the Ottawa office. ►If your name has been preapproved or if you request a numbered name, you may apply in person at a regional office at: Corporations Canada Industry Canada 3rd Floor, 151 Yonge Street, Toronto Tel.: 416-954-2714 Articles of Incorporation for a Federal Business Incorporation and or other related documents can be filed by ►Email to: [email protected] . The documents (letter, articles NUANS report etc) must be in PDF format. For further information please call Corporations Canada at 1-866333-5556 or visit http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/si te/cddgc.nsf/en/h_cs01914e.html

►Articles and Nuans reports can be mailed to Companies and Personal Property Security Branch, 393 University Ave. Suite 200 Toronto ON M5G 2M2 1-800-361-3223

►Articles and Nuans reports can be mailed to Corporations Canada 3rd Floor, 151 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M5C 2W7 1866-333-5556 You may wish to retain the services of an accountant or lawyer to incorporate your business. Fees will vary but generally run between $800 to $1,500.

**Please note that a NUANS report must be filed with your Articles for both Provincial and Federal incorporations if you are seeking approval of a corporate name. See www.nuans.com for further information. Cost: The following are average fees to incorporate online or in person. Provincial Business Online Incorporation: $200 – 400 Federal Business Online Incorporation $200 - $400 Provincial by mail or in Person. $360 Federal Business by mail or in Person $250

Canada Revenue Agency The Federal Government now issues just one account number for business. Your Federal Business Number (or BN) will be the same whether you have accounts set up for one or all of the following; Goods and Service Tax (GST); Payroll Source Deductions; Import/Export Permit and Corporate Income Tax. Goods and Services Tax The GST is a 5% tax on the sale of most goods and services sold in Canada. Every person or business engaged in a commercial activity with total worldwide gross revenue greater than $30,000 in any four consecutive calendar quarters (12 month period) is required to register and charge the GST. Even if you are not required to register for GST, you may want to weigh the pros and cons when deciding if you will voluntarily register. If you choose not to register, the GST you pay on your business purchases becomes a cost for which you cannot claim Input Tax Credits.

Payroll Source Deductions Businesses that have employees are required to remit Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance contributions and Income Tax on a regular basis. The frequency of the remittance depends upon the pay period and the amount remitted. The amounts the business is responsible for remitting includes both the employer and employee portions. Import/Export Permit As an exporter and/or importer, you have to keep accurate books and records in Canada. The main objective of the required reporting is to obtain strategic market information, which is vital to Canada export growth, to control the export of strategic, embargoed and dangerous goods and control the outbound movement of goods in transit through Canada. Corporate Income Tax Number A corporation is known to the Canada and Customs and Revenue Agency by their Federal Business Number. (Just as an individual is known by his/her Social Insurance Number.) To register or obtain more information about the Federal Business Number visit their website. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca Local Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Offices 55 Bay Street North, P.O. Box 2220, Station LCD1 Hamilton, ON L8N 3E1 Phone: 1-800-959-5525

5800 Hurontario Street Mississauga, ON L5R 4B4 Phone: 1-800-959-5525

Retail Sales Tax (Also known as Provincial Sales Tax) Retail Sales Tax (RST) is a consumption tax. This means that the person who consumes or uses the taxable goods or services pays the RST. RST is imposed on the consumer or user of: • taxable goods • taxable services • admission prices • insurance premiums Vendors Permit A Vendor Permit is required to charge, collect, and remit RST on your taxable sales • • • • • • • • •

You must obtain an RST Vendor Permit if: you regularly sell taxable goods you regularly provide taxable services you regularly sell insurance you charge more than $4 admission to a place of amusement you are a manufacturing contractor, that is, the manufactured cost of goods you use in real property contracts is more than $50,000 in any fiscal year you are a non-resident contractor doing business in Ontario you sell taxable goods or services at flea markets, fairs or exhibitions you regularly import goods or services into Ontario for your own use

You must register for a Vendor Permit even if your sales are small - there is no minimum. You must keep a copy of your Vendor Permit at each business location and let anyone see it on request. How do I get a Vendor Permit? If you are using an Ontario Business Connects workstation to register your business name, you can apply for one at the same time. The Vendor Permit will be mailed back to you, once the Ministry of Finance approves the application. Alternatively you can register for a Vendor Permit: • by telephone 1-800-265-9969 • by mail or fax • in person at an Ontario Ministry of Finance Tax office • The application for RST can be found online by visiting Ministry of Finance http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/ Retail Sales Tax legislation is complex and can often be confusing. If you’d like a specific ruling on your individual situation, please contact a representative at 1-800-265-9969. The information contained in this document is intended only as a general guide to the most common goods and services.

8

Retail Sales Tax (continued) Tax-exempt goods Examples of the most common goods that are not taxable to anyone include: • • • • • • • •

food products (except for candies, confections, snack food and soft drinks) prepared foods sold by an eating establishment for $4 or less children’s clothing (including diapers) footwear costing $30. or less feminine hygiene products books, newspapers, bulletins drugs and medicine sold under a doctor’s prescription goods designed solely for people with physical disabilities

Some common exemptions Some goods may be purchased without paying RST depending upon who the purchaser is or what the intended end-use of the goods will be. Examples include: • • • •

goods purchased for resale production machinery and equipment purchased for the use of a qualifying manufacturer hospital equipment purchased by a qualifying hospital goods incorporated into goods for resale

Taxable services Only certain services are taxable in Ontario. They are: • • • •

telecommunication services (telephone, cable, pay television) accommodation for less than one month (hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts) labour provided to install, assemble, dismantle, adjust, repair or maintain tangible personal property and labour provided to install, configure, modify or upgrade a computer program contracts for the service, maintenance or warranty of tangible personal property, including a computer program

Tangible personal property is anything that can be seen, weighed measured, felt or touched, that is anything that we can perceive with our senses. It also includes computer programs, natural gas and manufactured gas.

9

Retail Sales Tax (continued) Non-taxable services Examples of non-taxable services include: dry cleaning carpet and upholstery cleaning personal services, such as hair styling, barbering and beauty treatments medical and health services veterinary care car washing and engine shampooing labour to install or repair real property or fixtures If you provide a non-taxable service, you do not charge your customer RST. However, you must pay RST on the taxable goods and services you use to provide the non-taxable service. Real Property Contractors A real property contractor is someone who builds, repairs, or improves real property for others. Real property contractors pay RST on the items and materials they purchase to complete the contract, including their tools and equipment used to perform the job. The real property contractor is considered the end-user of these items. Since real property contractors are considered the end-user, they must pay the RST and should not collect RST from their customers. The real property contractor should include the RST in the cost of the materials used to complete the contract. The real property contractor must not bill or quote RST as a separate charge to the customer. Local Ministry of Finance Tax Offices Hamilton 119 King Street West Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7 Phone: 905-521-7504 Toll Free: 1-800-668-5810

Mississauga 77 City Centre Drive, Suite 200 Mississauga, ON L5B 1M5 Phone: 905-273-9490 Toll Free: 1-800-265-9969

10

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (formerly known as Workers’ Compensation) The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) oversees Ontario's workplace safety education and training system, provides disability benefits, monitors the quality of health care, and assists in early and safe return to work. Do I need to register with the WSIB? Most businesses in Ontario that employ workers (including family members and subcontractors) must register with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring their first full or part-time worker. Registering with the WSIB provides workplace insurance coverage for all of your workers and gives you access to experts in health and safety for your business sector. For more information, including the current rates for your business type, visit the WSIB website (www.wsib.on.ca). Local Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ministry of Labour Office P.O. Box 2099 , Station LCD 1 120 King Street West Hamilton, ON L9N 4C5 Phone: 905-523-1800 Toll Free: 1-800-265-9969 Coverage for self-employed individuals If you are a sole proprietor, partner, or executive officer, you are not automatically covered under the WSIB insurance plan. You can, however, apply for optional insurance.

11

Employment Standards Employment standards are enforced under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) that sets out the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow. The Ministry of Labour, through its Employment Standards Program: • • • • •

Enforces the ESA and its regulations provides information and education to employers and employees, making it easier for people to understand and comply voluntarily investigates possible violations resolves complaints conducts proactive inspections of payroll records and workplace practices

This provincial law covers most employers and employees in Ontario. The ESA does not apply to you if you operate or work in a business that is regulated by the Government of Canada, such as: airlines, banks, shipping companies, radio and television stations, inter-provincial transport of goods and people. For more information on employment standards, Halton employers should visit their website www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/ Local Employment Standards Branch, Ministry of Labour office: Employment Standards Information Centre 416-326-7160 (Greater Toronto Area) 1-800-531-5551 (Toll Free Canada Wide)

12

Business Taxes, Licensing & Zoning By-Laws Businesses located in a commercial/industrial location pay business taxes annually to the municipality in which the business is located. Taxes are based on a percentage of property taxes and are determined by the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation. A municipality may require a Transient Trader License (range from $400 to $500) to be used as a pre-deposit for business tax. Also, depending on the nature of the business activity, there may be other municipal licenses involved. Home-based businesses are often exempt from any business taxes or licensing. Contact your local municipality to ask about your specific business licensing requirements or visit www.bizpal.ca Whether you are building a new structure or moving into an existing one, it is important to contact the appropriate Municipal Zoning Departments to determine if the location is zoned for the type of business you are planning to establish. For more information about Halton business taxes, licensing and zoning by-laws, contact the appropriate municipality for your business: City of Burlington:

905-335-7777

Town of Halton Hills 905-873-2600 Halton Region

Town of Milton

905-878-7211

Town of Oakville

905-845-6601

905-825-6000

Tax Assessment Procedures The Ontario Property Assessment Corporation assesses property tax based on the market value of the property and will vary according to location and zoning. New assessments are not normally required unless the building space is newly constructed or has been significantly altered. The role of the local municipality is to collect taxes on behalf of the province, the local and regional municipalities, the school boards and police services. If property taxes go unpaid, a lien could be placed against the property restricting the sale of the property until taxes are paid in full. For more information or to appeal an assessment, contact the Ontario Property Assessment Review Board at 1-800-263-3237. Police Security Clearance Police Security Clearance may be required before a municipal license is issued. Two (2) pieces of government identification is required, for example driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, citizenship or marriage certificate. The fee is $30.00 per person. This service is available in person at Halton Regional Police Headquarters, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

13

Halton Utilities & Services Union Gas If your new business is located in an existing structure contact the New Accounts division of Union Gas to arrange for service. If you are building a new structure, contact the Union Gas Commercial/Industrial office. A copy of your site plan will have been forwarded to this division indicating a need for service. For more information about service, visit the Union Gas Website http://www.uniongas.com/ or call 1-888-7743111. Hydro Local Hydro Offices Burlington Hydro Inc. Customer Service: Phone: 905-332-9644 Website: www.burlingtonhydro.com Halton Hills Hydro Inc. Customer Service Phone: 519-853-3701 Website: www.haltonhillshydro.com Milton Hydro Customer Service Phone: 905-878-3483 Website: www.miltonhydro.com Oakville Hydro Customer Service Phone: 905-825-9400 Website: www.oakvillehydro.com

Waste Management Arrangements for garbage and recycling pick-up are the responsibility of each business. See the yellow pages under “Reduction and Disposal” for a listing of private companies. Also, visit the Region’s Waste Management website http://www.halton.ca/ppw/waste

14

Public Transit GO (Government of Ontario) Transit has a comprehensive network of bus and rail services in Halton Region. GO Transit throughout this network connects with municipal transit systems. For information on GO Transit (Government of Ontario) call 1-888 GET ON GO (1-888-438-6646) or visit their website (www.gotransit.com). Local public transit contacts: Burlington Transit: Milton Oakville Transit:

905-639-0550 905-815-2020 (operated by Oakville Transit) 905-815-2020

15

Special Regulatory Licenses - Provincial Many businesses including retail and service outlets, restaurant and lounges, manufacturing and processing operations, may be subject to licenses. These licenses are designed to protect the interest and safety of the public regarding the use, application or sale of certain items or services. For information on Special Regulatory Licenses contact: Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (416) 326-8555 or Toll Free 1-800-268-1142 Any person wishing to view the text of Ontario statutes and regulations can visit the following web site http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca For further information, contact the Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) at 1-800-567-2345 or visit their website www.canadabusiness.ca/ontario Food and Drug Act and Regulations Enquiries about food, drug, cosmetic, medical devices, and radiation emitting device regulations covered by the Food and Drug Act and Regulations and Radiation Emitting Device Act and Regulations should be directed to the appropriate office. Health Canada Website: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Canadian Food Inspection Agency Website: www.inspection.gc.ca

16

Food and Drug Act and Regulations (continued) Businesses in Halton Region that prepare and/or sell food must by inspected and meet certain standards. Contact the Region of Halton Health Department Health Protection Services office to advise them if you are starting a food service business of any kind. Region of Halton Health Department Health Protection Services Food Safety & Infection Control Phone: 905-825-6000 Toll Free: 1-866-442-5866 Website: http://www.halton.ca/health

Packaging and Labelling The Competition Bureau is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from lower prices, product choice and quality services. For information on the regulations, visit their website (www.competition.ic.gc.ca) or call 1-800-348-5358

Product Safety For information on the manufacture, import or sale of consumer products in Canada consult one of the Regional Product Safety Offices below. Health Canada Regional Product Safety Office 55 Bay Street North, 9th Floor Hamilton, ON L8R 3P7 Phone: 905-572-2845 www.hc-sc.gc.ca

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Administrative Authorities Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) The TSSA is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the delivery of various safety programs and services including the administration of Ontario's Technical Standards & Safety Act, 2000. More specifically they are responsible for elevators, fuel safety, pressure vessels, and amusement rides. Visit their website (http://www.tssa.org) or call Phone: 416-734-3300 Toll-Free: 1-877-682-8772 Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) OMVIC is the motor vehicle dealer industry's self-management body. OMVIC is responsible for administering Ontario's Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. Their mandate is to maintain a fair, safe and informed marketplace in Ontario by protecting the rights of consumers, enhancing industry professionalism and ensuring fair, honest and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers. Visit their website (http://www.omvic.on.ca) or call Phone: 416-226-4500 Toll-Free: 1-800-943-6002 The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) TICO is an organization mandated by the Ontario Government to administer the Ontario Travel Industry Act, which governs approximately 3,000 travel retailers and travel wholesalers registered in Ontario. Visit their website (http://www.tico.on.ca) or call Phone: (905) 624-6241 Toll free: 1-888-451-TICO (8426) Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) RECO was formed in 1997 to administer the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act on behalf of the Ontario government. All registered real estate brokers and salespersons are governed by this Act. RECO’s mandate is to protect consumers through a fair, safe and informed marketplace. Visit their website (http://www.reco.on.ca) or call Phone: 416-207-4800 Toll Free: 1-800-245-6910

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Administrative Authorities (continued) The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) ESA is a stand-alone, financially self-sustaining not-for-profit corporation accountable to a Board of Directors and operating as an administrative authority under the Electricity Act 1998 and an administrative agreement with the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services (MCBS). ESA is responsible for public electrical safety in Ontario as designated by Ontario Regulation 89/99. Visit their website http://www.esainspection.net or call Phone: 1-877-372-7233

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) The AGCO is a quasi-judicial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. Their mandate is to regulate the sale, service, and consumption of beverage alcohol to promote moderation and responsible use, and to ensure that casino, charitable gaming is conducted in the public interest, by people with integrity, and in a manner that is socially and financially responsible. Visit their website http://www.agco.on.ca or call Phone: 1-800-522-2876 Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) was established February 23, 1998 under

Building Code The Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing works with the municipal and building sectors and consumer groups to improve and streamline the building regulatory system. The Branch administers the Building Code Act (BCA) and the Ontario Building Code (OBC), which govern the construction of new buildings and the renovation and maintenance of existing buildings. For more information visit the website http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/site4.aspx or call Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Building and Development Branch Phone: 416-585-6666 Pollution Control The Ontario Ministry of Environment is responsible for the legislation and rules that protect our land, air and water. This includes everything from pesticide use, emissions testing, drinking water quality and hazardous waste. Visit their website http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/ or call Phone: 1-800-335-5906 905-319-3847

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Financing Resources and Options Canada Small Business Financing Program http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/home How it works The Canada Small Business Financing Program seeks to increase the availability of loans and capital leases for establishing, expanding, modernizing and improving small businesses. It does this by encouraging financial institutions and leasing companies to make their services available to small businesses. Under the Program, a small business must apply for a loan or lease to the financial institution (banks and credit union) or the participating leasing company of its choice. If the application is granted, the federal government will guarantee 85 percent of the lender's losses in the event of default. Is your business eligible? Most small businesses starting up or operating in Canada are eligible for CSBF loans and leases, as long as their estimated gross revenues do not exceed $5 million during the fiscal year in which they apply. Sole proprietorships, partnerships and incorporated companies all qualify. Not eligible are farming and charitable or religious enterprises. How the financing can be used Commercial term loans can finance up to 90 percent of the cost of: • the purchase or improvement of real property and immovables; • the purchase of leasehold improvements, or improvements to leased property; and • the purchase or improvement of new or used equipment. How much financing is available? The maximum amount a small business can access under the Program is $250 000. This is the combined total it is allowed for all its CSBF loans and capital leases, including any loans under the earlier Small Business Loans Program. What are the costs? Registration Fee: The registration fee is 2% of the total amount of the loan. It can be financed and added to the total amount of the loan provided that the maximum amount does not exceed $250,000. Interest Rate: The maximum interest that a lender may charge on a commercial loan is prime plus 3% on floating rate, or the lender’s residential mortgage plus 3% on floating rate, or the lender’s residential mortgage rate plus 3% on fixed rate.

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Financing Resources and Options (continued) Financing Resources and Options (continued) Consider financing options beyond the banks. Alternatives to bank borrowing include: • Personal Assets • Credit Card and Personal Lines of Credit • Suppliers and Customers • Venture Capitalist • Merchant Banks • Specialized Financial Institutions • Love Money (Family & Friends) • Partners and Business • Lending Institutions • Leasing and Asset-based Financing • Initial Public Offering

Sources of Information about Financing Options The Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) Phone: 1-800-567-2345 Website: http://www.canadabusiness.ca/ontario Industry Canada Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insof-sdf.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/Home Royal Bank (One of our Corporate Sponsors) Burlington Business Banking Centre 905-333-7284 Oakville Business Banking Centre 905-849-4521 Georgetown Business Banking Centre 905-877-5600 Website: http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/busindex.html Business Development Bank of Canada 4145 North Service Road Suite 101 Burlington, ON L7L 6A3 Phone: 905-315-9230 Website: http://www.bdc.ca/ Halton Region Business Development Centre Small Business Consultants Phone 905-825-6000 or 1-866-442-5866 Valerie Gennings - Ext. 7740 Yolanda Fitzpatrick – Ext. 7732

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Privacy Legislation in Canada PIPEDA Information Kit for Businesses – Privacy Commissioner of Canada Since January 1, 2004 businesses have been subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada offers useful information to help businesses learn how the can comply with the Act. Good privacy is good business. If you’re a private-sector organization or from a federally regulated sector learn how the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) affects your business. Visit www.privcom.gc.ca

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CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A NEW BUSINESS I Have Researched the Following: Registering the Business: www.serviceontario.ca Sole Proprietorship

Partnership

Corporation

Revenue Canada Business Number (BN) 1-800-959-5525 http://cra-arc.gc.ca • • • •

Goods & Services Tax (GST) RT Import / Export Account RM Employee Source Deductions RP Corporate Income Taxes RC

Retail/Provincial Sales Tax (RST/PST) … Vendor Permit 905-273-9490 or 1-800-265-9969 www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca Employment Related Registrations • Revenue Canada (see above) • Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) 905- 523-1800 or 1-800-263-8488 www.gov.on.ca/ • Employer Health Tax 1-800-265-9969 or 905-273-9490 www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca • Employment Standards - Ministry of Labour 905-577-6221 or 1-800-531-5551 www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/ Municipal Licensing / Zoning • City of Burlington 905-335-7777 • Town of Milton 905-878-7211

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Town of Halton Hills 905-873-2600 Town of Oakville 905-845-6601

Insurance • Property / Contents / Equipment • Commercial Liability • Personal … Health, Income Protection Accounting & Taxation Issues • Revenue Canada Filing … Personal Income Tax; • Software • Accountant / Bookkeeper

CPP contributions; Corporate

Financing & Banking Issues • Opening a business bank account • Financing the business Sources of Financing www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/sof-sdf.nsf/en/Home Business Planning • Books, websites, handouts ● Marketing plan www.canadabusiness.ca/ibp/en/ Entrepreneurship Training Access to Professionals Expert on Demand (Halton Region - Referral Program to local legal, accounting, marketing, insurance and web design professionals) www.halton.ca/business/resources/events.htm www.rbcroyalbank.ca

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Halton Region Business Development Centre 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON L6M 3L1 Phone: 905-825-6000 Toll Free: 1-866-442-5866 Fax: 905-825-8839 www.halton.ca Email: [email protected]

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