Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre?

We are located outside of Brampton City Hall, 41 George Street South, 1st Floor (directly beside Sunset Grill). Parking is available at Brampton City Hall, West Tower Parking Garage or at the street meters.

What are the types legal business registrations?

There are various types business structures: .

Sole Proprietorship

Provincial

General Partnership

Provincial

Incorporation

Provincial
Federal

Not-for Profit Incorporation

Provincial
Federal

Co-operative Incorporation

Provincial
Federal

More information on proprietors, partnerships and incorporating available at CanadaBusiness

How much does it cost to register a business?

To register a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership it costs $60. In addition, it is recommended that you perform a name search. The cost for this is $8 per search. Renewals are also $60.

Changes to address and phone number are free and can be done online at www.serviceontario.ca/business

Registering an incorporated company is more expensive and complicated, therefore we recommend that you speak with a legal professional about this process.

How do I register for HST?

You are required to collect and remit HST for your business effective July 1st 2010. You can register for the HST by contacting Revenue Canada at 1.800.959.5525 or registering online at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

Where can I get the money I need to start my business?

In specific industries you may be able to find financing for the expansion of your existing business at the following website: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en

Sixty-five percent of small business owners require a loan from a financial institution. Each institution has its own requirements, but generally they will require the following:

a written business plan
satisfactory credit score
some investment and/or equity from you
management abilities
transferable skills & industry experience

For grants and other funding opportunities please visit our grants and funding page

How do I write a business plan?

One of the most valuable items a business owner can have is a business plan. There are many different ways to write a business plan.

In the Business Plan section under the resources button you will find various outlines and tools that can be used to write a professional business plan.

Some of our favourites sties include:

Sample Business Plans - www.bplans.com/samples/sba.cfm

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre also covers the basics of business plan preparation in our 1.5 hour How to Start a Small Business seminar. All the essential components that go in a professional business plan are covered in a practical and easy-to-follow framework.

Check out our Calendar Events for upcoming sessions.

Can you recommend a Lawyer, Accountant, Banker or other Small Business Professional?

We no longer provide any referrals or recommend any one business professional over another for any of these services. You can access a list of available professionals in these industries located in Brampton by accessing our Business Directory.

You will have to do your own due diligence and find the industry professional that is right for you.

What other web sites can I visit for information on Small Business?

Although we like to think that you have found a good web site here, some of the other sites that we often recommend are:

· Economic Development Office
www.investbrampton.ca

· Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (“ONE”)

· Province of Ontario
www.ontario.ca

· Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-economic-development-job-creation-trade

· Government of Canada - FedDev Ontario www.feddevontario.gc.ca

· Strategies/Industry Canada - www.strategis.ic.gc.ca

· Canada Revenue Agency - www.cra-arc.gc.ca

· Ministry of Finance - www.fin.gov.on.ca

· GD Sourcing - www.gdsourcing.com

· Statistics Canada - www.statcan.gc.ca

Does the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre offer any long term programs for business start up?

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre is a resource centre for aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs. We want you to visit us first, before taking any other start-up steps.

We offer a wide variety of seminars and workshops which will introduce you to business concepts and the journey to launching your business.

When do I begin collecting HST?

If you operate a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation that has gross sales over $30,000 in a fiscal year you are required to collect HST on behalf of the government. If your sales are less than $30,000, charging HST is optional.

Things to note:

When determining whether or not you need to register for the HST, you need to look at your income in consecutive quarters.
Your gross revenues are based on when the money is invoiced, not when it is paid.
If your income exceeds the $30,000 threshold for any four consecutive quarters, or in any quarter, you must register.
Sole proprietors operating more than one business must combine the income from all businesses when determining if they need to register for the GST/HST.
For example, if one business had total revenues (before expenses) of $20,000 and a second business had total revenues (before expenses) of $12,000 in four consecutive quarters, you would need to register for and charge the HST.

For more information contact Revenue Canada at 1.800.959.5525 or online at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

What is the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space

At the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC), we’re dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs like you succeed in today’s ever-changing business market. Whether you’re thinking about opening a business, formulating your business plan or undergoing change in an established business BEC has the expertise to help propel your ideas forward. You’ll be pleased to learn that most of our services are free, and the rest are offered at a nominal fee.

We offer FREE:

Guidance on business start-up steps
Guidance on permits, regulations and other start-up requirements
GrowthWheel - Existing business support
Leading-edge information, resources, templates and market research
Workshops and seminars (free and low-cost)
Individual, private consultations
Business plan reviews
Referral services
Guidance on growth and change issues
Professional development and networking opportunities
Access to funding opportunities
Site selection support - we help you find suitable locations for your business
Co-working (free with approved application)
... and so much more!

How can I use the co-working space?

The City of Brampton is pleased to announce that the new co-working space at 41 George Street is now open.

The spacious 4,500 sq. ft. storefront is conveniently located below City Hall’s West Tower, and is designed to fuel your creativity and productivity!

The facility, operated by the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC), will initially offer co-working space as a pilot to allow clients to get a feel of the new experience at no cost. The pilot is also an opportunity for the BEC team to measure project feasibility and efficiency. Entrepreneurs interested in working from our space must complete an application and be approved to use the space.

At this time the free pilot program will run until the end of December 2019.

Learn more at: www.brampton.ca/incubator

Do you only help startups?

Not at all! You can be at any stage of business to access our services. We provide resources and guidance to all businesses.

How can I get started with you?

If you are in the very early stages of getting started, before scheduling a meeting with an advisor, we recommend you attend one of our startup seminars.

We host many workshops and events almost daily to help entrepreneurs to start, learn and grow.

Advisor Consultations are by appointment only.

Who can attend your workshops and is there a fee?

Anyone and everyone – no matter your level of experience or industry, all are welcome!

Attending our workshops and events is also a great opportunity to meet or network with other small business owners.

Have a question or a suggestion for a workshop? bec@brampton.ca

Can you sponsor my event?

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre is a proud supporter of the entrepreneurial community. As much as we would love to sponsor all the great events in Brampton, as a publicly funded entity, our funds are tied to program delivery and services. We are able to provide in-kind promotional support for a limited number of community events that directly align with our strategic plan and supported objectives and provide a specific value proposition to the small businesses and entrepreneurs that we serve.

Inquire at bec@brampton.ca

How does the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre work with local tech companies?

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre works with the local knowledge-based industry to help them with certain barriers to startup and growth. By leveraging our close relationships with local experts, organizations, government, and educational institutions we strive to ensure that all your business needs are met and exceeded in Brampton.

How do I search a business name?

Whatever name you choose avoid using the same name as another business, regardless whether they are in another city, province or country.

Do a Google search (free)
Do a Domain Name search (free search)
Do a Trademark Search CIPO – in Canada and USA USPTO (free search)
Do a Provincial Name search $8 per search
A NUANS name search must be submitted with an application for an Ontario or Federal Incorporation $13.80 and up.

How do I legally register a business in Ontario?

The simplest legal registration is a Master Business license. This online Provincial site allows you to do a business name search, renew or register your sole proprietor, general partnership or corporate trade name go to Ontario Business Services. Register a business name

The fee for each name search is $8, the registration fee is $60. It takes about 30 minutes to complete your registration. When you are finished, print the Master Business License (MBL) you can also have it emailed to you. The online services accepts Credit Cards only.

The Master Business License is valid for 5 years, after which you’ll need renew at the above link. If your license has expires you have up to 60 days to renew after the 60 days of grace you will register as a new business but be aware you also get a new BIN number.

Self-service public computers are available at select Service Ontario locations where you can register a business name. The cost is $60, plus $8 if you include the name search. Business name searches and registrations are processed and can be printed immediately for your records. Service Ontario locations will accept cash, debit or credit card located at 1 Gateway Blvd in Brampton.

To change business information, address or cancel your Master Business License visit this link.

To change the business name, all partners, or change from a partnership to a sole proprietor you must complete a new business registration.

Does the government remind me when my Master Business License will expire?

No. Unfortunately, it is solely your responsibility to remember to renew it every five years. Think of this licenses like your passport, the burden is on you to know the expiry date and renew the license.

How do I change the name of the business or partners names listed on the business registration or Master Business License?

If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership with a Master Business License, a change to the following information will require a new business name registration.

business name
all partners in a partnership
business type (for example, changing a sole proprietorship to partnership)

How do I change the address of my sole proprietor, general partnership or corporate trade name?

An Ontario sole proprietor, general partnership or corporate trade name can change the business address or cancel the business online.

Have a copy of your Master Business License available to you when submitting the change or cancelation. The original information along with the BIN (9 Digit Business Name Registration Number) from your current registration is required when changing the address or cancelling a business.

How do I cancel a sole proprietorship, general partnership or corporate trade name?

You cancan cancel the business online. Have a copy of your Master Business License available to you when submitting the cancelation. The original information along with the BIN (9 Digit Business Name Registration Number) from your current registration is required when cancelling.

How do I change the name of my business?

Changing the name of your business registration is considered a new registration and the relevant fee applies. Alternatively, the registrant can amend or cancel a business name registration online through the ServiceOntario website at Ontario.ca.
If a corporation decides to change the name you must advise Canada Revenue Agency. and complete the provincial Articles of Amendment (Form 3 approved by the Minister under the Regulations to the Business Corporations Act ), completed in duplicate, bearing original signatures on both copies. Ontario-biased NUANS name search report if there is a change of name (not required if the new name is a number name); Fee of $150.00.(2018)
Federal corporations will register in Ontario where they carry on business

Can I change my sole proprietor or general partnership to a corporation?

Switching from a sole proprietorship or general partnership to an incorporated company is easier than you think. You have a few options to add a legal ending to the business name: Inc., Incorporated, Ltd., Limited, Corp., Corporation:

Register an Ontario Numbered Corporation, then online you can register/connect new corporation number to the sole proprietor master business license.
Register a new Ontario Corporation in the new name or the same name as your Master Business License then cancel the Master Business License.
Register a Federal Corporation in the new name or the same name as your Master Business License then cancel the Master Business License.

Before registering the incorporation a NUANS report is required. After the Incorporation has been completed you will need to change:

Bank account – incorporating puts your business in a new business category with most banks. A new bank account may be required Cheques / Credit Cards
Make sure to properly transfer bank, other licenses, assets, etc. into the new business.
Tax accounts – HST, Payroll, Corporate, WSIB, etc. will need to be set up or changed
Business cards, Letterhead, Signs, Invoices, Website and social media

How do I legally register a Provincial Incorporation?

There are three service delivery choices available to clients who wish to incorporate a business corporation in Ontario:

File Articles of Incorporation electronically via the Internet through one of the Service Providers under contract with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. The fee is $300. Unless the corporation will have a number name, an original Ontario-biased NUANS name search report must be obtained from a private name search company and be submitted with the Articles of Incorporation. For more information about service providers visit:

For over-the-counter service, articles may be filed in person at the Toronto office or at some Land Registry/ServiceOntario offices in Ontario (See the “Offices That Endorse Articles Submitted Under the Business Corporations Act” information sheet). The information sheet is available online at ServiceOntario.ca.

Submit Articles of Incorporation by mail to the Central Production and Verification Services Branch, 393 University Avenue, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M2.

To manually complete and take to a Land Registry/Service Ontario off or mail to Toronto.

Download Form 1 (Articles of Incorporation)
Download Form 2 (Consent to act as First Director) Other support documents, if required (e.g. legal opinion). Note: Consent to Act as First Director is no longer required to be filed with the Branch but it must be kept at the corporation’s registered office.
NUANS search and attach to application
Covering letter giving a contact name, return address and telephone number. If a future date of incorporation (up to 30 days ahead) is required it must be set out in the covering letter.
Please be advised that the Branch cannot give legal advice. This information is intended as a general guide only. For further assistance or legal information, please consult private legal counsel.
If you need a lawyer, you may wish to contact the Law Society Referral Service of the Law Society of Upper Canada. You will be referred to a lawyer for up to one half-hour free legal consultation. You must be 18 years of age to access this service. The Law Society Referral Service can be reached by telephoning 1-800-268-8326.

Please refer to the Business Corporations Act for details governing business corporations in Ontario. The Business Corporations Act is available on the Internet or can be purchased through Publications Ontario at 416-326-5300 or toll-free at 1-800-668-9938. The website for Publications Ontario is www.publications.gov.on.ca.

How do I change the name of Provincial incorporation?

If you are not Incorporated and have a Master Business license (Sole Proprietorships, General Partnership, and Operating Names), unfortunately, cannot directly change their business name on the registration. You must register a new Master Business License for the new business name. Then close and cancel the old Master Business License cancelled. Make sure to properly transfer bank, tax, other licenses, HST, Payroll, WSIB, assets, etc. into the new business.

If your business Corporation wishes to apply to change its name or other provisions within its Articles, the corporation must file an Articles of Amendment (Form 3 under the Business Corporations Act). The cost of this form is $150.

How do I cancel an Incorporated, Corporation?

If you decide to dissolve / close a corporation yourself, it’s called a voluntary dissolution. There are two ways to dissolve your corporation, depending on whether your corporation has started carrying on business or issued any shares or not. The requirements for each type of voluntary dissolution are set out in the forms below. Talk to a lawyer to determine which of the two forms below you need to fill out and other tax filings required at the time of dissolution.

How do I register a Federal corporation?

When you incorporate federally, the cost is $200, at the same time you apply for many of the other registrations you need.

First complete a NUANS (name) search, $13.80, you will need the number on this search to complete the Business registration. Be prepared with a list directors name and contact information. As part of the federal incorporation process, you can get:

Articles of incorporation
Federal business number
Federal corporation income tax program account
Option to register for other federal tax accounts, such as GST/HST, payroll, import/export
Option for extra-provincial or extra-territorial corporation registration

If the Corporation is registered Federally do I need to register Provincially?

Corporations are required to register in the provinces in which they will conduct business. When you incorporate your federal corporation online, you can, at the same time, register your corporation in Ontario.

What is an Extra Provincial Registration?

Extra-provincial registration is a process of incorporation in Canada that both Canadian corporations in Canada and foreign corporations have to go through when they seek to do business in Canada or in various provinces or territories throughout Canada. Form for Extra Provincial registration $330

In general, an Ontario corporation is entitled to carry on business in Ontario under its corporate name. An Ontario corporation “doing business for the purpose of registration in another province” generally requires an extra-provincial license, as registration of your corporation is mandatory in the province where you do business.

“Doing business for the purpose of registration” typically means having employees, facilities or offices in the jurisdiction. Merely entering into contracts in Canada or selling goods or services in another jurisdiction, does not necessarily require registration in that jurisdiction" (some provinces have Reciprocal Agreements for Extra-Provincial Registration).

Does a Corporation need a Master Business License?

Under Ontario’s Business Names Act, you must register your business name with the Province if you are operating a business under a name other than the legal name of the owner of the business. Registration applies to:

Sole proprietorships who are operating a business that is different from the owner’s name
Partnerships (except for partnerships operating under the Limited Partnerships Act)
Corporations who are doing business under a different name than their corporate name
Registration provides you with a Master Business License that lasts for five years at a cost of $60.00.

How do I change the Ontario Corporation information, Corporation Name, Address, Directors, Shares?

Please be advised we do not provide legal advice. This information is intended as a general guide only. For further assistance or legal information, please consult private legal counsel.

Changes to Ontario Corporation information;

Name Change

Articles of Amendment If your business Corporation wishes to apply to change its name or other provisions within its Articles, the corporation must file an Articles of Amendment (Form 3 under the Business Corporations Act). The cost of this form is $150. The amendment must be accompanied by a NUANS name search report for the proposed new name (not required if the name is changing to a number name).

Registered Office Address

Whenever a corporation changes its office address, an Initial Return/Notice of Change, Form 1 under the Corporations Information Act must be completed and filed with the Central Production and Verification Services Branch within 15 days of the change (Section 4(1) of the Corporations Information Act).

Directors

Whenever the number of directors changes within the minimum and maximum number provided for in the Articles, an Initial Return/Notice of Change, Form 1 under the Corporations Information Act must be filed within 15 days after the change.

Any change to the board of directors of a corporation must be set out in an Initial Return/Notice of Change, Form 1 under the Corporations Information Act and filed with the Central Production and Verification Services Branch within 15 days after the change (S.4(1) of the Corporations Information Act).

Shares

Any change to clauses relating to shares, as set out in the Articles of Incorporation, must be clearly set out in Articles of Amendment.

What is a business number (BN)?

A Business Number relates to a business as a Social Insurance Number (SIN) relates to an individual. CCRA issues this nine-digit number when you register for any the of 4 CCRA accounts:

HST/GST
payroll deductions (Income tax, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance)
importer/exporter license
corporate income tax number

This number is designed to simplify and streamline interaction with CRA. Related information is available at the Canada Revenue Agency website.

FYI: A Business Number (BN) is not to be confused with a Business Identification Number (BIN). If you register your business name, you will receive a Business Identification Number as part of your Master Business License from the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. The BN number is issued by the Federal Government.

Do I need to register my business with the Municipal government?

If you are a current business owner or plan to open a business, the City requires that certain businesses be licensed so their operations can be reviewed by all necessary departments to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the public. The City supports local business owners by guiding them through this process, and provides a number of resources for prospective applicants.

City of Brampton stationary licensing is administered through the clerks office. They can be reached at 904-874-2401
Located at Brampton City Hall = 2 Wellington Street W (first floor)

For mobile business Licenses and licensing enforcement

Contact Enforcement and By-Law Services at 905-458-3424
Located at Flower City Community Campus - 8850 McLaughlin Road S., Unit #2 (south-west of Queen Street West and McLaughlin Road South)

Why does the City require a business license?

The City requires business licenses to ensure the health, safety and the well-being of the public, consumer protection and nuisance control.

What permits, inspections, approvals or documents are necessary to start a business?

Any of the following may be required depending on the type of business:

Business plan
Site plan
Government-issued identification
CPIC
Fire department inspection and/or approval
Sign Permit
Health department inspection and/or approval
Zoning/planning department approval
Building department inspection and/or approval
Master business license
Tobacco retail or dealers permit

Zoning bylaws - Most importantly, you will want to start by considering zoning, as the property where your business will be located must be in compliance with the City’s zoning bylaw. Zoning rules apply to ALL businesses, including home businesses. Contact our zoning department for more information at 905-874-2090

Building permits - A building permit may be required for alterations to your property or for a change in use, even if you are not planning any construction. For more information contact 905-874-2401

Sign permits - The City of Brampton places a high value on the community’s appearance and safety. To maintain an attractive appearance and ensure a safe environment, the City regulates signs to avoid visual clutter and ensure traffic and pedestrian safety. This applies to permanent, window and portable signs

If I sell my business does my license transfer to the new owner?

No. Your business license will not transfer to new owners in the event that you sell your business. Change of ownership requires that the new owners undertake the application and approval process prior to opening.

What happens if I operate within the City without a business license?

If staff becomes aware of a business that is operating without a licence, the City's enforcement team is obligated to investigate the matter and enforce the City's bylaws. The City's bylaws do not give staff discretion or flexibility in this regard. All enforcement actions are kept confidential for the business owner's privacy.

What income tax form do I use for my business?

T2125 – Sole Proprietor and Partnerships in Ontario. Statement of Business or Professional Income – this form is for sole proprietor of general partnership and is filed with the persons Individual Tax Return each calendar year

T2 – Incorporations ALL corporations — including non-profit organizations, tax-exempt corporations, and inactive corporations — have to file a T2 return for every tax year, even if there is no tax payable. File your return within six months of the end of each tax year. The tax year of a corporation is its fiscal period.

When the corporation's tax year ends on the last day of a month, file the return by the last day of the sixth month after the end of the tax year.

T4117 – Not-for-Profit Corporation – Income Tax Guide for Not-for-Profits

An organization that has to file an NPO information return may also have to file other returns such as a T2 – Corporation Income Tax Return, a T2 Short, or a T3 – Trust Income Tax and Information Return. For more information on how to file these returns, see guides T4012, T2 Corporation – Income Tax Guide, and T4013, T3 – Trust Guide.

A corporation generally has to file a T2 – Corporation Income Tax Return, or a T2 Short, even though it may be an NPO. Consult an Accountant to prepare CRA Tax Returns.

Where do I go to register my business?

Business registration is a provincial function and is done either online, or at the Local ServiceOntario office. You can register your business in person at the ServiceOntario location located at 1 Gateway Boulevard, Brampton ON L6T 0G3 (payment can be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card) Special Note: This ServiceOntario centre is located between Torbram and Airport Road, just off Queen Street East. This service is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am - 4:00pm, on a first come, first serve basis. For immediate business name searches and registrations from the comfort of your own home between 8:30am - 6:00pm visit www.serviceontario.ca/business (you must pay by credit card to use this service)

What is the difference between t1 and t2 tax return?

When you are the owner of a business, you must file a T2 corporate tax return for your incorporated business, as well as a T1 personal tax return. Your incorporated business-related income and expenses are claimed on T2; do not claim them on your T1 personal tax return.

Can I just drop by?

Advisor consultations are by appointment only. To request a consultation, please complete the consultation request form.

Once you complete and submit the consultation request form, one of our the business advisors will contact you within two (2) business days. BEC will determine if a consultation is right for you at this time, or if one of our other services is more suitable. Consultations are a FREE service, and therefore in high demand; please allow five to seven (5-7) business days for scheduling.

If you are in the very early stages of getting started, before scheduling a meeting with an advisor, we recommend you attend one of our start up seminars held monthly.

Provincial vs Federal Incorporation, What’s the difference?

Whether you choose to incorporate federally or provincially depends on the nature of your company’s business. If you own a smaller business operating on a local level and have no plans of expanding across provinces, as well as no national or customers or suppliers, it may make more sense to incorporate within your province. If you register your business only in a single province, you are only protected in that location. If a business is using your name in another province, you won’t be able to register there. Discussing your long term plans with an accountant or lawyer is advised.

Oppositely, if your company regularly conducts business with other Canadian or international partners and you have plans for establishments in more than one province, federal incorporation may be the way to go. Federal incorporation gives you the right to use your business name across all of Canada. It protects you even if there is another business in a different province using the same name. You may also need a provincial registration.

Who funds the BEC?

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre is a unit within the City of Brampton's Economic Development Office (EDO), which is why we answer the phone with "Good Day, Economic Development."

The Economic Development Office is concerned with the attraction and retention of businesses within our City, and entrepreneurship is a core principal of business attraction.

Funding to operate the Centre is provided through the Municipal Government, with generous support from the Province of Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade.

City of Brampton - www.brampton.ca

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade - www.ontario.ca/economy

Through our provincial partner, the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre is part of an extensive network of Enterprise Centres across Ontario.

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre has forged a number of important strategic alliances with organizations within the local business community, including:

The Brampton Board of Trade (BBoT) - www.bramptonbot.com
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) - www.bdc.ca
The Brampton Library - www.bramptonlibrary.ca
Startup Peel - www.startuppeel.ca

Other organizations interested in partnering with the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre are invited to contact the Centre Manager.

How can BEC sponsor my event?

FAQs