Start, Manage and Grow Your Business in Halton Region

Starting a business can be an exciting and uncertain experience. Make sure you’re ready! Before you take the first step, try a free Entrepreneurial self-assessment (external link) to determine if you have what it takes to become a business owner.

Whether you’re exploring ideas for a business or taking the first steps of entrepreneurship, the Halton Region Small Business Centre has the programs, services and resources to help you successfully start your business. Our consultation services, programs, events and information sessions, resource centre, online and printed materials can all help you build a successful small business.

The Halton Small Business Centre’s Getting Starting session is available every other Tuesday in a virtual group setting or at your convenience through an independent online learning platform. This free session provides an overview of all the rules and regulations that you need to know if you are interested in starting a business in Halton. Staff will help guide you through a checklist for starting a new business which you can keep. Registration is required for the Getting Started Session. 

Online Learning Portal:

If you prefer to learn at your own pace and at a time that is convenient for you, access our online learning portal where you can view our Getting Started videos that will help guide you through a checklist for starting a new business. To sign up for the online portal, email us at smallbusiness@halton.ca.

Our knowledgeable business consultants can help you get your business moving in the right direction! The Halton Region Small Business Centre offers two programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a free consultation.

• Step 1: The Consultant on Site Program connects business owners and entrepreneurs with a business consultant at one of four locations in Halton. Get help with research, marketing plans, government regulations or any other questions you have about your business. Book now for your FREE one-hour consultation!
  • In Halton Hills, Milton or Halton Regional office-Oakville please contact:
    Halton Region, Small Business Centre
    905-825-6000 ext. 7900
  • To set up your appointment through HMC please contact:
    Halton Multicultural Council
    905-842-2486
• Step 2: The Access to Professional Program can connect you with a local professional for a free 45-minute consultation. Professionals in our group include lawyers, accountants, marketing, e-business experts and business coaches.
  • Ask about accessing this program
• Please note to participate in the program you must first book a meeting with a business consultant. Contact the 905.825.6000 ext. 7900 to book your consultation.

Before starting a small business, it is good practice to research the marketplace, your competition, your customers and the products or services you intend to sell. Learn how to conduct a formal market research campaign to save your business time and money and improve your decision-making process.

The Halton Region Small Business Centre resource area is an excellent starting point you’re your market research activities. Open to the public Monday to Friday, our resource area offers a diverse selection of market, socio-economic and demographic information. Available resources include:

• Work stations with Internet access, Microsoft Office, statistical directories and business planning software.
• An up-to-date reference and lending library with books, access to Halton Data Centre, market research databases and government publications on a variety of business topics.
• Access to friendly and knowledgeable small business staff who can help you find the information you need.
• Online access to business permits and licenses through BizPaL & Service Ontario (external link), a collaboration between the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Determining what business structure is an important part of your business.

Your and/or your partners must choose from the following:

• Sole Proprietor 
• General Partnership
• Limited Partnership
• Corporation

To register or renew a sole proprietorship, general partnership or corporate style name:

1. Search the Ontario Business Registry (external link) for free to find out if your business name is already taken.
2. Select your type of business to begin registration. You will be asked to create a My Ontario Account (external link) to access Service Ontario services.
   • Sole Proprietorship - $60 (external link)
   • General Partnership - $60 (external link)
   • Ontario Limited Liability Partnership - $60 (external link) (this is a hybrid of a partnership and a corporate body. The partners can be individuals, companies or combinations of both)
   • Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Partnership - $60 (external link) (this is a Limited Liability Partnership previously registered in another province)
   • Ontario Limited Partnership - $210 (external link) (this is a business with at least one general partner and at least one limited partner.)

To incorporate your business:

Download the Starting a Corporation Checklist (PDF file).

To incorporate provincially:

1. Visit nuans.com to perform an Ontario based service provider (external link).
2. Visit Service Ontario for Provincial Corporation (external link).

To incorporate federally:

1. Visit nuans.com to perform a Corporation Name Search (external link).
2. Visit Corporations Canada website Federal Corporation (external link).

Visit ServiceOntario’s central source for information on Start and operate a not-for-profit (external link).

Our online Toolbox offers entrepreneurs and small business owners a wide selection of business resources and information.

View the Toolbox and access start-up guides, checklists, and templates that can help you launch a successful small business.

Innovation in business can be what separates you from the competition! Some entrepreneurs have an innovative management style; others sell innovative products and services. These resources and services may be helpful for those looking to get an innovative idea from the drawing board into development:

• FedDev Ontario - Small Business Services (external link): Resources and financial support for technology and innovation businesses in Ontario
• HalTech (external link): Help technology entrepreneurs and companies to develop and transform their good ideas and product innovations into well positioned, growing ventures.
• Techplace (external link): TechPlace is where new and growing technology companies get everything they need to grow and succeed. It doesn’t matter if your company is new or established, headquartered in Burlington or not so local. If innovation is your goal, and technology is your strategy, TechPlace is for you.

Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (external link) came into force in 2005 and sets out a clear goal and timeframe to make Ontario accessible by 2025.

Every organization with one or more employees is required to comply with the Act and all of its applicable standards. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario is committed to the implementation of the Act and helping organizations comply with the standards by providing free tools and resources (external link) and offering support through a dedicated help desk.

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 (external link) offers useful information to help businesses learn how they can comply with the Act.

Businesses can seek guidance on compliance with the Act though the Business Advisory Directorate (external link).