Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I register my business?
• How can I make changes to my business corporation?
• Where can I get a PST number or a Vendor's Permit?
• Where can I find information on suppliers/manufacturers?
• Does my business need a GST number or a Business Number?
• What is bonding?
• What government financing is available for my business?
• Where can I attend a business seminar?
• Where can I find information on consumer issues?
• How do I choose my business name?
• How do I protect my invention?
• How do I find a business professional to help me?
• Where can I get more general information about operating or managing a business?

How do I register my business?

For the answer, consult Registering Your Business Name In Ontario (Ministry of Government Services).

How can I make changes to my business corporation?

For the answer, consult the document that's appropriate for your business:

• Changes to Ontario Business Corporation Information; or
• Federal Business Incorporation - Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA).

Where can I get a PST number or a Vendor's Permit?

For the answer, consult Vendor Permits and the Retail Sales Tax.

Where can I find information on suppliers/manufacturers?

You can conduct research on suppliers/manufacturers through:

• Canadian Company Capabilities
• Canadian Trade Index
• the business directories available at Regional Access Sites and/or public libraries across Ontario.

Does my business need a GST number or a Business Number?

For the answer, consult the following:

• Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax - GST/HST; and
• Business Number - BN.

What is bonding?

For an overview on the subject, please consult the document on Bonding.

What government financing is available for my business?

For some places to start looking for financing, consult our Sources of Financing section.

Where can I attend a business seminar?

For the answer, consult the document for the Business Self-Help Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres for your area:

• Central Ontario;
• Eastern Ontario;
• Northern Ontario; or
• Southwestern Ontario.

Where can I find information on consumer issues?

Try Consumer Connection, an Industry Canada website designed to help consumers protect their own interests and save money in the marketplace.

How do I choose my business name?

For a list of points to consider when choosing your business name, consult Naming Your Business.

How do I protect my invention?

There are different kinds of protection for different kinds of intellectual property. Please consult the following documents:

• Patents;
• Copyrights;
• Trade-marks; and
• Industrial Designs .

How do I find a business professional to help me?

For some tips, consult Selecting Professional Services.

Where can I get more general information about operating or managing a business?

Try the section on Operating a Business, which has links to overviews of subjects like planning your business, managing employees, managing sales, etc.