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Services for Business
Starting a Business |  Register/Renew/Amend |  Company Information |  Company Forms |  Liens |  Permits and Licences |  Useful Numbers |  Franchise Information |  Condominium Information |  Technical Standards and Safety Information

Company Information

Business Name Registration

A business name registration is valid for five years, after which time it must be renewed. It is your responsibility to keep information on the registration up to date and you are responsible for renewing your registration before the end of five years. A change to a business name or business type (e.g. general partnership to a sole proprietorship) is considered a new registration and you are required to pay the registration fee.

Upon registration you will receive a Master Business Licence commonly referred to as the MBL. The MBL can be used as proof of business name registration at financial institutions and to facilitate other business-related transactions with the Ontario government.

Information Sheets

Registering Your Business Name in Ontario - Updated : April 21, 2006

Business Information Guide - Updated : Sept. 23, 2003



Forms

Form 1 - Registration of a Sole Proprietorship/General Partnership (Form 1 under the BNA)
Form 2 - Registration of a Business Name for a Corporation (Form 2 under the BNA)

Form 5 –Registration of a Business Name for a Partnership/Limited Partnership

Form 6 – Ontario Limited Liability Partnership, Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Partnership, Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Company

Helpful Links

Visit the Ontario Business Connects (OBC) website to register a new business name, renew/amend/cancel an existing business name registration or for information about starting your own business.

Visit the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre website for information regarding starting a new business (e.g. Business Start-up Assistance, Business Planner and information guides).

Access Ontario Statutes and Regulations such as the Business Names Act and the Limited Partnerships Act online at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

Brochures & Guides

View the Starting a Small Business in Ontario guide that provides useful information pertaining to small business start-up.



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