Leeds and Grenville Small Business Entreprise Centre: Ten Steps to Starting a Business

Ten Steps to Starting a Business in Leeds and Grenville

If you're thinking of starting a business in Leeds & Grenville, here are the 10 Steps we suggest you follow:

Step 1:

Make an appointment at the Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre (LGSBEC).

This consultation is free of charge, and will likely save you hours of research; our job is to point you in the right direction and get you off to a smooth start

Contact Wendy Onstein at 613-342-8772 x470 or wonstein@brockville.com to set up your free consultation.

Our office is located at: 3 Market St. West - Unit 3A in Brockville, Ontario.

Step 2:

Complete a business plan / market research.

If you have never been exposed to a business plan or completed any type of market research, this task can appear intimidating. The good news is the Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre (LGSBEC) is here to help free of charge.

We suggest you refer to our interactive business planner. You can save your information and complete the information at your leisure.

In addition, our resource centre contains:

Subscriptions to:
- Scotts Online
- Canadian Business Directory
- Associations Canada and more
Free walk-in access to:
- The Internet
- A computer workstation
- Printer
A wealth of information on:
- Goverment programs and grants
- Statistical data
- Trade statistics
- Trade organizations
- Market research
- Franchise manuals
- Trade show information
- Sample business plans
- Numerous publications useful for small business owners
- A series of "Self Counsel Press Books" for sale that give specific information on starting businesses in certain industries

Step 3:

Investigate municipal licenses and business zoning.

Whether you will be opening a home business or store front, you will need to inquire with your municipal clerk's office about zoning regulations and municipal licenses/permits applicable to your business and location.

Here is a list of links to area municipal offices in Leeds and Grenville that fall under the geographical area we cover:

Step 4:

Obtain a Vendor's Permit & Retail Sales Tax Number.

There is no cost to register for a Vendor's Permit. Click here to open a PDF version of the Vendor's Permit. When you apply for your Vendor's Permit, you will receive your Retail Sales Tax number or exemption.

For more information, you can visit the Ministry of Revenue, Tax - Revenue Division website or for a free workshop call 1-800-668-5810.

Step 5:

Registering Your Business.

Name Registration and Searches
- You will need to register your business name with the Province of Ontario. Registration costs $60 and credit card payments are accepted during the on-line registration process.
- You will be asked if you would like to conduct a "Name Search" if you choose to complete one, the cost is $ 8 /per time. To begin your business registration process and / or conduct a name search.

Register for GST / HST, Payroll Deductions, Corporate Income Tax and Import / Export:
- To register online, simply visit the following website: www.businessregistration.gc.ca.

If you would like assistance with a registration, please make an appointment to visit the Enterprise Centre, contact Wendy Onstein at 613-342-8772 x470 or wonstein@brockville.com to set up your free consultation. Remember, we're here to help and we want to see you succeed.

Step 6:

Registering for GST with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

If your business will be collecting more than $30,000 in gross yearly revenue (from the sale of products or services), then you must obtain a GST number. If your gross yearly sales are less than $30,000 then registration is not mandatory.

To register on-line, visit this website: www.cra.gc.ca.

Remember: Call the LGSBEC if you need help or information!

Step 7:

If you will be hiring employees, you will need to consider registering with the Employer Health Tax and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

More information and registration details for WSIB can be found at www.wsib.on.ca and for Employer Health Tax, visit www.cbsc.org

The LGSBEC is happy to help you if you have questions!

Step 8:

Do you require special regulatory business licenses?

Visit the Ministry of Consumer and Business Affairs website to read more about your sector of business and the regulatory business licenses.

Some examples of such industries are: real estate agents, electricians, food and beverage, garment, travel agents, mechanics, motor vehicle dealers, various contractors, etc.

Step 9:

Health Regulations - Does your business involve health related issues?

If you are in a field of business such as (restaurants, daycare, eldercare, pet care, hair salon, tattoos, body piercing, health and wellness, etc.) you need to be aware of the health regulations that apply to your business.

You can inquire at your local Health Unit as to what may be specifically related to your business and what steps you should take to ensure public safety and that regulations are followed.

Step 10:

Stay in Touch with Us!

After reviewing the 9 steps to opening a business in Leeds and Grenville, we would welcome any questions you might have. Please feel free to contact us - we're here to help you find the answers.

Once your business is up and running, we would like you to remain in contact with us. We can offer you expert advice on growing your business and "getting to that next level" as well as many opportunities to network and attend seminars designed for you the entrepreneur.

Bookmark this site! Check back with us soon to see what's new!