How Does the Startup Checklist Work?
The Canadian Business Startup Checklist is an interactive, province-aware tool that tracks your progress through every step of launching a business in Canada. Select your province or territory, and the checklist automatically adjusts to show requirements specific to your jurisdiction — such as PST registration in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, or QST registration in Quebec. Your progress is saved automatically in your browser so you can return and continue where you left off.
The checklist covers seven categories: business planning, legal registration, licenses and permits, financial setup, insurance, operations, and marketing. Each task includes a description of what is required and, where applicable, direct links to the relevant government website or resource. For example, the GST/HST registration task links directly to the CRA Business Registration Online portal, and provincial incorporation tasks link to the appropriate provincial registry.
Tasks are organized in a logical order that reflects the typical startup process — planning and market research before legal registration, legal registration before financial setup, and so on. The progress bar at the top gives you a clear view of how far along you are, and category-level progress indicators help you identify which areas still need attention. The checklist is designed for sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations across all Canadian provinces and territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start a business in Canada?
To start a business in Canada you need a business plan, a registered business name, a Business Number from the CRA, GST/HST registration (if revenue exceeds $30,000), a business bank account, appropriate licenses and permits, and business insurance. Requirements vary by province, industry, and business structure.
How much does it cost to register a business in Canada?
Business name registration costs $60-80 in most provinces. Provincial incorporation costs $300-500, and federal incorporation costs $200 online. Additional costs include municipal business licenses ($50-500 depending on your city), insurance ($500-2,000/year), and professional fees for a lawyer or accountant.
Do I need to incorporate my business in Canada?
Incorporation is optional but provides liability protection, potential tax advantages at higher income levels, and added credibility with clients and banks. Sole proprietorships are simpler and cheaper to start but offer no personal liability protection. Consider incorporating once revenue increases or you need to limit personal liability.
When do I need to register for GST/HST in Canada?
GST/HST registration is mandatory when your business earns more than $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters. You can voluntarily register below this threshold to claim input tax credits on business expenses, which can be advantageous if your startup costs are significant.