How to Register A Business in Ontario, Canada

• How to register a business in Ontario

• What to expect: Registration fees

• How to start a business in Ontario

How to register a business in Ontario

If your business has employees, physical locations, offices, or an online website operating in Ontario, you’re required to register through the Ontario Business Registry.

*Note: To register your business online, you’ll need a valid email address and a debit or credit card for payment. The registration fee varies depending on the type of business you choose.

Register Online Through Ontario.ca

Step 1: Use the Ontario Business Registry’s free search tool to check if your desired business name is available.

Step 2: Choose your business type to begin the registration process. You’ll be prompted to create a My Ontario Account and a ServiceOntario Account.

Business Types and Fees:

• Sole Proprietorship – $60

• General Partnership – $60

• Ontario Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – $60(A hybrid between a partnership and a corporation; partners may be individuals or companies.)

• Extra-Provincial LLP – $60(An LLP already registered in another province.)

• Ontario Limited Partnership – $210(Includes at least one general partner and one limited partner.)

• Business Corporation – $300

If registering as a Business Corporation: You must obtain an Ontario-biased or weighted Nuans name search report to reserve your business name (unless you choose a numbered name). A federal (Canada-biased) Nuans report will not be accepted. These reports must be obtained through a private name search provider, either online or through a local Nuans member.

For a complete list of ownership types and filing requirements, visit the Ontario Business Registry.

Upon registration, you will receive a 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) from ServiceOntario. This number is required for:

• Incorporating a business

• Creating an import/export account

• Registering with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Note: The Ontario BIN is not the same as the federal Business Number (BN) issued by the CRA.

Register Through Ownr.co

Choosing the right structure and officially registering your business is a key step in your entrepreneurial journey. Ownr simplifies this process and is often more affordable than hiring a lawyer.

• Sole Proprietorship Registration: $49

• Ontario Incorporation Package: From $599

• Federal Incorporation: From $499

  
  

What's included with Ownr’s incorporation package:

• Up to 30 free business name searches

• Required documents: Nuans report, Articles of Incorporation, and a digital Minute Book (valid for one year)

Bonus: Get $300 back when you open a new business account with RBC Bank after incorporating through Ownr.*

How to Start a Business in Ontario: What Comes After Registration

Registering your business is a major first step—but it’s only the beginning of building a successful brand in Ontario. Once your sole proprietorship or corporation is officially registered, it’s time to focus on creating a strong online presence, reaching your target audience, and growing your customer base.

Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Build a Professional Website

Your website is often the first impression customers will have of your business. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or just showcasing your brand, a clean, responsive, and user-friendly website is essential. At Toronto Marketing Agency, we build modern, mobile-optimized websites tailored to your industry and business goals.

2. Invest in SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

A great website means nothing if people can’t find it. SEO helps your website rank higher on Google when potential customers search for products or services you offer. This includes optimizing your site’s content, structure, page speed, and more.

We offer powerful SEO packages to help you get more visibility—and more traffic.

3. Local Marketing Matters

If you’re targeting customers in your city or neighborhood, local SEO and marketing are key. This includes optimizing your Google Business Profile, getting listed in online directories, managing reviews, and using geo-targeted keywords.

Our team specializes in local marketing strategies that make your business stand out in Ontario’s competitive landscape.

4. Run Google Ads to Boost Traffic Quickly

Want immediate visibility? Google Ads (formerly AdWords) lets you appear at the top of search results and drive targeted traffic to your website. Whether you're working with a small budget or scaling fast, Google Ads can deliver measurable results when managed properly.

Toronto Marketing Agency provides full-service Google Ads management, including keyword research, ad creation, conversion tracking, and optimization.

Why Choose Toronto Marketing Agency?

At Toronto Marketing Agency, we don’t just help you launch your business—we help it grow. We offer:

• Custom Website Design & Development

• Full-Service SEO (on-page & off-page)

• Local Search Marketing

• Google Ads Management

• E-commerce Development (Shopify)

  
  

Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, we’re here to help every step of the way.

👉 Ready to grow your business in Ontario? Contact us today for a free consultation.