How to Get a Business Licence in Canada (and What Comes Next)

A simple step-by-step guide for marketers and entrepreneurs ready to go official.

Getting your business licence is the moment your dream becomes official, it’s where your idea becomes a brand.

If you’re ready to make your business official, this guide will show you how to get a business license in the U.S., as well as how the process compares in Canada. Whether you’re a marketer, freelancer, or small-business owner, the steps are easier than you think.

What is included: choosing your business name, registering it, applying for your licence, and getting your tax number (GST/HST or EIN). By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to turn your business idea into an officially registered brand.

Why All This Matters?

Getting your licence isn’t just about compliance, it’s about credibility. A registered, tax-ready business looks professional to clients, opens doors to partnerships, and keeps you protected as you grow.

Step 1: Pick a Name and Business Structure

In Canada

Once you’ve chosen your business name and structure, it’s time to make it official by registering your business.

You have two options:

1. Register Provincially – for local businesses:

   • If you’ll be operating mainly within one province (for example, serving clients in Ontario only), register through your provincial portal.

   • Check name availability in your province (e.g., Ontario’s Service Ontario Business Registry or use Nuans.com.

   • This option is simple, fast, and inexpensive, and your business name is protected only within that province.

     
     

2. Register Federally – for Canada-wide or incorporated businesses:

   • If you plan to operate in multiple provinces or online across Canada, or you want your business name protected nationally, register through Corporations Canada.

   • Federal incorporation gives you name protection across the country, but you’ll still need to file an extra-provincial registration in any province where you have a physical presence.
     

Tip: Most new service-based entrepreneurs start with provincial registration because it’s easier to manage. You can always incorporate federally later if your business expands beyond your province.

In the U.S.

1.      Pick your structure (Sole Proprietor, LLC, or Corporation).

2.      Verify availability through your state’s Secretary of State website.

3.      File a Doing Business As (DBA) if using a trade name.

Tip: Before you lock it in, check your domain name and social handles, consistency builds credibility.

Step 2: Register Your Business

Once your name and structure are set, it’s time to register officially.

In Canada

• Register federally through Corporations Canada or provincially https://www.ontario.ca/page/business/start/register-your-business-online.

• Receive a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), your business tax ID.

• If your BN isn’t automatically issued, apply via CRA Business Registration Online

  
  

In the U.S.

• File “Articles of Organization” (LLC) or “Articles of Incorporation” (Corporation) with your state.

• Sole proprietors may only need local registration.

  
  

Once approved, you’ll get a Certificate of Formation or Registration, keep it for banking and licensing.

Step 3: Apply for Your Business Licence in Canada (and Permits)

In Canada

• Most cities require a municipal business licence, even for home-based businesses.

• Use BizPaL to find the exact permits your business needs.

  
  

In the U.S.

• Licences are typically handled by city or county offices.

• Check state sites for industry-specific permits (e.g., food service, wellness, or design services).

  
  

Tip: Keep digital copies of all licences and renewals, you’ll need them for merchant accounts, ad platforms, or payment processors.

Step 4: Register for Your GST/HST Number in Canada (or Sales Tax in the U.S.)

In Canada

• If your business earns more than $30,000 CAD in four consecutive quarters, you must register for a GST/HST account.

• Register early to claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) on expenses.

• Apply online through the CRA’s Business Registration Online

  
  

In the U.S.

• Apply for a free EIN through the IRS

·         Register for state sales-tax permits if you sell taxable products or services.

Tip: Even if not required yet, getting your GST/HST number or EIN early makes you look professional on invoices and helps with banking.

Step 5: Set Up Your Systems

• Open a business bank account using your licence and tax number.

• Set up invoicing software (Wave, QuickBooks, or FreshBooks).

• Track every expense from day one.

• Create a professional email signature with your business name, website, and registration info.

Step 6: Make It Work for You

Now that you’re official, turn your licence into momentum:

• Build your website!

• Set up a Google Business Profile for local SEO.

• Build your Social presence, for example: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

• Keep receipts and invoices organized.

• Celebrate this milestone, you’re officially in business!

  
  

Getting your business licence isn’t complicated, but it’s a major milestone.

Legal and licensed is the new launch day, it’s the moment your brand becomes real.

We offer a full Start-Up Method course to get your business up and running in just 3 weeks, learn all about it at CleverMarketers.com/Start-Up-Method

Or not sure where to start? Take advantage of our FREE 30-Minute Coaching Session from 2 marketing experts.

What you’ll get in 30 minutes:

• Personalized guidance on your business idea

• Guidance to avoid common start-up mistakes

• A clear next step to move forward

• No pressure, just our support and insight

• 100% free (no credit card, no catches)

  
  

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