These FAQs give answers to common questions that people have when starting a business - or when they're thinking about starting a business. Click on a starting a business question to read the answer to that question.
While some of the questions and answers are specific to starting a business in Canada, others apply to anyone starting a business.
For more articles and information about starting a business, see the Starting a Business library.
General Starting a Business Questions
Q. What type of business should I start?
Q. What's best: Buying a business or starting a small business from scratch?
Q. What's the best time for starting a business?
Q. When does my business officially start?
Q. Can I start a business in Canada if I'm a nonresident?
Q. Do I need to write a business plan?
Q. How do I find small business start up money?
Q. Do I need a business bank account?
Business Registration Questions
Q. Do I need to register a business name?
Q. How do I register a business?
Q. Should I incorporate my business?
Q. What's the difference between a business name and a Business Number?
Q. Do I need a Business Number and how do I get one if I do?
Q. Do I need to register for the GST or HST?
Q. What's the GST registration process?
Q. Do I need to register for the PST or RST?
Non-Canadians Starting a Business in Canada Questions
Q. Can I start a business in Canada if I'm in Canada on a work permit?
Q. As a Non-Canadian, How Can I Open a Business in Canada?
For more articles and information about starting a business, see the Starting a Business library.
