Business Registration
If you've incorporated your business as a named company, you've already registered your business name. If you’ve incorporated as a numbered company, you may need to register a trade name, if you’re using one.
If you've chosen not to incorporate, you'll need to register your business name with the Province of Ontario, unless you're operating under your legal name. (Adding even one word to your legal name, e.g., Enterprises or And Company, requires registration.)
For more information on sole proprietorships and incorporation, refer to the “Forms of Business” page or contact the Small Business Centre office.
If you plan to open a business bank account, financial institutions require you to provide a Master Business License as proof of name registration. Registering your business name does not provide you name protection. If you would like to apply for business name protection, you should consider trade-marking or incorporating the name.
A business name is valid for five years at a cost of $60 electronically (or $80 by mail), after which time it must be renewed.
Before making a final decision on your business name, you will want to know if someone is already using the name. A search of the Master Business License records will determine if there is another business in Ontario using the name and where that business is located. Each name search costs $8.
How to Register
Registration is quick and easy. You can register your business name online using your home computer OR by using the self-help public access computer available in the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre. The procedure is the same regardless of the method you choose; however the Centre has staff to assist you.
1. Registering at the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre:
445 Grand Avenue West, Chatham ON
Available - Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Payment - Credit card, cash or company cheque.
2. Registering online, at home, through Service Ontario:
Available - Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Payment - Credit card only.
You can print out your Master Business Licence immediately from your home computer during these hours. After hours, it will be mailed to you within 3 weeks.
3. Registration may be completed by mail (service time is approximately 6-8 weeks) and forms should be sent to:
Companies & Personal Property Security Branch
Ministry of Government Services
393 University Avenue, Suite 200
Toronto ON M5G 2M2
Online Steps:
a) Go to www.serviceontario.ca
b) Click "Services for Business" on left menu
c) Click "Register or Renew Your Business" on left menu
d) Click "Do It Online Now" at the bottom
Self-help computers at the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre are also available for other services including: Business Name Search, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Registration, Employer Health Tax and GST Registration.