When first starting a business, knowing the correct information, rules, and regulation for your industry as well as any programs and services that are available to help you achieve your goals is vital.
Below is a list of business how-to guides that cover starting and operating a business across most major industries as well as checklists, and templates specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs.
FedDev Ontario – Business Collections and Guides
A list of guides on key business topics, such as starting a business, hiring employees, importing and exporting, as well as business specific guides, and more from the Government of Canada.
Business essential guides:
- Starting a Business – Get an overview of the steps needed to start a business in Ontario
- Financing a Business – Browse the most common financing programs that are available to Ontario business owners
- Taxes – Find out what tax requirements your business might have
- Marketing Plan Outline – Browse our resources for information on developing a marketing and advertising strategy for your business
- Business Plan Guide – Find out what key elements your business plan should include
- Business Regulations – Find out what the regulations are for common business types and activities
- Hiring Employees – Learn about the rules and regulations for hiring employees
Other key business guides:
- Wage Subsidies and Tax Credits for Employers
- Closing or Selling Your Business
- Corporate Taxation Guide
- Importing Guide
- Growing Your Business
- 2SLGBTQI+ Business Guide
- E-business: Security, Privacy, and Legal Requirements
- E-business and Selling to Customers Outside of Ontario
- Exporting to World Markets
- Women in Business
- Youth Entrepreneurship Guide
- Newcomer to Canada Info Guide
- Understanding Your Business Lease (multilingual)
- Choosing and Setting up a Location (multilingual)
- Determining Your Profit (multilingual)
- Consulting a Lawyer for Your Business (multilingual)
- Franchising (multilingual)
Business Specific Guides:
- Artisan or Craft Business
- Construction Business
- Daycare Services
- Personal Care ServicesStarting a Co-operative
- Starting a Non Profit
- Retail Business Guide
- Senior Care
- Starting a Co-operative
- Bed & Breakfast in Ontario
- Consulting Business
- Convenience Store
- Restaurant or Catering Business
- Alternative and Complementary Healthcare
Food & Agriculture Related Business Guides:
- Safe Food for Canadian Regulations Handbook
- Food Label Requirements
- Packing Food in Containers
- Food Truck Business Guides
- Starting a Farm in Ontario – Business Information Bundle for New Farmers
- Starting a Food Processing Business in Ontario
- Starting a Food Selling Business in Ontario
Business Development Bank of Canda (BDC) Guides:
- Your Ultimate Guide to Starting a Business in Canada
- Monitoring Your Business Performance
- Understand Your Financial Statements
- Taking Control of Your Cash Flow
View all available guides from the BDC
Ontario Business Central Guides
Other Guides
- CRA Checklist for Small Business
- Guide to Federal Incorporation
- Working with the Ontario Government
- Working with the Canadian Government
Last updated: 3/22/2023