Beyond our cohort-based programming, there are very few grants available to assist new businesses with start-up costs. Most small businesses self-finance or access repayable financing to cover these initial costs. See our Funding page for more information on small business financing options.

The best way to start is by booking a free consultation with our office. We will walk you through the steps required to start your business, which vary based on business experience and sector. Book a meeting with us through our consultation form.

Within Grey County, you will only need a municipal business licence if your business is based in the City of Owen Sound. It can be applied for through the city’s website. The other municipalities in Grey County do not require you to have a business licence.

Throughout Grey County, some specific businesses may be required to have a permit to operate, such as short-term rentals, food trucks, and special events. Check with your municipality or contact us to understand what your operating requirements may be.

Yes, your business should be registered with the Province of Ontario. This can only be done online through the Ontario Business Registry or through OWNR.

Only sole proprietorships and incorporations can be registered through OWNR, not partnerships.

Choosing the right business structure depends on a variety of factors unique to your business. We recommend booking a consultation with our office to discuss your options and the factors to consider. Before deciding, we also recommend speaking with an accountant and a legal professional to understand the implications of each option.

An HST number allows you to collect HST on the goods and services you sell. You will generally need an HST number if your business earns more than $30,000 in sales in a 12-month period. Once you have an HST number, you are responsible for collecting HST and remitting it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Depending on your reporting requirements, this may be done annually, quarterly, or monthly. It is a best practice to set aside the HST you collect in a separate bank account to ensure it is available when payment is due. If your sales are less than $30,000 in a 12-month period, you may not be required to have an HST number, but you can choose to register for one voluntarily.

Having insurance can help protect you and your business from liabilities and losses. It also adds legitimacy to your business. We recommend speaking to a commercial insurance broker to understand the coverage that is best for you, your industry, and the liabilities you may face.