Starting a Business

Start a handmade business in Canada

Here you’ll find links to information about starting a handmade business in Canada. This is provided as a starting off point only, please consult a lawyer, accountant or specialist as necessary.

Canadian Guide to getting started on Etsy (with 40 free listings)

National Programs

CanadaBusiness.ca – The Government’s main hub of information of starting and operating a business in Canada. This is a great starting point, and most questions can be answered here. Provides checklists and guides for everything from choosing a name, registering your business, and applicable permits, licenses & regulations.

Business Registration Online – Register for a Business Number and CRA programs, including GST number and import-export license.

BizPal – A quick and easy way to find out what licenses and permits you might need to start and run your business in Canada.

Guide to the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations

Guide to the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations

Information by Province

Alberta Small Business Resources – Information about planning, registering and running a small business in Alberta.

Doing Buisness in BC – Find information on starting a new business in BC, register your business name and other relevant provincial programs.

Manitoba

New Brunswick – staring and managing a small business in NB, including financial assistance and incentives available.

Newfoundland – General information and financial suppport for small businesses in Newfoundland. The Small Business Handbook [pdf] is particularly helpful.

Northwest Territories – Business registration, licenses, funding opportunities and additional services.

Nova Scotia Services for Business – Information about operating a business in NS. Register online for a sole proprietorship or partnership, and for other licenses & permits.

Nunavut – register your business and certain business names. A very outdated guide can also be found here that lists some other information about starting a small business in Nunanvut.

Prince Edward Island – Business planning information, requirements for starting a new business in PEI, and entrepenuership and grants available in PEI.

Saskatchewan Business Resources

ServiceOntario Business Services – Register a business name online and find information about relevant topics.

Revenue Québec – choosing a legal form for your business in Quebec, how to register, what permits or licenses you may need to run a small business in Quebec and other important information.

Yukon – Business resources including naming guidelines, tax credits, licensing and more.

Missing Resources?

Please contact me if you have a resource you think would be beneficial to share or if you’re having trouble finding the information you need.

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