Starting a new business in Canada is a relatively easy process which differs based on the province that you are located in. In some provinces you can perform a business name search as well as register a business online, where other provinces will require you to complete forms and mail them in or submit them in person.



British Columbia
In British Columbia you can search for a business name, register your business or incorporate your company using the online business registry at The BC Business Registry or you can also contact them directly at:

OneStop Business Registry
PO Box 9431, Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC Canada V8W 9V3
1 (877) 822-6727 toll free
(250) 370-0332 local



Alberta
In Alberta starting a new business requires submitting your business registration application with a law firm versed in new business registration or a registry agent. Incorporation, proprietorships and partnerships can download the application packages directly from www.ServiceAlberta.ca or by contacting a licensing officer at:

Edmonton
3rd Floor, 10155-102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4L4
780-422-1335

Calgary
301, 7015 MacLeod Trail South
Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2K6
403-297-5743

You can also call Service Alberta directly at 1-877-427-4088




Saskatchewan
Search for a business name or register a sole proprietorship or incorporation in person, by mail or by fax to the Government Of Saskatchewan at:

Corporations Branch
200, 1871 Smith Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4W5
(306) 787-8999 fax

You can also research and fill out an application online at The Government Of Saskatchewan Website



Manitoba
You can perform a business name search online now in Manitoba at Manitoba Name Reservation Form or directly at :

The Director, Companies Office
1010 - 405 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3L6
(204) 945-2500 local
(204) 945-1459 fax
1-888-246-8353 toll free

Registering your business can not be completed online if you live in Manitoba. You can download and complete your business registration forms from the Manitoba government website directly at www.Companiesoffice.gov.mb.ca



Ontario
Register your new Ontario business online at the www.Ontario.ca website or by contacting the business registration office directly at:

Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
Companies and Personal Property Security Branch
Suite 200, 393 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M2
(416) 314-9151 local
1-800-565-1921 toll free



Quebec
In Quebec there are a number of methods to apply for a new business in person, by mail, by telephone and by fax. Internet business registration is not currently supported however detailed information can be found at The Government Of Quebec Website



New Brunswick
You can complete a business name search or business registration online in New Brunswick at the online New Brunswick Business Registry or you can contact or visit the business registration office at:

Corporate Affairs Branch Service New Brunswick
432 Queen Street P. O. Box 1998
Fredericton (NB) E3B 1B6
(506) 453-2703 local
(506) 453-2613 fax



Prince Edward Island
To first complete a name search as well as register your business in PEI contact:

Consumer Corporate Insurance Division
Fourth Floor, Shaw Building
95 Rochford Street PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
(902) 368-4550 local (902) 368-5283 fax



Nova Scotia
To register your business in Nova Scotia simply visit the Nova Scotia Government Website and complete the online application that relates to your business needs after signing up for an account. While there is no direct contact information due to a privacy policy on the website, you can use form submission inquiries directly on the NS Government website



North West Territories
New businesses registered in the Northwest Territories must be completed by mail or in person, no internet or fax business registration applications will be accepted. Contact the Corporate Registered directly at:

Postal Address
Corporate Registries Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
PO Box 1320Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9 Canada

Courier Address
Corporate Registries Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
1st Floor, Stuart M. Hodgson Building
5009-49th Street Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2L9 Canada
(867) 920-8987 local
(877) 743-3302 toll free
(867) 873-0243 fax



Newfoundland
In Newfoundland you can perform a free online search for business names at The Newfoundland Government Website however there is no current legislation requiring business to register a name at this time. This means that sole proprietorships, partnerships and business names do not require registration.

for more information or to incorporate your business in Newfoundland contact:

Registry of Companies Commercial Registrations Division
Ground Floor, East Block Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NF. A1B 4J6
709-729-3317 local
709-729-0232 fax



Yukon
In the Yukon you will need to download and complete the correct business registration forms from The Yukon Government Website where you can also complete the search for the availability of a business name. if you have any questions or to submit your application contact:

Corporate affairs Department of Community Services
Law Center, 3rd Floor 2130 Second Avenue
Whitehorse, YT Canada Y1A 5H6
(867) 667-5314 local
1-800-661-0408 toll free
(867) 393-6251 fax



Nunavut
In order to start a new business in Nunavut you will need to contact the legal registries office directly at:

Government of Nunavut, Department of Justice
Legal Registries Division P.O. Box 1000, Station 570
1st floor, Brown Building Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
867-975-6590 local
867-975-6594 fax



Be sure to check out the Canadian eBusiness Article Directory to find more helpful information on starting and developing an online business in Canada