1. Put your business and your name in highly visible places, no matter how unusual.
   People DO remember names from events and places they go where they have personal or special interests.



2. Join or volunteer time to a few good local business organizations.
   Knowing your competitors, what the "successful" ones are doing, and where THEY "mingle", can help you strategize where you might get some exposure of your own.



3. Speak or write publicly about your profession or your business.
   You can get good, honest exposure through an article in a trade journal, one of the clubs you have joined, or a charity function. It puts your face, your name, your business name, its services & "results", in front of the public.



4. Get with the times and get “online!”
   Set up a website highlighting your business online. You can feature your new product or service as well as other links such as: news, banner ads, updates, subscriptions and surveys.



5. Sponsor or be a co-sponsor for a local charity event.
   Pick an event that is well attended, and also one in which you might already have some interest.



6. Get involved with civic groups and committees
   Pick your interest or one that you feel would be of interest to potential clients or current customers and get involved! The more people you meet, the more people will know about what you do and what you have to offer.



7. Voice your opinion in print.
   Submit articles to your local paper. Get involved in municipal matters! Show the public that your business cares! However, try to stay away from topics such as religion or politics.



8. Advertise or offer to give your clientele more than your competitors are giving.
   Know your strengths and play them up. Know your competition’s weaknesses or things they simply cannot or do not give and find a way to fill some or all of those weak areas and voids yourself! Provide the best and most comprehensive and professional services or merchandise for the best prices, delivered in the best manner, and on time!



9. Send out a newsletter to clients and potential clients.
   Do not make the mistake of filling the newsletter with ads and specials like everyone else! Give the reader free hints, advice, etc. They will be pleasantly surprised and they will remember you and your business if you do things with thought and good purpose.



10. Give free workshops or seminars to draw your special interest “target group”
    Advertise a workshop or seminar open to the public at your store or other appropriate place. It can be all day long or last 1-4 hours, depending on your topic and your business.

Source: Canada-Ontario Business Services Centre

Last modification: August 2005

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EACH FORM OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATION

Source: Canada-Ontario Business Centre.

Last modification: August 2005

Sole Proprietorship

The simplest form of business ownership, in which there is only one owner who is entitled to all profits and responsible for all liabilities. A sole proprietorship is not required to register if the business is conducted under the owner's personal name. If the intended name of your business is anything other than your given name, you must register your business name under the Business Names Act before it can be used.

Example	John Smith	- does not need to register
	John Smith's Cleaning	- must register

Partnership

There are two different types of partnership; limited partnerships and general partnerships. Limited partners are not liable for partnership debts beyond their capital contributions. General partnerships are involved in the management of the business and are jointly and separately responsible for the debts of the partnership.

How to Register: Ontario Business Connects (OBC)

You can visit The Business Centre and use the Ontario Business Connects computer workstation, located at 200 McIntyre Street East, on the sixth floor of City Hall. At this station, you can complete the following registrations:

• Instant Business Name Registration and Renewals (fee $60)
• Instant Name Searches (fee $8)
• Retail Sales Tax (free)
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) (free)
• Employer Health Tax Number (free)
• Health Tax for Self-Employment (free)

The Business Name Registration is instant. All other application(s) will be forwarded to the appropriate office(s) and processed within ten working days. A business name cancellation and an amendment to the address can be made, at no cost.

Please note that a business registration must be renewed every five (5) years.

The Business Names Act does not prohibit the registration of identical business names, but if you choose to use a registered name or if the name is confusingly similar to that of a registered business, it could result in legal action.

You can register your business name online at: www.cbs.gov.on.ca/obra/forms/obra.asp

Last modification: August 2005

For the first-time business owner, an existing business offers many advantages such as an established clientele, a business method, perhaps inventory and, in some cases, a reputable name. One very important question must be answered however; why is the business for sale?

Before purchasing a business, insist on reviewing financial statements for as many previous years as possible and obtain lists of clients/customers and suppliers. All leases and outstanding contracts must be reviewed. It is recommended that professional advice be sought to help complete the transaction (get an accountant to review financial information and a lawyer to review leases etc., in order to prepare the purchase agreement).

The two most important questions to ask are why is the business available and what is its true worth? The second question is a bit easier to answer, through professional advice/assessment. While this will be an added expense, an intelligent appraisal can go a long way to saving thousands of dollars.

Why the business is for sale and how good a risk it is are more difficult questions to answer. It is most important that as many questions as possible be answered before the transaction is complete:

• Why do I want to buy this business?
• Why does the owner want to sell?
• Does the business have a future?
• Will I feel comfortable and knowledgeable in operating this business?
• Is all of the information about the financial and customer aspects of the business readily available and willingly turned over by the seller?

Source: Starting a Small Business in Ontario.

Last modification: August 2005

For a complete Checklist, please contact The Business Centre.

Source: Canada-Ontario Business Centre.

Last Modification: August 2005

Whether you are establishing a new business or purchasing an existing one, location is important. This may appear obvious, but it is very often neglected and is rarely part of the entrepreneur's business plan.

There are many key factors that will influence the location you choose; the proximity to market areas, sources of raw materials or supplies necessary, transportation systems and facilities and the availability of a skilled labour force.

The following is a short checklist of factors you should consider when deciding upon a location for your business:

Zoning:

• Present zoning and future zoning?
• If it must be re-zoned, what time span is involved?

Building:

• Outside layout and appearance?
• Lighting, heating, waste disposal, parking?
• Outside storage - is it permitted?

Transportation:

• Shipping doors?
• Any road restrictions?
• Is there a truck terminal nearby?
• Is it on a bus route for staff and customers?

Utilities:

• Check cost of power supply, water, sewer and gas.
• What would be required to upgrade them?

Lease:

• Has it been checked by your lawyer?
• Is it too short or too long?
• Any options available?
• Who pays to have the lease drawn?
• What are your responsibilities?

Taxes:

• Assessment for property taxes and business taxes

Approvals:

• Will all regulatory bodies approve use of the building?
• Zoning, health, fire marshal, environment and labour?

Protection:

• Are there regular police patrols?
• What kind of fire protection?
• Hydrants nearby?
• Sprinkler system?
• History of vandalism?

Neighbourhood:

• How stable is it?
• Are you compatible with the neighbours?

Restrictions:

• Can you grow physically in size?
• Any legal easements on your property?

Suppliers:

• Are you near them? Is it important?

Your Customers:

• Where do they live, play, shop?

Your Competition:

• How big, how old and how strong?
• What percentage of the market do they have?
• What advantages do you have?

Source: Starting a Small Business In Ontario.

Last Modification: August 2005

What is Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 6% tax on the supply of most goods and services in Canada.

Almost everyone has to pay GST at 6% on taxable sales of goods and services (other than zero-rated sales). The only groups and organization that do not always pay GST on their purchases are provincial and territorial governments and Aboriginals.

How does the GST work?
As a GST registrant, you charge 6% GST on the taxable goods and services you provide (other than zero-rated goods).

Examples of Taxable Goods and Services:

• Gasoline;
• Car Repairs;
• Soft drinks, candles, and potato chips;
• Clothing and footwear;
• Barber and hairstylist service; etc...

Examples of Zero-Rated Goods and Services

• Basic groceries such as milk, bread and vegetables;
• Prescription Drugs and drug dispensing fees;
• Exports; etc...

You can claim an input tax credit (ITC) to recover the GST you paid or owe on purchases and expenses you use, consume, or supply in your commercial activities. If you buy goods to resell in your store, you can recover the GST you paid on those goods by claiming an ITC.

You must register for GST if:

• You sell or provide goods or services in Canada and your annual worldwide GST taxable sales are more than $30,000; or
• You operate a taxi limousine service (regardless of the annual amount of sales)

You can register voluntarily if your taxable sales are less than $30,000. Once you register, you have to begin collecting and remitting the GST.

When you register you get a Business Number (BN). Your BN will be your business identification for all your dealings with Revenue Canada. Revenue Canada is the only agency that can issue a BN.

To register for a Business Number (BN):

Revenue Canada - Business Window
1-800-959-5525

www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Source: Revenue Canada.

Last modification: August 2005

What is the Retail Sales Tax (RST)?

The Retail Sales Tax (RST) or Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is a provincial tax that is imposed on the user or consumer of most goods and certain services used/ consumed in Ontario, including prices of admission and insurance premiums.

Which services are subject to RST?

The following services are subject to RST in Ontario:

• Telecommunication services (e.g. telephone, cable, pay television)
• Transient accommodation for less than one month in hotels, motels and B&B's
• Labour provided to install, assemble, dismantle, adjust, repair or upgrade a computer program
• Contracts for the service, maintenance or warranty of tangible personal property including a computer program; and
• Commercial parking

The general RST rate in Ontario is 8%.

Vendor Permit

A Vendor Permit is required to charge, collect, and remit RST on your taxable sales.

You must obtain a Vendor Permit if:

• you regularly sell taxable goods
• your regularly provide taxable services
• you regularly sell insurance
• you charge more than $4 admission to a place of amusement
• you are a manufacturing contractor, that is, the manufactured cost of goods you use in real property contract is more than $50,000 in any fiscal year
• you are a non-resident contractor doing business in Ontario
• you sell taxable goods or services at flea markets, fairs or exhibitions
• you regularly import taxable goods or taxable services into Ontario for your own use
• you purchase goods exempt from RST that you plan to resell, but later take these goods from inventory for your own use.

You must register for a Vendor Permit even if your sales are small - there is no minimum. You must also keep a copy of your vendor's permit at each business location and let anyone see it on request.

Who does not need a Vendor's Permit?

• you sell only tax exempt goods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables at a roadside stand
• you provide only non-taxable services, such as dry cleaning
• you are a wholesaler or manufacturer, and do not make retail sales.

There is no fee to apply for a Vendor Permit. You can register for a Vendor Permit through:

The Retail Sales Tax Office (705) 474-4900 or 1-800-461-1564

Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance. Retail Sales Tax Division.

Last Modification: August 2005

One of the most important resources available to small businesses is the professional advisor. These experts include: the banker, the accountant, the bookkeeper, the lawyer and the management consultant. Small business owners, especially at the early stages, tend to under-utilize these professionals.

The Banker

The single most important person to a small business is the banker. Bankers provide the necessary capital and sound business advice. Banking in Canada is a competitive business; services and levels of expertise vary from bank to bank and branch to branch. Be prepared to be open and friendly with your banker. The more information you provide and the better you keep your banker informed the easier it will be to deal with the bank and receive the desired service.

Develop good bank relationships by doing the following:

• Give the bank manager all the information required for approval fo the loan
• Arrange a line of credit to meet peak requirements - but borrow only what is necessary
• Adjust the loan level as actual requirements change
• Make realistic repayment commitments
• Avoid overdrafts and excesses
• Be prepared to provide security for the loan

The Lawyer

Establishing a small business, making changes to an existing one, or buying or selling a business requires careful study, and it is often advisable to obtain legal help. Your lawyer can provide you with a number of services such as: legal advice, draft a partnership agreement, file incorporation and draft a sale or purchase of an existing business.

The lawyer is working for you, so be sure to take time in deciding who to hire. You should feel comfortable when dealing with your lawyer. Your needs must be clearly understood. Therefore, it is most important that you select a business lawyer who is able to deliver what you ask. At no time should you assume everything is under control and all work is completed. It is your responsibility to check all documents, read all clauses and understand fully what you are signing or accepting. Do not put yourself in the position of trying to save a few dollars by performing your own legal functions, especially if you are unsure or have never dealt with these issues in the past. Legal fees are normal business expenses and may result in valuable savings in the long run.

The Accountant

A good accountant can be looked upon as another valuable member of your management team. Many small business owners view their accountant simply as the person who puts their income tax information together once a year. The accountant can provide you with much more.

Shop around for an accounting firm or accountant much the same way you look for a lawyer. Find a firm that is interested in your business and not just your account. Most small businesses are not receiving adequate service, mostly because they don't ask. An accounting firm that provides ongoing financial information (at least on a monthly basis) and helps you interpret the information and advises accordingly is very important to you.

This cannot be stressed strongly enough: you, the owner, must be able to review the financial status of your business at any time so that you can make the necessary business decisions.

Source: Starting a Small Business in Ontario. Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Last modification: August 2005

Canadian Youth Business Foundation
The CYBF is a national non-profit organization that supports the next generation of business leaders by helping youth help themselves. Start up financing of up to $15,000 is available for qualified applicants 18 -34 years of age with a viable business idea. For more information, please contact The Business Centre-NPS at: (705) 474-0400 ext. 441

Wage Subsidy Programs
Through Human Resources Development Canada, there are a few programs that serve to subsidize the cost of new employees. HRDC's mandate is to improve the skills and marketability of the worker, so to be eligible; they look for opportunities for future advancement and skills development of your proposed hires. For more information, please contact Human Resources Centre, Employer Services at: (705) 472-3700 ext.2034

Aboriginal
If you are of aboriginal ancestry, there are a number of business initiatives that contain non-repayable monies. For more information, please contact Waubetek at: (705) 285-4275 or Gezhtoogij at: 1-800-361-9256

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC provides specialized funding for commercially viable business projects as well as a wide range of business counselling and training services. With both financial and management services under one roof, the Bank is able to provide entrepreneurs with complete solutions to their business needs.
For further information, contact the BDC, in North Bay at 495-5701 or online at www.bdc.ca

Royal Bank of Canada
If you're considering a loan, this is your chance to save. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for this exclusive loan offer. As long as your business:

• And any 'associated business' have total assets or gross revenue, whichever is greater, not exceeding $500 000.
• Is a business carried on primarily in Ontario
• Will use the proceeds of the loan for your Ontario based business
• Meets the normal credit approval requirements.

Canadian Small Business Financing Program
The CSBF Program, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act, can assist businesses to obtain term loans of up to $250 000 to help finance 'hard' costs (building, equipment, renovations etc.). Because it is government guaranteed they generally only require 10% equity contribution and 25% collateral.
The loans are made directly by approved lenders to businesses and professional enterprises (except farming) operating for profit. CSBF loans are not available for the purpose of financing working capital or existing debt.
For more information on the CSBF loan, please contact your local financial institution (bank, credit union or caisse populaire).

Self Employment Benefit Program
The objective of the SEB Program is to support entrepreneurs in the North Bay region through the early stages of business growth. Through this program, you will receive a strong foundation on which to build a successful business. In order to be eligible for this program, you must be in receipt of Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits or have been in receipts of E.I. benefits within the previous 36 months and be currently unemployed.
          VS Accounting (North Bay) (705) 475-0323
          Economic Partners (Sturgeon Falls) (705) 753-5450
          YMCA (Parry Sound) 1-866-344-3044

Ontario Community Futures Development Corporations
These organizations are federal government funded lenders. They generally consider themselves lenders of last resort, in other words, they will consider financing that the banks will not. They can lend up to $125 000, require 10% equity but will finance both hard and soft costs and have more flexibility regarding security.
For more information contact your local CFDC:
          NECO - CFDC (North Bay) (705) 476-8822
          Economic Partners - CFDC (West Nipissing) (705) 753-5450
          Community Business & Development Centre - CFDC (Parry Sound) (705) 744-4455

Source: Starting a Small Business in Ontario. Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Last modification: August 2005.