How To Register A Business In Ontario | Substance Law (2024)

Registering a business in Ontario is a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to establish their presence in the province. The process involves several key steps and requirements that must be followed to ensure compliance with the regulations. This article will guide you through the business registration process in Ontario, outlining the eligibility criteria, accessing the Ontario Business Registry, obtaining a company key, creating a My Ontario Account, and linking to a ServiceOntario Account.

Key Takeaways

• Ensure eligibility criteria are met before registering a business in Ontario.
• Access the Ontario Business Registry for simplified and convenient transactions.
• Obtain a company key to access the Ontario Business Registry.
• Create a My Ontario Account to manage your business information.
• Link your business to a ServiceOntario Account for easy access to government services.

Business Registration Process in Ontario

Eligibility Criteria

Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility criteria to register a business in Ontario, the next step is to access the Ontario Business Registry. This online platform is a centralized location where you can complete various transactions related to your business, including registration.

To begin, you will need to create an account on the Ontario Business Registry website. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

1. Visit the Ontario Business Registry website.
2. Select the option to ‘Create an Account’.
3. Follow the prompts to provide the required information.
4. Verify your email address to activate your account.

Remember, registering a business can be complex, and seeking professional assistance can save you time and prevent mistakes. Substance Law is a law firm that specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate the business registration process in Ontario.

After creating your account, you will be able to obtain a Company Key, which is necessary for further steps in the registration process. It’s important to keep this key secure as it grants access to your business information on the registry.

Accessing the Ontario Business Registry

The Ontario Business Registry is a pivotal resource for businesses and not-for-profit corporations in Ontario, providing a platform for a multitude of transactions. It is designed to offer a more streamlined and efficient experience for organizations to interact with government services. The registry is operational around the clock, ensuring accessibility at any time.

To begin the process of accessing the registry, you must first navigate to the official website. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Visit the Ontario Business Registry website.
2. Conduct a free search to find basic information about a business or not-for-profit corporation.
3. If necessary, order a search product for detailed information on a specific entity.

It’s important to note that if your business was registered or incorporated before the launch of the new registry, your information has been migrated and is available in the new system. To access your profile, you will require a company key.

Substance Law can assist you in navigating the complexities of the Ontario Business Registry, ensuring that your business complies with all necessary legal requirements.

Obtaining Company Key

To interact with the Ontario Business Registry and manage your business filings, obtaining a company key is a crucial step. This key functions similarly to a PIN and is essential for accessing your business profile. Substance Law can guide you through the process to ensure you receive your company key promptly and securely.

The company key is sent to the official email address on file for your business. If no email address is registered, it will be mailed to the business’s registered address. Should your business address have changed, additional verification will be required to secure the key via email.

Here are the steps to obtain your company key:

1. Verify the official email or business address on record.
2. Request the company key through the Ontario Business Registry.
3. If necessary, answer additional questions for email delivery.

Remember, the company key is mandatory for filing annual returns and updating information for businesses incorporated under the CBCA. Without it, you may encounter delays or issues in maintaining your business’s compliance. Substance Law is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have during this process.

Creating My Ontario Account

After meeting the eligibility criteria and obtaining your company key, the next step is to create your My Ontario Account. This account is your gateway to a multitude of government services, including the Ontario Business Registry (OBR). Creating a My Ontario Account is straightforward and can be done by visiting the official website at [https://signin.ontario.ca/signin/register](https://signin.ontario.ca/signin/register). Unfortunately, there may be times when the website provides no information, and in such cases, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a professional law firm like Substance Law to navigate the process smoothly.

Once your My Ontario Account is set up, you will be prompted to link it to your existing ServiceOntario Account. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the My Ontario Account creation page.
2. Select “yes” when asked if you wish to migrate from an ONe-Key account.
3. Follow the prompts to create your ServiceOntario Account.
4. Link your business using the company key provided earlier.

It’s important to ensure that all information entered is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any complications with your business registration. Substance Law can provide the necessary legal support to ensure that your business registration is completed without any issues.

For those who previously used ONe-Key credentials, note that as of October 28th, you will need to migrate your profile to the new My Ontario Account service. This transition is part of an effort to enhance security and user experience. If you encounter any difficulties during this process, remember that Substance Law is equipped to assist you every step of the way.

Linking to ServiceOntario Account

Once you have your My Ontario Account set up, the final step in the business registration process is to link it to your ServiceOntario Account. This linkage is crucial as it consolidates your access to various provincial services, including the Ontario Business Registry (OBR).

By linking your accounts, you ensure seamless management of your business’s administrative functions online.

To link your accounts, use your company key—a unique identifier provided during the registration process. Here’s a simple guide to follow:

1. Log in to your My Ontario Account.
2. Navigate to the ServiceOntario Account section.
3. Enter your company key when prompted.
4. Confirm the linkage to list your business on your ServiceOntario Account.

Once linked, you can access the OBR directly from your ServiceOntario Account, streamlining your business management tasks. Should you require assistance at any stage, Substance Law is equipped to guide you through the intricacies of the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, registering a business in Ontario involves following a series of steps outlined by the Ontario Business Registry. From obtaining a company key to creating a My Ontario Account and linking it to a ServiceOntario Account, the process aims to provide simpler, faster, and more convenient access for organizations. The online registry, available 24/7, streamlines transactions such as registering a new business or dissolving an existing one. For further assistance, individuals can contact the Service Ontario contact centre during business hours. Overall, the Ontario Business Registry plays a crucial role in facilitating business registration and management in the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to register a business in Ontario?

Sole proprietorship (one owner) carrying on business under a name other than the individual’s full name; Partnerships carrying on business under a firm name other than the full names of the partner; Corporations carrying on business under a name other than their corporate name; An existing general partnership or limited partnership registering a business name different from the registered firm name; Limited liability partnerships.

What is the Ontario Business Registry and its benefits?

The Ontario Business Registry offers simpler, faster, and more convenient access for organizations registered, incorporated, or licensed to operate in Ontario. It provides 24/7 online access for various transactions like registering a new business and dissolving an existing one.

How can I obtain my company key?

You will receive your company key via email to the official email address on file. If no email is on file, it will be mailed to the registered office address. If the address has changed, additional verification may be required.

What is the process of creating a My Ontario Account?

After receiving your company key, you can log in to My Ontario Account using it. This account is essential for accessing the Ontario Business Registry and managing your business information.

How do I link my business to a ServiceOntario Account?

Once you have a My Ontario Account, you can create a ServiceOntario Account and link your business using the company key. This allows you to access the Ontario Business Registry through your ServiceOntario Account.

What happens if my business was registered before the launch of the Ontario Business Registry?

If your business was registered before the launch, its information has been migrated to the new registry. You will need a company key similar to a PIN to access your business profile and services.