Frequently asked questions
Answers about registering, establishing, funding and marketing your business in Ontario and the GTA.
Register or incorporate your business in Ontario (2026)
- How much does it cost to incorporate in Ontario?
- The Ontario government fee is $300 to incorporate online, plus a NUANS name search if you want a named (rather than numbered) corporation. Our service fee is on top of the government fee and is shown clearly before you pay.
- How long does registration take?
- A business name registration is usually same-day. Ontario incorporation typically takes about 5 business days online; federal incorporation is often completed the next business day.
- Do I need a NUANS report?
- You need a NUANS name-search report only for a named corporation. Numbered corporations and trade-name sole proprietorships do not require one. A NUANS report is valid for 90 days.
- Can a non-resident incorporate in Ontario?
- Yes. Ontario has no director-residency requirement, so non-residents and newcomers can incorporate provincially. Federal incorporation requires at least 25% of directors to be resident Canadians.
- Do I need to register for HST?
- You must register for HST once your revenue exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. Many businesses register voluntarily earlier to claim input tax credits. We can set this up with your Business Number.
Virtual office in Markham — a prestigious Class-A business address
- Can I use this address to register my business?
- Yes. Our Class-A Markham address is a real physical street address accepted by Service Ontario, Corporations Canada and the CRA for your registered office, Business Number, HST and payroll accounts.
- How is it different from a P.O. box or iPostal1 mailbox?
- A P.O. box can’t be used to register a corporation and looks like a mailbox. Our virtual office is a Class-A office address with a unique unit number, live phone answering and access to real meeting rooms — a genuine professional presence, not just mail.
- How does mail handling work?
- We receive your mail and parcels and email you on arrival. You can pick it up, or add scanning and weekly forwarding so it reaches you anywhere.
- Can I book a meeting room or private office?
- Yes. Meeting rooms are bookable by the hour and day offices by the day; the Business Plan includes monthly meeting-room hours. You can also upgrade to a dedicated private office at the same address.
Dedicated office space in Markham — your own private office
- What’s included in the monthly price?
- Your furnished office, high-speed internet, utilities, cleaning, staffed reception, mail handling, and access to shared amenities — all in one monthly fee, with no setup or hidden costs.
- How is a dedicated office different from a virtual office?
- A virtual office gives you the prestigious address and mail and phone services without a physical room. A dedicated office adds a private, lockable workspace that is yours full-time at the same address.
- Can I register my business at this address?
- Yes. It is a real Class-A Markham street address accepted by Service Ontario, Corporations Canada and the CRA for your registered office and business accounts.
- Do I have to sign a long lease?
- No. We offer flexible month-to-month terms, with discounts for longer commitments — far simpler than negotiating a traditional commercial lease.
Small business funding & loan application help in Markham & the GTA
- Is the Canada Small Business Financing Program a grant?
- No. The CSBFP is a bank-issued loan that the federal government guarantees up to 85%. You repay it like any loan, but the guarantee makes approval easier for newer businesses.
- How much can I borrow under the CSBFP?
- Up to $1.15 million, of which up to $500,000 can be for equipment and leasehold improvements (and up to $150,000 for working capital and intangibles). A 2% registration fee applies.
- Can I get funding as a newcomer with no Canadian credit?
- Often, yes. Programs like BDC newcomer financing and Futurpreneur are designed for founders without an established Canadian credit history. We help match you to the right one and build a strong application.
- Do you guarantee I’ll get approved?
- No — final decisions rest with the lender or program. We are not a lender and do not provide investment advice. What we do is maximize your chances with a complete, well-prepared application.
Marketing for newly launched GTA businesses — from logo to leads
- Do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
- Yes. A website helps verify and rank your Google Business Profile, gives customers somewhere to learn more and contact you, and is something you own. Even a fast one-page site makes a measurable difference.
- How long until my business shows up on Google Maps?
- After your Google Business Profile is verified, your business typically appears on Maps within a few days. Ranking well in the local pack then improves over the following weeks as we optimize.
- How much should a new business spend on marketing?
- A common benchmark for small businesses is around $2,500/month once you’re actively growing, but new businesses often start smaller with foundations first. Our tiers let you start lean and scale as results come in.
Ready to launch your business?
Talk to our team and take the first step today — no obligation.