Official links + quick payment setup

Open a Business in Canada (by Province)

Find the right provincial and federal pages to choose a name, register or incorporate, get permits/licences, and talk to real humans — many lines offer help in multiple languages. When you’re ready to take card payments, we’ll set you up fast.

Government links only
French links where available
BizPaL & CRA & Corporations Canada
Financing & Loans links
Accept cards from day one — talk to RKP Federal: Start a business Canada Small Business Financing Program

Choose your province or territory

Look for the “Financing & Loans” link in each tile. It points to your province/territory’s official funding and loan programs. For bank loans, the federal Canada Small Business Financing Program can help secure financing with a government guarantee.

Ready to accept credit & debit cards?

New businesses welcome. We offer fast approvals, competitive entry rates, month-to-month options, and terminals/POS that scale as you grow — even if you have no processing history.

Get a starter package quote See terminals & POS

FAQs by Province & Territory

Short answers for common “how do I start/ register/ name/ permit” questions. Always verify details via the official links above.

British Columbia

How do I register or incorporate in BC?

Use BC Registries to reserve a name and register/incorporate online. See provincial links ↑

Do I need a NUANS report in BC?

No—BC uses its own name request/approval system through BC Registries. Check rules before submitting. Back to BC ↑

Alberta

Where do I incorporate or register in Alberta?

Start at Starting a business and file through authorized registry agents. Back to AB ↑

NUANS needed in Alberta?

Usually yes for named corporations. Numbered corporations don’t need NUANS. Your registry agent can confirm. See AB links ↑

Saskatchewan

How do I register/incorporate in Saskatchewan?

Use the ISC Corporate Registry to search names and file online. Back to SK ↑

Do I need NUANS in SK?

Saskatchewan uses the ISC name search/approval. Follow ISC guidance for name availability and rules. See SK links ↑

Manitoba

Where do I register a business name or incorporate?

Go to the Companies Office for name reservation and filings. Back to MB ↑

Is NUANS required in MB?

Manitoba’s Companies Office provides its own name search/approval. Follow their instructions per entity type. See MB links ↑

Ontario

How do I register or incorporate in Ontario?

Use the Ontario Business Registry to file most entities online. Back to ON ↑

NUANS for Ontario corporations?

Named corporations generally need a NUANS report. Numbered corporations do not. See OBR guidance. See ON links ↑

Québec

Where do I register in Québec?

Through the REQ (Registraire des entreprises). You’ll receive a NEQ (business number). Back to QC ↑

Is NUANS used in Québec?

No—Québec uses its own naming rules and verification via REQ. See QC links ↑

New Brunswick

How do I register or incorporate in NB?

File via Service NB Corporate Registry; start with their “Start a business” guide. Back to NB ↑

NUANS in New Brunswick?

NB supports NUANS for named corporations; confirm latest requirements in the Corporate Registry. See NB links ↑

Nova Scotia

Where do I register in Nova Scotia?

Use the Registry of Joint Stock Companies for name approval and filings. Back to NS ↑

Is NUANS required in NS?

RJSC has its own name approval process. NUANS may be accepted in some cases; follow RJSC instructions. See NS links ↑

Prince Edward Island

How do I register/incorporate in PEI?

Use the PEI Business/Corporate Registry. Back to PEI ↑

NUANS needed in PEI?

Often required for named corporations. Check the Registry’s guidance for your entity type. See PEI links ↑

Newfoundland & Labrador

Where do I register in NL?

Through the provincial Registry of Companies; the Business Navigator can help. Back to NL ↑

Do I need NUANS in NL?

Common for named corporations. Confirm current requirements with the Registry. See NL links ↑

Yukon

How do I register in Yukon?

Use YCOR (Corporate Online Registry) for filings. Back to YT ↑

NUANS for Yukon corporations?

Often accepted/required for named corporations. Check YCOR instructions before ordering. See YT links ↑

Northwest Territories

Where do I register in the NWT?

Through Corporate Registries (Dept. of Justice); see Prosper NWT for startup guidance. Back to NWT ↑

Do I need NUANS in NWT?

NUANS is commonly used for named corporations. Confirm with Corporate Registries. See NWT links ↑

Nunavut

How do I register in Nunavut?

Check the NNI Business Registry and Nunavut Legal Registries for filings and name rules. Back to NU ↑

Is NUANS required in Nunavut?

NUANS is often used for named corporations. Verify the latest rules in Legal Registries. See NU links ↑

General (applies anywhere in Canada)

Can I incorporate federally and still operate in my province?

Yes. A federal corporation typically must also register “extra-provincially” in each province/territory where it carries on business. See provinces ↑

Do sole proprietors need to register?

Often yes if using a name other than your exact legal name. Check your province/territory’s rules. Back to list ↑

Where do I get permits & licences?

Use your province’s small-business portal and BizPaL (where available) to list municipal/provincial permits based on activity and location. See provinces ↑

When do I register for GST/HST?

Many small suppliers register once they exceed the federal small-supplier threshold or choose to register earlier—ask your accountant/tax advisor. Back to list ↑

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