Starting a business in Ottawa can be challenging, but there are resources available to help you succeed. The type of business you start will affect how you proceed with starting a business, but all businesses need to have the appropriate permits, licenses and registration. Ottawa has an online service called BizPal that will help you figure out where to start and what you need to get your business off the ground.
Instructions
- 1
Log on to the City of Ottawa's website and find the BizPal application. Click "Launch BizPal." BizPal is designed to help you register your business and get the appropriate licenses.
2Click "Where will you operate your business" and fill in the required information. A screen will pop up asking you what type of business you will be operating. You can either search for keywords or browse the database. Most business types are listed here, but if yours isn't, you will have to contact the City of Ottawa for more information. Select your business and verify that the description of the business matches the type of business you are starting.
3Fill in the questionnaire about your business. It may ask if you will be putting up signs, doing any construction or serving alcohol. Fill this in as accurately as possible to know what further steps need to be taken. Continue to fill out any information BizPal needs from you. This will help the program determine what kinds of licenses or permits you need.
4Print the results that BizPal gives you. You will now have a list of the permits, licenses and registration information that you need to start your business. BizPal also gives you websites and contact information so you can get this done as efficiently as possible.
5Prepare your business in any other way necessary. This will vary from business type to business type. You may need to hire staff, buy supplies, start advertising or rent a building or office. Once the legal aspects are fulfilled, you should be able to start your business as soon as you are ready.
