Business Link- An excellent resource with all the information necessary to start your own business.

Checklist:

• Develop a business plan.

• Complete your market research.

• Obtain financial commitment before proceeding with start-up costs.

• If you intend to operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, register your business name with Corporate Registry.

• If you are going to incorporate your business, contact Corporate Registry.

• Contact the Inspections and Licensing Department in your municipality for appropriate licenses and permits.

• Obtain the proper provincial and/or federal licenses. For most businesses this would mean contacting the licensing section of Alberta Government Services.

• Some businesses require special licenses or permits. Contact the appropriate authority.

• Contact Canada Customs and Revenue Agency for information on corporate income tax and the Goods and Service Tax (GST).

• Register your company with the Workers' Compensation Board

• Contact Revenue Canada Source Deductions Section to obtain an employer's account number for Unemployment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan deductions.

• If you employ five or more people, register with the Alberta Health Insurance Plan.

• Ensure that you comply with the pertinent labour regulations by contacting the Employment Standards Branch of Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry.

• Contact Advanced Education and Career Development and Human Resources and Development Canada if assistance is required to locate and/or train new employees.

• Ensure that all health regulations that relate to your business have been investigated.

• Obtain appropriate insurance, leases and other operating needs.

• Ensure that all environmental issues that affect your business have been investigated.

Registering a Business

Corporate Registry
Corporate Registry facilitates the orderly incorporation of business and non-profit organizations. Their service also includes the registration of trade names and partnerships and maintenance of a repository of incorporation on credit unions, trust companies, cooperatives associations, rural utilities and airport authorities.

Authorized service providers perform the majority of Corporate Registry services. These are private sector firms that have been authorized by the government to offer some or most Corporate Registry services. An authorized service provider can be from a registry agent office, law firm, and accounting firm or search house.
Corporate Registry's role within Alberta Registries includes:

Administering Acts & Regulations, including:

• Business Corporations Act and Regulations
• Partnership Act and Regulations
• Companies Act and Regulations (non-profit companies)
• Incorporate or register, as is applicable, Corporations, Business Names, Extra-Provincial Corporations, Societies and Non-Profit Organizations

Filing:

• annual
• returns
• amendments
• revivals
• dissolutions
• name changes
• amalgamations
• continuances

Related Documents:

 Guide for New Alberta Businesses