How To Start A Painting Business In Ontario

How to Start a Painting Business In Ontario

Here are some steps you may need to take in order to start a painting business in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Getting started- Canada provides a few helpful websites for getting your painting business started: http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/index.cfm/starting/getting-started/starting-a-business/ and http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2749/

1. Choose and register your painting business name.

Find out more about choosing and registering your painting business name at these two links: http://corporations.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cd-dgc.nsf/eng/cs01191.html and http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/index.cfm/starting/getting-started/starting-a-business/#NameRegistration

If you need help selecting a name for your painting business:  Choosing a Painting Business Name

2. Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/index.cfm/starting/getting-started/starting-a-business/#Structure

3.  Register your painting business.

You can register your new painting business here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/bn-ne/bro-ide/menu-eng.html

4. Open a Business Account with your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your painting business with your new business name.

5. Taxes.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/index.cfm/managing/taxes/taxation-guide/

6.  Get Liability Insurance.

Find an insurance agent that offers liability insurance.  You may want to shop around, as prices and options can vary.

7.  Register as a Contractor.

Check with your local government agency to see if you need to register as a painting contractor.

8. Worker’s Compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.

9. Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. City License.

You may be required to obtain a license operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

11. Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of painting jobs.

12. Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

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