Use this site and the links provided to help you identify questions and answers about starting a small business in London, Ontario, Canada.

The London Small Business Centre (SBC) should be your first stop.  The SBC can provide you with educational programs, tools, and resources for early evaluation of your idea and to help you determine if entrepreneurship is right for you.

As well, the Federal Government has the information you need to help you ask, and answer those tough preliminary questions to help your entrepreneurial journey start on the right path.

When creating your business plan, the following links will help you access the information necessary to make an informed business decisions:

• The Small Business Centre (SBC) provides and overview of the how's and why's of Market Research and other resources to help gather market-specific information;
• The City of London's Community Building Resources webpage can provide you with information concerning the neighbourhood you wish to open your business in;
• The City of London's Municipal Property webpage provide a list of properties, both City and privately owned, for sale;
• The London Economic Development Corporation's (LEDC) "Why London" and "Resources" webpages offer an abundance of economic information.

Every business needs to have a written business plan. Whether it’s to provide direction or attract investors, a business plan is vital for the success for your organization.  

The Small Business Centre (SBC) is the go to for business planning assistance and resources, including templates and one-on-one assistance. 

TechAlliance has a Business Services Team dedicated to providing no-cost services, including business plan writing, to start-ups and entrepreneurs in the technology and innovation sector.

The federal government has provided some ideas and templates for business plan writing.

There is no end to the number of articles and posts about business plan writing, and there are even businesses you can hire to help you write it.   The articles identify benefits and best practices of business plan writing, but there is no substitute for the one-on-one assistance some the local resource providers can give you. 

Keep in mind - the act of writing out your business plan is the best way for you to learn all of the details that go in to the operation of a successful business.  So don't rush or skip this key step in the process!

When you decide to start your own business, you need to determine what type of business structure best suits your needs. There are four main types of business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and co-operative.  Different situations require different types of ownership, so again it is important to do your research.  Ownership structures can also be changed, so weigh the strengths, weaknesses, and costs of the various legal/ownership structures before choosing. 

The Small Business Centre can help you determine what structure is right for you. 

The Service Ontario Business Information Guide webpage is a great resource to better understand the different types of ownership.

Business names are registered online, or in person, through Service Ontario.  Once you register your business name you will be given a Master Business Licence (MBL). Use the MBL as proof of your Provincial Name Registration.   

The cost is $80 for a new registration or renewal.

When you register a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or a business name for an existing corporation, your Master Business Licence will be mailed to you within 20 business days.  If you provide an email, ServiceOntario will email you a copy of your Master Business Licence, and mail a copy as well.

If you register as a corporation, your "Articles of Incorporation" are used as your Master Business Licence.  A corporation may carry out business under any name it chooses, but the name must be registered.

Don't Forget: Search your (desired) business name on the internet to see if there are existing websites or social media accounts with the same name(s).  If the domain for the website and/or social media handles (user name[s]) you want are available, try to secure them as quickly as possible!

The Federal Government has a list of business grants and financing available for starting and growing your business.

Futurepreneur is a federal program aimed at entrepreneurs aged 18-39.

The Business Development Bank of Canada is owned by the federal government and it supports small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and at every stage of growth with money and advice. 

Ontario Business Grants provides a comprehensive list of 2020 Ontario Start-Up Grants.  See if you, or your business, are eligible for any Provincial assistance or funding.  The Government of Canada also provides a Business Benefits Finder to assist small businesses.

The City of London has a number of financial incentive programs available to building owners, for specific upgrades, in specific areas of the City.  See if you are eligible for City of London interest-free loans or grants.

The incentive programs are often delivered through local Business Improvement Areas (BIA).  You should contact the BIAs directly if you are seeking information about incentives, where BIA staff can help you understand how  the programs benefit your building.

A lot goes in to selecting the location for your business.  Demographics, access to markets, a skilled workforce, transportation logistics, and many other factors will help you determine your business address. 

Do not forget the Zoning By-law is an important factor in this decision-making process.  The by-law regulates the use of all land in London and greatly influences where specific businesses are permitted to operate.

Before you purchase land, sign a lease, or even contact a Real Estate Agent, contact the Business Hub to explain what you're planning on doing.  City staff will help you 'define' your business with regard to the Zoning By-law. This will help you be more confident in your search for a location, and save you a lot of headaches and money if it is done far enough in advance. 

Do not rely solely on a friend, the landlord, other businesses, or a real estate agent for this information.  Go right to the source: A City of London Business & Zoning Coordinator!  

The City of London Zoning City Map can also be utilized to determine if a site is suitable for your business. But do not hesitate to contact the Business Hub for more information.

If you're thinking to run a business from your home, there are some regulations you need to be aware of.  

Section 4.10 of the Zoning By-law sets out the regulations regarding "home occupations".

Refer to this site to find out about what types of businesses are permitted in the home and the regulations that govern them. 

If you cannot find your answer online, please contact the Business Hub.

Different types of insurances are required for different industries and types of business.  For example, employment insurance, worker's compensation, general liability insurance, etc.

The City of London may require proof of insurance for certain permits and licenses.  Contact the Business Hub to discuss the type of insurance(s) necessary to get a municipal business licence.

The Small Business Centre (SBC) can help identify industry-specific insurance, if there are specific needs for the kind of work you are doing.

The Federal and Provincial Government have a number of rules in place to ensure public safety around food production and sales.  The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) enforces food safety regulations locally.

In order to get a business licence to sell food, you'll need to be inspected by the MLHU and have a valid food handler's certificate.

In Ontario, if you plan to serve alcohol at your place of business, you need to make an application for a liquor licence.  Register for an account through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to begin the application process.

Information about the City's role in the licensing and inspection process can be found here.

The International Trade and Investment Canada website covers the basics of importing and exporting to and from Canada.

Exporting:

For more information about exporting goods from Canada, visit:

Ontario Exports (Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation)

Magnet Export Business Portal: A partnership between the Federal and Provincial Government, and the BDC

Importing:

Canada Boarder Services is the best place to get basic information about bringing supplies and equipment into the Country, Province, and City.

Does your business idea involve the sale of tobacco, cannabis, or vapour products?

The Middlesex London Health Unit provides the necessary information governing the sale and use of these products.

If you are planning on selling any of these items, you will also need a municipal business licence, issued by the City of London.

For information regarding the sale of Cannabis products, contact the Business Hub.

There are several heritage conservation districts across the City of London and many more individually designated properties.

In order to erect a building or a sign, or to undertake alterations to designated buildings or buildings/lands within heritage districts, you'll need to coordinate your plans with a heritage planner and, in most cases, get a Heritage Alteration Permit (HAP). 

A City of London heritage planner will provide some input about the district, designated building, or the HAP process before you sign your lease, buy a property, or order your sign.

Plan ahead to understand your obligations when it comes to employees, wages, a safe workplace, etc.  The Canada Business Network website is a great place to learn more.

London has several Business Improvement Areas (BIA's).  A BIA is a specific geographic area where a levy is collected from commercial and industrial properties within the boundary.  The money is used for local marketing, beautification, and other improvements determined by the fee-paying members.

To find out more about the benefits of being within a specific BIA, contact the individual BIAs. 

To find out more about BIAs in General, contact City Planning: planning@london.ca

To find out if a specific address is within an official BIA, contact the Business Hub.

Note: In some areas Business Associations have formed that are not within designated Business Improvement Areas.  While the City tries to keep track of these, it is important to ask area business owners if there is a local Business Association, as sometimes the groups are informal.

Information regarding Federal Business Number Registration (for taxation purposes) is available online through the Canada Revenue Agency.

The Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Business Registration Online (BRO) is a one-stop, online, self-serve application that allows you to register for a Business Number (BN), as well as four program accounts: Corporation income tax, GST/HST, and payroll.

Note: This is not part of the Master Business Licence, Provincial Business Number, nor the Municipal Licensing process.

The Zoning By-law is an important factor in determining where a business can operate in the City of London.  Before you purchase land or a building, or sign a lease, make sure you check (again, if necessary) to ensure that the business you wish to operate is permitted to operate at the address in question.

The easiest ways to do this is to utilize the City of London Zoning City Map or speak directly with a Zoning and Business Coordinator at the City of London Business Hub; either in person or by phone.

The reason it is important to check the zoning before committing to a property is to ensure your business model continues to comply with the zoning regulations.  Small changes in certain aspects of your business - for example the square footage of your retail space, the extension of a food preparation area, or if you've decided to store and assemble your products on, or off, site - can impact zoning regulations and therefore potentially restrict your operation from certain locations.

Remember: Real estate agents or landlords may tell you that a property permits your business, but the only way to be sure is by confirming the zoning with the City of London.

The City of London requires municipal licences for a number of different businesses. A municipal business licence is separate from a Master Business Licence; issued by the Province.

Business Licences typically involve inspections from four different sources: The Fire Department, The Middlesex London Health Unit, and the City of London's Property Standards and Waste Water divisions.

For more detailed information about getting a municipal licence, contact the Business Hub.

If you need to do renovations to your premises it is likely you'll require a Building Permit, issued by the City of London.  Even changing from one use to another requires a Building Permit, according to the Ontario Building Code. 

Building plans for commercial, industrial, and institutional construction typically need to be designed - and stamped - by a recognized professional: an Architect or Engineer.

A City of London Commercial Plans Examiner can help you understand your needs with regard to whether or not a permit is required, and give some indication of what will need to be shown on the plans, including professional stamps, etc.  You can contact the Business Hub to arrange a meeting with the Commercial Plans Examiner to discuss your project requirements, once you have a location in mind.

If you wish to put up any signs which draw attention to products and/or services available at your business, you will require a sign permit.

Sign permit applications should be made early, as it can be a time consuming and detailed process to get a sign permit.

Review the below links or contact the Business Hub for more information. 

• Sign Permit Process
• Sign By-law 2017

Note: Some sign companies will apply for and obtain the sign permits on your behalf.  Check with your sign company to see if that is a service that they offer, as it can save time if they are familiar with the process in London.

Typically, outdoor eating and drinking areas (patios, terraces, decks, etc.) are associated with restaurants or other food premises.  Section 4.18 of the Zoning By-law sets out the regulations that govern "Outdoor Patios in Association with a Restaurant". 

Questions regarding patio location, and whether a patio is permitted, should be directed to the Business Hub at the City of London.

For liquor licensing, or use of City property see some of the other Patio items in the  "Launch" section.

When a patio is on public property, in the City of London, it is called a Boulevard Cafe or Sidewalk Patio.  In order to permit a Patio on public property, an application has to be made to Realty Services.

Once the application has been made, and the location approved, an agreement will be entered into between the landlord and the City of London for use of City land.

You can download a copy of the Sidewalk Patio Standards and Application Process document to help you with design guidelines and other questions you may have.  

Note: If you are constructing a new patio on Dundas Place (Dundas Street between Ridout and Wellington Streets) there are different design standards that apply.  Contact the Business Hub for more information about Dundas Place operations.

Serving Alcohol on a Patio

In order to extend your existing licensed area to include a patio, you'll need to contact the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).  The AGCO website is the place to start the process of licensing your patio.

In order to extend your existing licensed area to include a boulevard cafe (patio on City property), start by reviewing the Joint Liquor Licence Inspections web page.  You'll need to contact the City of London and the AGCO to license/extend the licence to the new outdoor area(s).

Note: You can apply for the liquor license at the same time you apply for the business licence and include the outdoor/patio/boulevard cafe area on the application.

Amplified Music/Sound on an Outdoor Patio

If you are interested in having amplified music on your outdoor patio or boulevard cafe, you'll need to receive a Temporary Sound Permit.  To start this process, fill out the Amplified Music on Patio Application Form. 

Once this has been submitted, City of London Licensing Enforcement staff will contact you to help establish operational thresholds and provide you with additional information regarding the amplification of sound on a patio.

Hiring the right professional to help you manage your workload - allowing you to focus on your business - can often save you time and money. 

When you have questions regarding taxes or other financial considerations (such as paying taxes or employees), consider hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to manage your financial obligations.

These professionals can not only ensure you're up-to-date with your tax materials, but can help to forecast revenue, make important investment decisions, and create visuals for presentations to banks and potential investors.

Finally! You've done your research, written your business plan, checked the zoning, and now you're ready to sign the lease.  

If you require a City of London Business Licence you will need to have your lease agreement with you, and submit a copy with your application material, in order to schedule your business licence inspections.

Note: If you are the building owner you will need to provide proof of ownership rather than a lease agreement.

Thinking of moving, purchasing land to facilitate an expansion, or building an addition on to your existing business?

Check the zoning of the new location, or of your existing location, to ensure the use you want is permitted, and that the zone regulations permit the expansion.  Note that the expansion of an existing building, or the construction of a new building, will likely trigger the need for Site Plan Approval. 

The type of business you operate and the form of ownership you choose determines what taxes you must pay, and how you must pay them.

The Canada Revenue Agency regulates all forms of taxation of businesses, aside from Property Taxes.

Property Taxes (and BIA fees, if applicable) are payable to the City of London.

Ensure your taxes are up to date, in order to keep the business going!

Innovation Canada, through the Federal Government, has developed a tool to help you find Programs and Services  to help you grow your business.

Marketing is everything an organization does to build a relationship between the company and the customer. It is the process by which a product or service is introduced and promoted to potential customers and sustaining relationships over time. 

Marketing Plan and Content Strategy

Developing a marketing plan and content strategy will help you figure out what message you want to send to potential customers, how to get the word out about your business, and often includes a call to action - like buying a product or service. 
 

The City of London spends over $450 million annually on goods, services, and construction.  The City has information available online about Bidding Opportunities and our online tool.

Contact the Purchasing Department for more information about selling to the City.

Networking is all about getting to know people, making connections, and developing relationships. Showing up to events and becoming an active part of the local community helps to spread the word about who you are and what your business can offer.

Going to local meet-ups gives you an opportunity to interact with professionals and enthusiasts in your industry face-to-face.

Here are a few examples of organizations and events that can help you, and your business, get out there:

• London Chamber of Commerce events calendar
• Small Business Centre (check the events calendar)
• Innovation Works (check "news and events" in the menu)
• London Economic Development Corporation Events
• TechAlliance Events Calendar

Use your favourite search engine to discover all the opportunities that exist to grow your business through networking!

Do you need to hire more people to get the job done? The first place to check is with Canada Business Ontario to review Employment Regulations.  As well, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) can help you determine if you need to register your employees with their services.

Canada Business Ontario

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

If you're hiring your first employee(s), see "Hiring and Managing Employees" under the "Plan" tab of this site for other links to information about what's expected in the workplace, etc.