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Corporations Canada — Starting a Business

Q: Who is eligible for the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business program?

To be eligible for the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business program, you must: The business must be federally incorporable under the Canada Business Corporations Act, Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, or Canada Cooperatives Act. The applicant must complete the necessary steps for incorporation, including naming the corporation and filing required documents online.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business?

You can contact Government of Canada (GC).

Q: Where is the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business available?

The Corporations Canada — Starting a Business program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Corporations Canada — Starting a Business is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business?

Corporations Canada — Starting a Business is funded by Government of Canada (GC)

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Canada

Incorporate your business

Expert Advice

Overview

If you are starting a business, learn about the benefits related to incorporation, the steps to federally incorporate your business and how to name your business.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Reduce the ecological footprint

Selling in a new market

Marketing a product

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : November 20, 2023

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business
Non-financial cooperative

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Startups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Economic, Social and Community Development
Business Associations
Not Elsewhere Classified

Target groups

Business owners / entrepreneurs
Nonprofits / charities

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

National

Activities funded

Federal incorporation of a new business entity under the Canada Business Corporations Act.
Establishment of a not-for-profit corporation at the federal level.
Creation of a federally incorporated cooperative.
Formation of a federal board of trade.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Opening a women’s shelter to provide safe housing and support services

$ 110,000

Creating a tech incubator for youth to foster entrepreneurship

$ 60,000

Developing an eco-friendly clothing line

$ 75,000

Establishing a green roofing business to promote environmental sustainability

$ 90,000

Launching a mobile health clinic to serve underserved populations

$ 45,000

Setting up a community kitchen to address food insecurity

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Here is a summary and the criteria:

Submission of complete and accurate information
Compliance with legal requirements
Payment of applicable fees
Meeting all relevant eligibility criteria

How to apply

Choose a Business Structure

Decide on the type of business entity you want to incorporate, such as a regular corporation, cooperative, or not-for-profit organization.

Name Your Corporation

Consult the guide on naming federal corporations to ensure compliance with naming rules.
Ensure the business name is unique and suitable for the type of business.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Complete the required forms, which may include articles of incorporation and other relevant documents.
Gather any additional information required to complete your application.

File Your Application

Apply online for incorporation and choose the appropriate online service for your business type.
Pay the $200 online filing fee.

Receive Confirmation

Receive confirmation of your filed application, typically within 1 business day for online applications.
Once approved, obtain your certificate of incorporation.

Additional information

Online basic incorporation is available for $200 and can be completed within one business day.
Guides are provided for naming corporations and understanding requirements under federal acts.
Applicants can order corporate documents or certificates of compliance/existence once incorporated.
Attention is given to integrity and reliability of public corporate information.

Documents and links

Corporations Canada — Starting a Business

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.