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Corporations Canada — Starting a Business - Canada

Corporations Canada — Starting a Business

Last Update: June 5, 2025
Canada
Incorporate your business

Corporations Canada — Starting a Business at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : November 20, 2023
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Government of Canada
Status
Open

Overview of the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Online basic incorporation costs $200 and can be completed within 1 business day.

Eligible projects & activities

  • 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

$ 90,000

Launching a mobile health clinic to serve underserved populations

$ 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

$ 45,000

Setting up a community kitchen to address food insecurity

Eligibility criteria of the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business program

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 to the Corporations Canada — Starting a Business program

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
File Your Application
  • Apply online for incorporation and choose the appropriate online service for your business type.
  • Pay the $200 online filing fee.
5
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

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