
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.
Apply to this program

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