Ontario Business Registry
ON, Canada
Ontario's online business registry
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Other Support
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- grant_single|allIndustries
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- Government of Ontario
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grant_card_status|open
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Get access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to over 90 Ontario government services and complete electronic transactions immediately.
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grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$425
Toronto
Registering and incorporating a new non-profit focused on environmental sustainability in Toronto.
$550
Ottawa
Incorporating a new tech startup specializing in AI-driven solutions in Ottawa.
$125
Hamilton
Updating company information and filing annual returns for a financial cooperative in Hamilton.
$350
Kingston
Registering a sole proprietorship for a freelance graphic designer in Kingston.
$625
Mississauga
Incorporating a social economy enterprise to provide affordable housing in Mississauga.
$675
London
Registering and incorporating a new limited partnership for a real estate development in London.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Based on the Ontario Business Registry grant information, the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Entities registered, incorporated, or licensed to carry on business in Ontario
- Businesses and not-for-profit corporations looking to complete transactions online
- Companies needing to register a new business or dissolve an existing one
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are eligible types of companies for this grant. The following types are eligible:
- Business Corporations
- Co-operative Corporations
- Not-for-Profit Corporations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Registration fees for incorporating or registering a business
- Updating company information on the public record
- Filing annual returns directly in the Ontario Business Registry
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Ontario
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There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Completeness of application
- Demonstrated need for funding
- Alignment with grant objectives
- Feasibility of the project
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Get your company key
- A company key will be emailed to the official email address on file.
- If an email address is not on file, the company key will be mailed to the registered or head office address or principal place of business address on record.
- If the business address has changed, additional questions may be required to have a company key emailed.
- Step 2: Log in to My Ontario Account
- Sign in with your My Ontario Account and create a ServiceOntario Account.
- If accessing through ONe-Key, migrate to a My Ontario Account.
- With a My Ontario Account, access to the existing ServiceOntario Account to access the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) is enabled.
- Step 3: Create your ServiceOntario Account
- After signing up for the My Ontario Account, create your ServiceOntario Account.
- Link your business to your ServiceOntario Account using your company key.
- Once completed, your business will be listed on your ServiceOntario Account for OBR access.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The Government of Ontario is replacing ONe-Key with My Ontario Account for accessing secure government services. This new service offers enhanced security and a better user experience.
- ONe-Key is no longer available. If you used ONe-Key for your ServiceOntario Account, migrate to My Ontario Account by selecting "yes" when prompted.
- If you didn't have a ONe-Key account, create a new My Ontario Account to access ServiceOntario services.
Apply to this program
Ontario Business Registry (OBR) Grant
The Ontario Business Registry (OBR) Grant provides a streamlined online platform for businesses and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario to handle registrations, incorporations, and updates. It offers over 90 online transactions, ensuring accessible and efficient business management.
Understanding the Ontario Business Registry Grant
The Ontario Business Registry (OBR) Grant marks a significant transformation in how businesses and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario handle their administrative transactions. Launched on October 19, 2021, the OBR offers a comprehensive online platform that allows entities to register, incorporate, and continuously update their information with unparalleled convenience. This grant not only facilitates easier access but also ensures smoother compliance with the province’s regulatory requirements.
The OBR aims to replace the previously cumbersome, paper-based processes with digital solutions that save time and reduce errors. By migrating information from the previous system, it ensures that even businesses registered before its launch can seamlessly transition to the new system.
Setting Up Your Ontario Business Registry Profile
The first step towards leveraging the OBR Grant is setting up your business profile on the registry. This process involves several steps but ultimately grants businesses complete control over their online filings:
- Existing Registered Entity: Your business must already be registered. If not, you can follow a step-by-step guide available on the OBR platform to decide on the appropriate ownership structure and complete the registration online.
- Company Key: A unique 9-digit code is required to link your business to your ServiceOntario Account. This key is crucial for maintaining the integrity and privacy of your business information.
- My Ontario Account: This secure login allows access to various Government of Ontario services, including the OBR.
- ServiceOntario Account: This account is essential for accessing ServiceOntario’s applications, including the Ontario Business Registry.
Once these setup steps are complete, businesses can file transactions, ensuring everything from annual returns to business name renewals can be handled efficiently.
Search the Registry and Order Search Products
The Ontario Business Registry offers a robust search function that is beneficial for various stakeholders, including business owners and researchers. Basic information about any registered business or not-for-profit organization can be accessed for free. However, for more detailed information, the OBR allows users to order various search products directly from the ministry or through authorized service providers. The types of search products available include:
- Profile Report: Costs $8 and provides detailed information about a business entity.
- Document Copies: Available for $3 per copy, these can include filed articles or other registration documents.
- Certificate of Status: Priced at $26, this certificate confirms a business's current standing under the law.
For businesses with existing ServiceOntario Accounts, requesting these search products can be done easily through the My Ontario portal, enhancing the user experience with simple, step-by-step guidance.
File Transactions in the Ontario Business Registry
One of the main advantages of the OBR is the ability to file critical transactions online efficiently. This process ensures that business operators can manage their operations without the need to mail in forms or physically visit ServiceOntario centers. Common transactions include:
- Renewing Business Name Registration: Ensures that your business name remains legally registered under Ontario law.
- Filing Annual Returns: Corporations must file annual returns to maintain good standing, and the OBR simplifies this process with easy-to-follow online steps.
- Updating Company Information: All updates to company details such as office addresses, director names, and other pertinent information can be managed through the OBR.
- Canceling or Dissolving an Entity: Businesses can also easily file for cancellation or dissolution, whether they are sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations.
Notices of Filing Requirements
The OBR provides comprehensive guides and notices that help businesses and not-for-profit organizations understand their filing requirements. These notices assist with various activities, such as incorporating a business, registering business names, filing articles of amendment, amalgamation, or dissolution, and more. Some key notices include:
- Business Corporations Act (BCA): Guidance for incorporating a business corporation, filing articles of amendment, dissolution, or amalgamation.
- Corporations Information Act (CIA): Instructions for filing initial returns and notices of change for both Ontario and extra-provincial corporations, as well as annual returns.
- Business Names Act (BNA): Steps for registering a business name in Ontario.
- Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (NFPCA or ONCA): Information on incorporating not-for-profit corporations and the necessary filings for amendments and dissolutions.
These notices ensure that businesses can remain compliant with Ontario’s legislative requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and ensuring seamless operation.
Helpful Resources and Support
Beyond the digital platform, the Ontario Business Registry Grant supports businesses through various additional resources:
- Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs): With 52 centers located across Ontario, SBECs provide free guidance, tools, and information to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
- Intermediary Services: Businesses can hire intermediaries such as legal professionals, accountants, or service delivery partners to manage their OBR transactions. This is particularly useful for those seeking expert assistance.
Intermediaries can utilize the OBR Partner Portal, which allows them to file transactions on behalf of multiple business clients. This portal is designed to streamline operations for intermediaries, making it easier to manage several clients from a single platform.
Feedback and Contact Information
The Ontario Business Registry team encourages users to provide feedback to improve services continually. A quick 2-minute survey is available for users to share their experiences, ensuring the OBR evolves to meet user needs effectively.
For any inquiries or additional support, the ServiceOntario team is available via email or phone, with customer service available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact details include:
- Phone: 416-314-8880 or toll-free at 1-800-361-3223
- TTY: 416-325-3408 or toll-free at 1-800-268-7095
Conclusion
The Ontario Business Registry Grant is a transformative initiative that simplifies the administrative processes for businesses and not-for-profit organizations in Ontario. By transitioning to a fully digital platform, the OBR ensures that entities can manage their operations efficiently, comply with regulatory requirements, and focus on growth and development. With comprehensive resources, guided support, and the ability to hire intermediaries, the OBR is poised to become an indispensable tool for Ontario's economic ecosystem.