Business Registry
Register a business name
in Canada, the easy way.
Not every business needs a corporation. Sole proprietorships, partnerships and trade names give you a legal, registered business name fast — filed directly with your provincial registry so you can open a business bank account and start operating right away.
name registration filing
starting service fee
- Filed directly with your provincial registry
- Most filings completed same-day
- Reviewed by a registered paralegal firm
Every structure, for every kind of business.
Pick the structure that fits how you operate — each one filed correctly the first time.
Sole Proprietorship
Register yourself as a sole proprietor and start operating under your own registered business name.
Trade Name or DBA
General Partnership
Register a partnership between two or more people who share ownership, profits and liability equally.
Limited Partnership
Register an LP with general partners who manage the business and limited partners who invest capital only.
Limited Liability Partnership
Register an LLP — the standard structure for licensed professionals practicing together with liability protection.
Master Business License (MBL)
Get your Master Business Licence, the core registration document most Ontario businesses need to open a bank account.
From business idea to registered name.
Pick your structure
Check name availability
We confirm your business or trade name is available in your province before filing.
File with the registry
Submitted directly to your provincial business registry, prepared correctly the first time.
Receive your documents
You get your registration confirmation and business identification number, ready to use.
One desk, every business structure.
Every non-corporate business structure, filed directly with your provincial registry.
Clear starting service fees for every structure — government fees always shown separately.
Same-day filing
Submitted the day your documents are complete.
Paralegal-reviewed
Every filing checked by our registered paralegal firm.
Not sure which fits?
We help you pick the right structure in one call.
What each registration covers.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is the simplest way to start a business in Canada — you and the business are legally the same, so setup is fast and inexpensive. It’s a common first step for freelancers, consultants and small local businesses who want a registered name without the cost of incorporating.
- Registers your business name with your provincial registry
- Fastest and lowest-cost way to start operating legally
- Note: you remain personally liable for business debts
Trade Name or DBA
A trade name — sometimes called a “doing business as” (DBA) name — lets an existing corporation, partnership or sole proprietor operate under a different public-facing name than their legal one. It’s common for businesses running multiple brands or divisions under one legal entity.
- Lets one legal entity operate under multiple brand names
- Required before opening a business bank account under that name
- Registered with your provincial or territorial registry
General Partnership
A general partnership forms when two or more people go into business together, sharing profits, decision-making and liability. Registering it formally establishes the partnership’s name and protects each partner’s interest with a clear public record.
- For two or more people running a business together
- Each partner shares equally in profits and liability
- We recommend pairing this with a written partnership agreement
Limited Partnership
A limited partnership (LP) separates the people running the business from the people financing it. General partners manage operations and carry full liability, while limited partners contribute capital and are only liable up to their investment — a common structure for real estate and investment ventures.
- Ideal when investors want limited liability, no management role
- General partners retain full control and full liability
- Filed with your provincial registry, with a declaration of limited partnership
Limited Liability Partnership
- Typically restricted to designated professions by provincial law
- Protects partners from each other’s professional liability
- We confirm your profession’s eligibility before filing
Master Business License (MBL)
- The standard proof-of-registration document in Ontario
- Needed to open a business bank account
- Valid for five years, then renewable
Business structures, explained.
What’s the difference between a sole proprietorship and incorporating?
A sole proprietorship is faster and cheaper to set up, but you remain personally liable for business debts. Incorporating creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets, but comes with more paperwork and ongoing filings.
Do I need a trade name if I already have a corporation?
Only if you want to operate publicly under a name different from your corporation’s legal name. If your business operates and advertises under its exact legal name, a separate trade name registration usually isn’t required.
What’s the difference between a general and limited partnership?
In a general partnership, all partners share management duties and unlimited liability. In a limited partnership, general partners manage the business and carry full liability, while limited partners invest capital and are only liable up to what they contributed.
Can any business form a limited liability partnership?
No — LLPs are generally restricted to licensed professionals such as lawyers, accountants and architects, and the eligible professions vary by province. We confirm your eligibility before filing.
What is a Master Business Licence used for?
In Ontario, it’s the official proof that your sole proprietorship, partnership or business name is registered. Banks and suppliers typically ask to see it before opening a business account or extending credit.
How long does business registration take?
Most sole proprietorship, partnership and trade name registrations are filed and confirmed the same day, once your name is confirmed available and your details are complete.