How to Register a Business in Manitoba: The Essentials

Starting a business in Manitoba can be an exciting venture, with opportunities in various sectors. In 2022, the province’s business count with employees was 43,070, with 97.9% classifying as a small business, highlighting the region’s growing entrepreneurial environment. Whether you’re launching a small consultancy, a retail shop, or a tech startup, registering your business correctly is crucial for ensuring legal compliance and setting a strong foundation for growth.

In Manitoba, the process of registering a business can seem complex, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. From selecting your business structure to understanding legal requirements and filing the necessary paperwork, there are several key components that will help you navigate this journey. This article will guide you through the essential steps involved in registering a business in Manitoba, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle the process with ease.

1. Choose Your Business Structure

One of the first and most crucial decisions you’ll make when starting a business in Manitoba is selecting the right legal structure. The type of structure you choose will affect everything from your tax obligations to your personal liability. The most common structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation, each with its own set of characteristics.

  • Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest and most common structure for small businesses. It means you own and run the business on your own, and you’re personally liable for any debts or legal issues that arise. This structure is easy to set up and has minimal paperwork, but it comes with the risk of personal liability.
  • Partnership: A partnership involves two or more people who share the responsibilities, profits, and liabilities of the business. This option is ideal if you’re starting a business with one or more partners and want to divide the duties and profits. However, like a sole proprietorship, partners share personal liability.
  • Corporation: Incorporating your business offers a layer of protection by separating your personal assets from the company’s liabilities. This structure is ideal for larger businesses, or those looking to raise capital, but it involves more paperwork and higher costs. It also offers potential tax advantages and is often seen as a more professional structure for those planning long-term business growth.

2. Register Your Business Name

Once you’ve selected a business structure, the next step is to choose and register your business name. Your business name must be unique and not resemble an existing registered name in Manitoba. The Manitoba Companies Office offers an online name search tool to help you verify if your chosen name is available. After selecting a name, you’ll need to file a registration with the Manitoba Companies Office.

  • Business Name Registration: If you’re registering a sole proprietorship or partnership, you can register your business name online by completing the appropriate forms. You will need to provide details such as the name of the business, the owner’s information, and the business address.
  • Corporation Name Registration: If you decide to incorporate, you’ll need to file the necessary documents with the Manitoba Companies Office, including your articles of incorporation. The incorporation process is more formal and may require legal assistance to ensure the documents are accurate and complete.

3. Obtain a Business Number and Register for Taxes

After registering your business name, the next step is obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The BN is essential for all tax-related matters, such as collecting and remitting GST/HST, filing corporate taxes, and handling employee payroll.

If your business will be collecting Goods and Services Tax (GST) on taxable sales or services, you’ll need to register for a GST account with the CRA. Additionally, depending on the size of your business and its operations, you may need to register for other accounts, such as payroll or import/export accounts.

  • GST Registration: If your business’s revenue exceeds $30,000 annually, or you plan to charge GST on your services, you are required to register for a GST account. The registration process can be done through the CRA’s online portal.
  • Payroll Account: If you have employees, you must also set up a payroll account with the CRA to ensure proper deductions and remittances for taxes, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.

4. Apply for Licenses and Permits

Depending on the nature of your business and where you operate, you may be required to obtain specific licenses and permits. While not all businesses in Manitoba need licenses, some industries have strict regulations that require additional certifications or permits.

Start by checking with your local municipality to ensure you have the proper permissions to operate within city or zoning regulations. You can also look into industry-specific permits that may apply to your field, such as health and safety certifications or environmental permits.

  • Municipal Permits: Some businesses may require municipal permits, especially if you plan to operate a storefront or handle food, alcohol, or hazardous materials.
  • Industry-Specific Certifications: Certain industries, like health or construction, may require additional licenses or certifications. Be sure to research your specific business sector for any applicable requirements.

5. Secure Insurance Coverage

Once your business is officially registered, you should also consider securing insurance to protect your business from potential risks. Insurance helps mitigate risks associated with accidents, damages, or lawsuits that could otherwise harm your business’s financial stability.

  • General Liability Insurance: This insurance covers your business in case of property damage or personal injury claims arising from your operations.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: For businesses providing professional services, such as consulting or accounting, this type of insurance protects against claims of negligence or errors in services rendered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the process, requirements, costs, and timelines.

Yes, you can register a business from home in Manitoba. You’ll need to complete the necessary forms and submit them online or by mail to the Companies Office. Make sure your home address meets zoning requirements for your business type.

The cost to register a business name in Manitoba is $60. This fee covers the Registration of a Business Name and Filing Request. Additional fees may apply for other services or business structures.

The registration process typically takes 1-2 weeks. After submitting your name reservation, you have 90 days to file the Business Registration forms. Processing times may vary depending on the submission method and completeness of your application.

To register a business name, first reserve your chosen name with the Companies Office. Once approved, you have 90 days to submit the Business Registration forms. Include the required information and pay the filing fee.

Resources for Registering a Business in Manitoba

Government Resources

Industry Resources

Other Resources

Maurice

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.

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